Also called: Animal Science Professor, Agronomy Professor, Ag Professor
Teaches and researches crops, soils, livestock, food systems, and farm technology at a university, often a land-grant college.
An ag professor might teach a class on soil health, then drive to the university research farm to check test plots of drought-tolerant wheat. Many also work with extension agents to share findings with local farmers.
May 2025 BLS figures.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. Ph.D. in the field for tenure-track jobs; a master's can be enough at community colleges.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Agricultural Science, Animal Science, Agronomy, Food Science.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). BLS projects about-average growth (2024-34).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI and farm robots change the research; field plots, teaching and work with farmers stay human.
Classes: Agriscience CTE, AP Biology, AP Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 25-1041.
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