Brookings Main Campus
Serve as a leader in the Agriculture and Food Industry.
The leadership specialization requires courses in leadership skills development, basic science and agriculture. It allows considerable flexibility for students to choose supporting elective courses.
Graduates of the leadership specialization will pursue careers of service to such entities as agricultural commodity organizations, breed associations, community development organizations, government and businesses.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Are involved in 4-H, FFA or other agricultural activities.
- Work well independently and with a team; strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Seek flexibility in a program to pursue multiple interests.
- Are passionate about community development, ag policy, public service or non-profit work.
- Consider yourself a leader and like to be active in your community.
Career Opportunities
- 4-H youth program coordinator
- Policy/legislative
- Non-profit organizations
- Agribusiness
- Commodity or breed organizations
Recent Employers
- American Angus Association
- South Dakota Wheat Growers
- South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota 4-H Extension Services
- First National Bank, Ag Lending
- Cargill
- U.S. Senator Office
- AgriVision Equipment Group
Internship Opportunities
- National Pork Board
- South Dakota Soybean Processors
- South Dakota Department of Education
- Pine Ridge Area Extension
- FCS
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Dual Majors
Suggested Minors
Clubs and Organizations
- Agriculture Future of America (AFA)
- Collegiate FFA/Ag Education Club
- Collegiate 4-H
- Little International
- Ag Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT)
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.