How to Find Colleges & Universities That Do Agricultural Research
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the American economy. North Carolina State University reports that, as of 2010, consumers spend $547 billion for food originating on U.S. farms and ranches. Agricultural research solves issues like how to reduce crop losses from pests. It also ensures that farming and food production operations are efficient, innovative and safe. Entering a college that does agricultural research provides the opportunity to take on some of the agriculture industry's most pressing problems and gives you career experience. However, you have to find these colleges before you can take advantage of their research programs.
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Instructions
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Get online and visit websites that let you search for colleges specific to your interests. They have listings for hundreds of colleges with agricultural programs.
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Go to your local library, and ask the librarian for publications that focus on agricultural research. These publications don't list research colleges, but they cite the college affiliations with every published paper. The fact that a college has produced published agricultural research is a good sign that its agricultural research program is good.
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Get in touch with local farmers and co-op operators. The people who work in these establishments often have agricultural degrees. They can tell you where they went to college and whether their college does agricultural research.
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Contact your local branch of your state's Department of Education and Department of Agriculture. The representatives might be able to provide you with a list of agricultural research colleges for your region. Use this list to investigate the colleges and find out what the agriculture research departments are like.
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Tips & Warnings
When approaching farmers and co-ops, try to do most of your investigating in the winter, when these people are less busy. But check early in the winter, so you have time to request additional material from the colleges you like, schedule college visits, figure out your financial aid situation and put in your college applications.
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