Public Service and Administration in Agriculture
- Program
- What PSA Graduates Do
- Where Graduates Work
The interdisciplinary, four-year PSA program emphasizes the application of social science knowledge to agriculture and rural problems, and draws upon the expertise of faculty in sociology, economics and political science.
Students in the PSA program receive a broad-based education in communications, science, humanities, and the ethical, economic, and social aspects of agriculture. The major is built on core courses in sociology, economics and political science. In addition, students construct an individual concentration to uniquely market themselves once they graduate.
Internships are an important part of the PSA program. The curriculum offers the flexibility needed to accommodate the special interests and needs of each student.
Problem solving, communication, creative thinking and leadership skills are emphasized. These important skills will enable tomorrow's leaders to anticipate and direct change in the organizations and communities in which they work and live.
For the more than 25 years the PSA major has been offered at ISU, graduates have entered careers that have taken them around the world, or back to a leadership role in their own hometown.
PSA graduates can work as:
Marketing Specialist
County Supervisor
Director of Economic Development
County Extension Director-Administrator
Territory Manager
Project Officer
Loan Officer
Legislative Assistant
Executive Director
Leadership Director
Lobbyist
Attorney
Marketing Director
College Professor
Radio Broadcaster
For more information, contact:
Carmen Bain
PSA Coordinator
Department of Sociology
308 East Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: (515) 294-2303
E-Mail:
cbain@iastate.edu
Most PSA majors have positions before graduation, often with companies hosting their internship.
Examples of companies and agencies hiring PSA graduates:
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
USDA -Rural Development
USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service
Peoples' Natural Gas
American Red Cross
Cargill
Farm Credit Services
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation
ISU Extension
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Illinois Farm Bureau
Monsanto Corporation
Meyocks and Priebe Advertising
Morgan and Meyers Advertising
Iowa Poultry Association
Diamond Laboratories
Minnesota Nursery Association
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For more information, contact:Carmen Bain |
