Agricultural Communications, B.S.

Program Overview

Texas Tech University's Agricultural Communications program combines agricultural expertise with mass communication skills, preparing students to effectively communicate the complexities of the agricultural industry to diverse audiences. Through a blend of core communication courses and technical agricultural electives, students gain a deep understanding of both fields and develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Hands-on internships provide practical experience, equipping graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in agricultural communication.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Texas Tech University's Agricultural Communications program offers a unique blend of mass communication and agricultural expertise. It equips students with specialized skills in both fields, empowering them to effectively communicate the intricacies of the agricultural industry to a variety of audiences.

Program Objectives:

• Develop expertise in written and multimedia communication methods tailored to diverse agricultural audiences.
• Foster a thorough understanding of the agricultural industry, its various sectors, and current trends.
• Equip students with the ability to analyze and interpret complex agricultural-related information.
• Prepare graduates for diverse career opportunities in various agricultural communication fields.

Program Description:

The program integrates a solid foundation in agricultural sciences with specialized communication courses, enabling students to excel in both areas. Students complete core courses in journalism, public speaking, public relations, photography, advertising, and electronic media while simultaneously selecting technical agricultural courses that align with their interests and career aspirations. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships with diverse professional entities, including national publications, TV stations, commodity groups, and major agricultural events. This practical experience prepares graduates for a seamless transition into the professional world.

Outline:

First Year:

• Fall: Introduction to Agricultural Communications, Introduction to Agricultural Education, Life and Physical Sciences, Essentials of College Rhetoric, College Algebra.
• Spring: Life & Physical Sciences, Advanced College Rhetoric, History of the United States to 1877, Basic Agricultural Elective, Statistical Methods.

Second Year:

• Fall: Fundamentals of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Basic Agricultural Elective, Scientific Communications in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Professional Development in Agricultural Communications, History of the United States since 1877.
• Spring: Digital Imaging in Agriculture, Digital Communications in Agriculture, News Writing, Language, Philosophy, & Culture, American Government.

Third Year:

• Fall: Texas Politics and Topics, Public Speaking, Communications Elective, Creative Arts, Communicating Agriculture to the Public.
• Spring: Advanced Agricultural Elective, Basic Agricultural Elective, Communications Elective, Video Production in Agriculture.

Fourth Year:

• Fall: Internship in Agricultural Communications (minimum of 3 hours required), Advanced Agricultural Elective, Layout and Design in Agricultural Sciences, Web Design in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
• Spring: Development of Agricultural Publications, Agricultural Communication Campaigns, Convergence in Agricultural Media, Advanced Design Principles for Agricultural Media.

Assessment:

Assessment methods may include examinations, quizzes, assignments, presentations, research projects, and participation in class discussions. Specific assessment criteria vary depending on the individual course and instructor.

Teaching:

The program utilizes various teaching methodologies, including lectures, discussions, hands-on exercises, case studies, guest speaker presentations, and field trips. The faculty comprises experienced professors with expertise in both agricultural sciences and communication fields.

Careers:

Graduates of the Agricultural Communications program pursue diverse career paths in the following areas:

• Communications Specialist
• Photographer
• Lobbyist
• Editor
• Reporter
• Public Relations Specialist
• Event Planner
• Videographer
• Graphic Designer
• Writer
• Marketing Specialist
• Social Media Manager
• Content Creator
Graduates with an interest in further education can pursue advanced degrees in Law or Business.

Other:

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and pass specific English courses with a grade of C or better before enrolling in certain courses.

• A complete list of Life & Physical Sciences, Basic Agricultural Electives, and Advanced Agricultural Elective courses is available within the provided context.