International Agriculture.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why International Agriculture. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 48.2%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete International Agriculture. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $35046 and average student debt of $16900, the financial outlook for International Agriculture. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about International Agriculture., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $35046, with grads carrying about $16900 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.48—which is excellent for paying off loans quickly.
Each year, over 215 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, International Agriculture. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
International Agriculture (CIP 01.0701) is a globally focused field that explores the scientific, economic, and social systems required to feed a growing world population. It is the study of how different nations produce food and how they trade, share technology, and manage resources across borders. This field bridges the gap between local farming practices and the massive global supply chains that connect a coffee farmer in Ethiopia to a consumer in New York.
This field is ideal for "global problem solvers"—individuals who want to travel, learn about different cultures, and tackle the massive challenges of world hunger, climate change, and international trade.
What Is an International Agriculture Degree?
A degree in this field focuses on sustainable food security on a global scale. You will study why some regions struggle with food production while others have surpluses, and you will learn how to implement agricultural solutions that are culturally and economically appropriate for different countries. It is a highly interdisciplinary path that combines agronomy (crop science) with international relations, economics, and sociology.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Global Consultants" who can help developing nations modernize their farming techniques
- Develop experts in International Trade Policy and global food regulations
- Prepare professionals to manage large-scale agricultural projects for NGOs and the United Nations
- Study the impact of global climate shifts on food production in vulnerable regions
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that agricultural success in one country cannot simply be "copy-pasted" into another; it requires an understanding of local climate, culture, and currency.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Economic Modeling to predict how global trade shifts affect food prices
- Analyze "Food Value Chains" from the farm gate to international shipping ports
- Develop "Sustainable Intensification" strategies to grow more food with fewer resources
- Use Geospatial Data to monitor crop health and drought patterns across continents
- Perform "Cross-Cultural Communication" to work effectively with diverse populations
- Understand the complexities of international agricultural law and intellectual property rights
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of hard science and global politics:
- World Food Systems: The history and current state of how the world feeds itself.
- Agricultural Development Economics: Strategies for using farming to lift communities out of poverty.
- Tropical Crop Production: The science of growing coffee, cocoa, rice, and tropical fruits.
- Global Food Security Policy: The study of international treaties and aid programs.
- Rural Sociology: Understanding the social structures of farming communities worldwide.
- Foreign Languages: Many programs require or encourage proficiency in a second language.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles in international aid, government diplomacy, and global agribusiness.
Common job roles include:
- International Development Specialist: Coordinating agricultural projects in developing nations.
- Trade Analyst: Advising companies or governments on international food export/import trends.
- Global Supply Chain Manager: Overseeing the logistics of moving food across borders.
- Agricultural Attaché: Representing a country's agricultural interests in a foreign embassy.
- Foreign Aid Officer: Managing food assistance programs for organizations like USAID.
- Sustainability Auditor: Ensuring global suppliers meet environmental and ethical standards.
Where Can You Work?
International agriculture professionals are the "diplomats of the food world":
- International Organizations: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) or the World Bank.
- Federal Government: The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) or the State Department.
- Global Agribusinesses: Companies like ADM, Bunge, or multinational seed and tech firms.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Groups like CARE, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, or the Peace Corps.
- Consulting Firms: Advising private investors on global land and agricultural acquisitions.
How Much Can You Earn?
Salaries are often high, especially for roles that involve international travel, specialized policy knowledge, or corporate logistics.
- International Trade Analysts: Median annual salary of approximately $75,000–$110,000.
- Global Supply Chain Managers: Salaries typically range from $85,000 to $130,000.
- Foreign Service Officers (Agricultural): Base salaries range from $60,000 to $100,000+ plus housing allowances.
- International NGO Project Managers: Salaries often start between $55,000 and $80,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty lies in the breadth of knowledge required. You must understand the biology of plants and soil, but you also have to master complex economics and navigate sensitive political environments. It requires significant travel, often to remote or developing areas, and the ability to adapt to very different living conditions and cultures. You must be an expert in both data and people.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Are passionate about ending world hunger and reducing poverty
- Love traveling and want a career that takes you around the world
- Are interested in the "big picture" of how global markets and politics work
- Enjoy learning new languages and experiencing different cultures
- Want to combine a love for nature with a career in international business or diplomacy
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in World History, Economics, Geography, and Biology
- Study a foreign language and aim for at least intermediate proficiency
- Join a Model United Nations (MUN) team or an international club
- Participate in FFA or 4-H, specifically in programs that discuss global food issues
- Follow international news daily to understand trade wars and global weather patterns
The ability to navigate global systems to ensure a stable and sustainable food supply for all nations is the hallmark of a successful international agriculture professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
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