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Career options for Agricultural Science students

One of the most common questions at Murdoch Open Day and careers events is, "What types of jobs can I do if I study Agricultural Science?"

It's not uncommon for visitors to tell us they haven't considered a career in agriculture because they're not from a rural background or don't see themselves becoming a farmer.

It may surprise you to learn that many students in Murdoch's School of Agricultural Sciences come from metropolitan backgrounds.

Agriculture is a diverse and dynamic field that spans science, technology, business, animal health, sustainability and the environment. An Agricultural Science degree can provide the knowledge and skills that support a wide range of career pathways.

Could this be the field for you? See if any of the following resonate.

Do you:

Want to work with animals, safeguarding their health and welfare?
Have an interest in nutrition or how food is created?
Enjoy caring for plants and the environment?
Love working with cutting edge technology?
Wonder how society will address environmental challenges?
Enjoy the idea of solving complex challenges in a fast-moving business environment?
See yourself as both practical and science-y?
Get excited at the thought of making discoveries?
Marvel at Australia’s incredible biodiversity?
Seek a meaningful job, making the world a better place?

If this seems intriguing, read on.

What kind of career can you have with an Agricultural Science degree?

Agriculture is a diverse and evolving sector, with opportunities spanning science, technology, business, sustainability, animal health, biosecurity and policy.

As innovation transforms the way we interact with animals, plants and the environment, new and emerging career pathways continue to develop across the agricultural and food sectors.

Agricultural Science graduates pursue a wide range of careers in Australia and internationally. Depending on your interests and experience, roles may include:

Agricultural scientist: work on the cutting edge of animal, plant and soil health.
Animal behaviour expert: enhance animal welfare with science.
Animal geneticist: shape animal health and production, improving particular traits.
Animal health advisor: use cutting edge science to improve the health and wellbeing of animals
Animal breeding expert: improving reproduction in domestic or wild animals
Animal nutritionist: fine-tune animal diets for optimal health.
Animal welfare inspector: advocate ethical treatment on behalf of animals.
Agronomist: partner with farmers to fine tune plant production and disease control
Ag technology: use cutting-edge technology to address complex challenges impacting agriculture and the environment
Biosecurity officer: be at the forefront of animal or plant disease management.
Business advisor: helping businesses navigate complex challenges and manage risk.
Consultant: guide farmers toward more modern, profitable and sustainable practices.
Crop scientist: develop resilient plants for changing climates and to fight off threats.
Entomologist: manage insect pests while protecting beneficial species.
Extension (training) officer: help farmers to translate cutting-edge science to real-world impact
Farm business manager: combine business expertise and scientific thinking.
Farm manager: use your skills at the forefront of food and fibre production
Policy advisor: help businesses and government use science to drive innovation and sustainability
Plant breeding expert: use advanced science to develop improved plant varieties
Plant disease scientist: help manage diseases
Precision agriculture specialist: apply drones, sensors, and AI to boost yields and cut waste.
Rural finance: support organisations to manage risk and profitability
Science extension officer: bring research recommendations to life.
Science journalist: share breakthroughs with media and the wider public.
Soil scientist: help farmers and industry to farmers to boost productivity and care for the environment.
Sustainability expert: work with businesses in Australia and communities in developing countries to encourage sustainable farming practice.
Agricultural economist: shape markets, trade, and farm business decisions.
Supply chain analyst: keep food and fibre moving efficiently from farm to consumer.
International development officer: support global communities to improve food security.
Rangeland ecologist: balance grazing and conservation in fragile landscapes.
Natural resource manager: ensure farming systems work in harmony with the environment.

Whether your interests lie in research, technology, business, animal health, sustainability or food production, an Agricultural Science degree can provide a foundation for exploring a broad range of professional pathways and contributing to the future of agriculture.

Can I get a job? Tips to future-proof your career

The Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture’s most recent report showed there was consistently high demand for graduates, with six jobs for every agriculture graduate. As the need for sustainable food and fibre production continues to grow, so too does demand for professionals with expertise in agricultural science, animal health and environmental management.

Murdoch's Agricultural Science degree combines flexibility with hands-on learning, giving you opportunities to explore your interests and develop skills relevant to a wide range of career pathways. In any given week, your learning may take place at our campus farm, animal hospital or laboratories, on an interstate or international study tour, or through industry placements that contribute credit towards your degree.

You'll also have opportunities to engage with leading researchers and industry professionals through our Research Centres, contributing to projects that are advancing knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges in agriculture and animal health.

Whether you aspire to become a researcher, an agricultural professional focused on sustainability and productivity, or an animal health specialist, Murdoch provides the knowledge, experiences and connections to help you pursue your goals in the evolving world of agricultural science.

Where an Ag Science degree from Murdoch could take you

One of the biggest misconceptions about agriculture is that it only involves working on a farm, driving a tractor or spending long days in the paddock. In reality, agriculture is a diverse and innovative sector that combines science, technology, business, animal health and environmental management.

Depending on your interests, your workplace could be a laboratory, animal health clinic, classroom, paddock, boardroom or government agency. Agricultural Science graduates pursue a wide range of roles in metropolitan and regional areas, working in environments that may be indoors or outdoors, field-based or office-based.

Whether you thrive on variety or prefer a more structured career path, an Agricultural Science degree can provide the knowledge, skills and experiences that support a broad range of professional pathways. Whatever direction you choose, there are many opportunities to apply your expertise to real-world challenges and contribute to the future of agriculture, food production and animal health.

If you want to work with animals

An Agricultural Science degree from Murdoch is an excellent option for students interested in animal health, welfare and management. Our Animal Health and Animal Science majors provide opportunities to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills relevant to a wide range of animal industries and professional pathways.

The Animal Health major can also be combined with majors from other disciplines, including Conservation and Wildlife Biology, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and goals.

For students with an interest in veterinary science, the Animal Health / Animal Science double major offers a strong academic foundation and valuable practical experience that may support future applications to the Veterinary Science program, subject to admission requirements and available places.

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