South Carolina's Agricultural Education pathway prepares students for diverse careers in the agricultural industry, from production agriculture and agribusiness to agricultural science and natural resource management. As one of the state's foundational economic sectors, agriculture provides career opportunities throughout South Carolina's rural and suburban communities. This comprehensive program integrates classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects, and FFA leadership development.
The pathway covers core agricultural concepts including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness management, natural resources, and agricultural biotechnology. Students develop both technical agricultural skills and essential business competencies including financial literacy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. South Carolina's Agricultural Education programs maintain strong connections to the state's agricultural industry, providing students with authentic learning experiences on working farms, agribusinesses, and natural resource sites.
With agriculture contributing significantly to South Carolina's economy and the industry facing workforce needs across multiple sectors, this pathway provides critical career preparation. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in agricultural careers, continuation to agricultural college programs, or operation of their own agricultural enterprises.
Agricultural Education at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's Agricultural Education standards align with national Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster standards and integrate science, mathematics, and business concepts. State standards emphasize agricultural production systems, agricultural business operations, food science and safety, natural resource management, and sustainable agricultural practices. The framework supports the three-component model of classroom instruction, SAE projects, and FFA participation.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Education 1: Introduction to Agriculture | AG-101 |
| Agricultural Education 2: Animal and Plant Science | AG-201 |
| Agricultural Education 3: Agricultural Mechanics and Business | AG-301 |
| Agricultural Education 4: Specialized Agriculture Practicum | AG-401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
- ✓Certified Horticulture Professional
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
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.
Agricultural Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $67,970 - $115,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $94,419
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $67,970 - $115,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $72,945
Horticulture Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $28,900 - $45,280
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,015
Agricultural Sales Representative
ExperiencedSalary range: $67,970 - $115,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $94,419
Farm/Ranch Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects including entrepreneurship ventures, placement experiences at agricultural businesses, and research/experimentation projects. Work-based learning occurs at production farms, agricultural supply companies, veterinary clinics, landscaping businesses, and natural resource agencies. FFA competition experiences and agricultural industry internships provide additional hands-on learning opportunities.
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 South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Agricultural Mechanics and Technology
South Carolina's Agricultural Mechanics pathway develops practical expertise in equipment maintenance, repair, and farm infrastructure that supports the state's vital agricultural sector. With strong agricultural traditions in the Lowcountry and Upstate regions, students learn to service and repair the machinery essential to modern farming operations. Students master welding, electrical systems, hydraulics, and equipment diagnosis while gaining hands-on experience in school shops and partnering farm equipment dealers. The curriculum integrates precision agriculture technology and sustainable farming infrastructure. Graduates find employment as farm equipment technicians, agricultural mechanics, equipment sales representatives, or equipment rental managers. Opportunities exist with John Deere dealers, agricultural cooperatives, and independent operations throughout South Carolina. Many pursue advanced certifications or establish their own repair services.
Agriculture, Food, & Natural ResourcesHorticulture and Landscaping
South Carolina's Horticulture pathway prepares students for careers in landscape design, plant production, and horticultural management. The state's diverse climate, from coastal regions to mountains, creates opportunities in ornamental gardening, nursery operations, and landscape services throughout the year. Students develop expertise in plant propagation, landscape design, soil science, and pest management. They gain experience through school greenhouses, landscape design projects, and partnerships with local nurseries and landscape companies in their communities. Graduates work as landscape designers, nursery managers, greenhouse technicians, groundskeeping specialists, or horticultural consultants. Many establish landscape or lawn care businesses, while others advance to management positions with major landscape companies and botanical gardens across the state.
Agriculture, Food, & Natural ResourcesRelated 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?
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