North Carolina's Agricultural Education program serves one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, from tobacco and sweet potatoes to hogs, poultry, and Christmas trees. The program integrates three components: classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and FFA leadership development.
Students can specialize in areas including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness, and natural resources management. North Carolina's agricultural programs benefit from partnerships with NC State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the NC Department of Agriculture, and agribusiness companies throughout the state.
The pathway emphasizes both production agriculture and the broader agricultural value chain including food processing, agricultural technology, environmental conservation, and agribusiness management. Students gain hands-on experience through school farms, greenhouses, aquaculture facilities, and supervised agricultural experience projects.
Agricultural Education at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's Agricultural Education programs follow the National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster Content Standards. NC DPI has developed Essential Standards that align with national standards while reflecting NC's unique agricultural industries. Programs must include all three components (instruction, SAE, FFA) and prepare students for postsecondary success through articulation agreements with NC community colleges and NC State University.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Agriscience Applications | AG10 |
| Animal Science or Plant Science | AG20 |
| Agricultural Mechanics or Agribusiness | AG30 |
| Advanced Agricultural Studies | AG40 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
- ✓Certified Horticulture Professional
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Farm Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $60,010 - $126,960
Adjusted for cost of living: $84,651
Agricultural Sales Representative
Entry LevelSalary range: $60,010 - $126,960
Adjusted for cost of living: $63,745
Livestock Production Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $32,040 - $41,600
Adjusted for cost of living: $37,423
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $60,010 - $126,960
Adjusted for cost of living: $63,745
Food Processing Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $35,140 - $47,000
Adjusted for cost of living: $41,768
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects in production, placement, research, or entrepreneurship. Internships with agribusiness companies, veterinary practices, and agricultural cooperatives. Summer employment with farms, nurseries, and agricultural technology companies. Work experience at agricultural research stations.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
North Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with North Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in North Carolina
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
ProgrammaticReady to Build Agricultural Education Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Agricultural Education in North Carolina.