Agriculture Pathway

Agriculture Career Pathway

Is this the right pathway for me?

Do you enjoy being outdoors?
Are you passionate about sustaining the environment?
Do you like science, working with plants and working with your hands?

What is the Agriculture Pathway?

The Agriculture Career and Technical Education pathway provides students with a hands-on exploration of agriculture, covering crop cultivation and sustainable farming practices and environmental research. Through practical experiences and lessons in soil health, to solving complex environmental problems, students gain valuable insight into what it means to work in agriculture. Emphasizing technological advancements, this pathway prepares students for careers in farming, agronomy, forestry, and much more!

What sort of work would I do?

People in agriculture and environmental science have important jobs. Farmers grow crops and take care of animals. Scientists study ways to make farming and environments better and more sustainable. Foresters look after forests, making sure they stay healthy. Engineers create technology to help farms work better and create environmentally friendly practices. There are also people who handle the business side of farming as well as research jobs that identify and eliminate things that impact our environments. These jobs ensure that we have enough food and resources to take care of our environment.

Leads to these Careers

Compliance officers
Environmental Scientists
Natural Sciences Managers
Soil and Plant Scientists
Arborists
Agricultural and Environmental Engineers
Wildlife Biologists
Horticulturists
Conservation Scientists
Agronomists

In-Demand Occupations

Typical Education Required	Career Title	Average Annual Salary	Job Outlook in WA State (2020-2030)
High School	Landscaper	$36,160	3% increase (national)
Bachelor’s Degree	Environmental Scientists	$105,321	20% increase
Master’s Degree	Agricultural Research Engineer	$83,260	6% increase (national)

Check Career One Stop, Bureau of Labor Statistics for updated career trends

What Courses can I take now?

Check with your school counselor and administrators to find out which classes are available at your school.

This course sequence involves the study of a wide variety of sciences, including geology, biology, environmental studies, chemistry, meteorology, and geography as well as the study of natural systems, to identify and analyze environmental problems and evaluate risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

Course numbers: HCT7157 & HCT7158; CSC7157 & CSC7158

Credentials: AP Exam offered

This course introduces the student to the field of Environmental Horticulture. Students learn about horticultural equipment use and safety, greenhouse design and use, and plant identification. Soil-water-plant relations are studied, and floral design is introduced. By producing crops, students learn proper plant care, plant propagation, general greenhouse operations and materials. When the crops are ready for sale, students will take part in a supervised agriculture experience where they will learn the practice of entrepreneurship learning marketing, sales techniques, and product displays. 

Course numbers: HCT8026 & HSCT8027; CSC8026 & CSC8027

Credentials: Dual Credit through South Seattle College

This course is a study of physical and geological oceanography and how they interact with one another. Topics covered include the chemistry of ocean water, the physics of wave patterns and tides, seafloor geology and topography, and marine biology. 

Course numbers: HCT6065 & HCT6066; CSC6065 & CSC6066

This course involves the study of the scientific principles that underlie the breeding, cultivation, production processing, and distribution of agricultural and plant products. Students will take part in a supervised agriculture experience where they will learn the practices of entrepreneurship learning marketing, sales techniques, and product displays. 

Course numbers: HCT 5966 & HCT5967; CSC5966 & CSC5967

Clubs and Activities at SPS

Interested in learning more about careers in agriculture? SPS students have the opportunity to deepen and expand their knowledge alongside their peers through participating in clubs led by knowledgeable CTE teachers. These clubs help students prepare for career and college. Find agriculture clubs at your school here!

What pathways to a career in agriculture are available after graduation?

Below are examples of programs in the Agricultural Pathway available to students at Seattle Colleges through the Seattle Promise Scholarship. Students can explore more college and post-secondary training opportunities on Naviance.

South Seattle College – Landscape Horticulture, Associate of Applied Science – Transfer

The Landscape Horticulture Program at South Seattle College currently offers two associate degree programs and one certificate program. This program provides unique access to the South Seattle College Arboretum (a 6-acre outdoor classroom and laboratory) and the Retail Garden Center. Read more about the Landscape Horticulture training available at South Seattle College. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit for successful completion of high school classes noted above.

Seattle Central College – Environmental Science LRSTAS Associate of Arts

Seattle Central College offers students three pathways to degrees in Environmental Sciences: Environmental Health (Transfer Track), Environmental Science Associate of Science (Transfer Track), and Environmental students Associate of Arts (Direct Transfer Agreement). Read more about these opportunities and explore the classes at Seattle Central College.

North Seattle College – Environmental Science Associate of Science, Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS)

Similar to programs available at Seattle Central, North Seattle College offers an Associate of Science Degree in Environmental Science. Students study earth and space sciences, learning about plate tectonics theory and its mechanisms. Students use how to apply mathematics to perform calculations related to earth and space science problems, and develop their scientific method abilities with observational projects. Read more about Environmental Science opportunities at North Seattle College.

Not excited about agriculture? Explore the right fit post-secondary pathway for you using the SuperMatch college feature on Naviance!

Do you have more questions about this pathway? Contact us at careerconnected@seattleschools.org.