A degree in Soil and Crop Science, from Northeastern, teaches students the necessary aspects of providing the world with sustainable food, feed, fiber, and fuel in a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment through discovery, education, and application which includes precision agriculture and the use of drones.
The Soil & Crop Sciences degree teaches the wise use, management, and stewardship of soil, plant, and water resources by preparing students for careers in soil, plant, and environmentally related disciplines; discovering new scientific knowledge and developing associated technologies to sustain environmentally sound and economically profitable production systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 4,900 openings for agricultural and food science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Agricultural science technicians will be needed to assist agricultural and food scientists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 4,100 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow as research into agricultural production methods and techniques continues. Challenges such as population growth, increased demand for water resources, combating pests and pathogens, changes in climate and weather patterns, and additional demand for agriculture products, such as biofuels, will continue to create demand for research in agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
Animal scientists will be needed to investigate and improve the diets, living conditions, and even genetic makeup of livestock. Food scientists and technologists will work to improve food-processing techniques, ensuring that products are safe, waste is limited, and food is shipped efficiently and safely. Soil and plant scientists will continue to try to understand and map soil composition. They will investigate ways to improve soils, to find uses for byproducts, and selectively breed crops to resist pests and disease, or improve taste.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for agricultural technicians was $40,430 in May 2021. The median annual wage for food science technicians was $46,590 in May 2021.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $74,160 in May 2021.
Agriculture Program Student Learning Outcomes:
