{"id":12543,"date":"2021-11-08T15:20:01","date_gmt":"2021-11-08T20:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences-new\/?p=12543"},"modified":"2025-02-10T10:16:29","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T15:16:29","slug":"crop-and-soil-sciences-demand-soars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/crop-and-soil-sciences\/news\/crop-and-soil-sciences-demand-soars\/","title":{"rendered":"Crop and Soil Sciences\u2019 Demand Soars"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite global disruption, changing social patterns, and buzzworthy trends, the fact remains that everyone still eats, dresses, and breathes. Accordingly, agriculture shines as one of our country\u2019s ongoing essential workforces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NC State\u2019s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences proudly prepares students for these in-demand positions and announces historic high enrollment in the fall of 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agreement on the Opportunity<\/span><\/h2>\n

The U.S. <\/span>Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/span><\/a> projects strong demand for agricultural job titles, 2.6-9% faster than average. Similarly, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)\u2019s 2020-2025 <\/span>Employment Opportunities for College Graduates <\/span><\/a>projects continued industry demand, especially in agricultural science and engineering fields.<\/span><\/p>\n

NC State\u2019s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences has experienced a steady trajectory of growth increasing 44% in the last five years, with fall 2021 enrollment at a record level, even climbing 11% since the global pandemic began.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our modern agricultural science programs are poised to educate, train, and connect a whole new generation of agricultural and environmental professionals who will be doing just about everything in this industry — except business as usual.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"students
Students compete in the recent Ag Tech Hackathon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chart-Topping Degrees<\/span><\/h2>\n

Our department offers three unique undergraduate degrees with a myriad of customization options to follow student interest and to hone their specialty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Our degree options prepare students for three of the Future Farmers of America (FFA)\u2019s <\/span>Top 5 Agriculture Careers for 2020<\/span><\/a> and six of NIFA\u2019s projected ag growth sectors.<\/span><\/p>\n

FFA\u2019s Top 5 Agriculture Careers for 2020<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Drone technician (also crop scout, aerial applicator)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Hydrologist<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Agriculture communications<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Food science<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Precision agriculture technician<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    NIFA\u2019s Agricultural Job Growth Markets<\/span><\/h3>\n