There has been a drastic evolution in the agricultural sector as the world population rises. Today’s agriculture industry must meet these increasing demands, allowing it to foster job diversity. Job seekers interested in a career in agriculture will find a broadening range of career opportunities. Reputed colleges across the globe offer online agriculture degrees, courses, certifications, and training programs to prepare students for these roles.
An online agriculture degree offers the advanced knowledge required to deal with the challenges in this rapidly evolving industry. Online agriculture degree programs provide the credentials to pursue several career paths. Graduates can work in agricultural product development, production management, land and resource management, and farm business and finance.
If you’re pursuing the field of agriculture, then start with this article. Let us look at the best online agriculture degree programs, agriculture degree salary, required licensing and certification, and much more.
Read on to learn more!
Article Navigation: What Is Agriculture? | Types of Online Agriculture Degrees | How To Choose the Right Program | Best Online Associate’s Degrees In Agriculture | Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees In Agriculture | Best Online Master’s Degrees In Agriculture | Best Online Graduate Certificate, Doctorate, or Ph.D. In Agriculture | Licensing and Certification | Career & Salary In Agriculture | Professional Organizations In Agriculture Sector | Get Started Today! | FAQs
What Is Agriculture?
Agriculture, generally known as farming, is the practice of rearing livestock and growing plants. This age-old tradition was the essence of the sedentary human civilization. It allowed humans to develop and live in cities. It primarily refers to the centuries-old science of farming, including the cultivation of the soil, raising livestock, and growing crops. The resulting products are used as human and animal food, wool, and other raw materials.
An agriculture degree offers intensive knowledge and insight into food consumption and production science, business, and technology. It generally focuses on the following four agriculture industry career paths:
- Science and engineering
- Management and business
- Education, communication, and government services
- Food and biomaterials production
Regardless of the specialization, an online agriculture science degree is likely to include the following core courses:
- Legal environmental business
- Agricultural financial records
- Agricultural business communications
- Food technology
In addition, the study of agriculture may also include introductory courses focusing on environmental science, sustainability, agricultural economics, and sometimes, agribusiness management and food technology courses. Certain agriculture science degrees also include life sciences and applied science courses in their curriculum. Since agriculture science is a vast field, students can choose various study paths. Specializations exist in horticulture, animal science, estate planning, property management, zoology, environmental preservation, and more. Graduates can become farm owners, sales representatives, or agribusiness marketing specialists, depending on their personal and professional interests.
Types of Online Agriculture Degrees
Online Associate’s Degree In Agriculture
An online agriculture associate’s degree opens various arenas for education, science, and government hopefuls. An associate’s degree in agriculture science is an affordable way for workers to elevate their income range. It is also a convenient and flexible program that suits busy personal and professional obligations.
Since most educational institutions operate on a traditional semester basis, an online agriculture associate’s degree typically takes about two years to complete. Let us look at the top online associate degrees in agriculture based on the program’s quality, affordability, graduation rate, student-teacher ratio, and tuition rates:
Online Bachelor’s Degree In Agriculture
An online agriculture bachelor’s degree covers the practice and science of plant cultivation and livestock breeding. It also includes producing raw materials and food from animal and plant resources, particularly for human usage and consumption, ready for market distribution.
An agriculture degree can pave the way for several well-paying careers that support robust future growth profiles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the minimum educational requirement to become a food scientist is a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. This job position paid around $65,160 per year in 2018. Further statistics by the BLS show that continued research in production methods and agricultural cultivation will produce substantial, above-average growth in this sector. Professionals expect the growth rate for food scientists to be around 7% through 2028.
The best online bachelor’s degrees in agriculture are the following:
Online Master’s Degree In Agriculture
A master’s in agriculture degree is the most suitable option for career advancement. It opens various arenas for job growth and pay raises. Several reputed universities across the United States offer professionals seeking an advanced degree the flexibility to juggle their personal and professional obligations. Most master’s in agriculture degrees require one to two years for completion, depending upon the mode of study.
The best online master’s in agriculture degrees, according to the quality of education, affordability, graduation rate, and tuition, include the following:
Online Sustainable Agriculture Degree
Sustainable agriculture is a rapidly changing field. Practitioners strive to enhance public health, facilitate surplus food production, safeguard the environment, and assist a thriving economy. Some of the best schools for sustainable agriculture degrees and certificates online include the following:
- Sam Houston State University
- Murray State University
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Colorado State University
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How To Choose the Right Program
Choosing an online agriculture degree is an intricate process requiring insight into various factors. Before selecting an online agriculture degree, let us look at a few essential elements you need to keep in mind.
Degree Level
The level of degree you choose matters exceptionally and depends upon your prior educational standing, future career plans, and personal and professional inclinations. Different degree levels in agriculture – associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate – entail different levels of education and are necessary for certain professional positions.
The combination of courses also varies at different degree levels. Some agriculture courses emphasize preparation for international work. These programs cover topics such as sustainability on a global scale, bio-based economies, or global food systems. Others, however, emphasize agriculture within a particular region or country or a specific aspect of agriculture, such as farm product marketing, crop farming, extensive property management, sustainable practices, or animal care.
Generally, all degree levels focus on allowing students to gain a wide array of knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand the moral, scientific, and commercial principles behind the study of agriculture.
Cost
The cost of an agriculture degree is one of the most significant considerations for choosing an educational program. Various colleges and universities offer online agriculture degrees and lie on a vast spectrum of affordability. It is necessary to do your research to find an institution offering an affordable education without compromising educational quality.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for an online agriculture degree vary depending upon the institution and degree level. Generally, the admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in agriculture include a high school diploma and a specific minimum GPA.
Program Format
Many educational institutions offer online agriculture degrees in various formats. The most common choices are part-time or full-time study modes and asynchronous and synchronous teaching methods. Aspirants must choose a degree that provides learning options that fit best with their personal and professional obligations.
Location
The location of the educational institution an aspirant chooses to attain an online agriculture degree from matters considerably, even when it conducts the program entirely online. Some online degree programs require students to attend a few in-person seminars, programs, or classes during their studies, which proves to be a hassle for students living out of state. Tuition rates may also vary significantly for in-state and out-of-state students.
Coursework
Most undergraduate programs in agriculture necessitate a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. However, some programs may require more credits than the core 120. Thus it is imperative to look into the graduation requirements for the program you opt for, as even a few extra credits or courses can cost significant time and money.
Accreditation
The accreditation an educational institution holds is the most crucial element an aspirant needs to look for before opting for a degree program, online or in-person. Accreditation determines an institution’s academic standing and ascertains whether it falls under the educational requirements. A degree from an accredited institution is also necessary to undertake advanced education.
Certification Opportunities
Some educational institutions offer certification opportunities to their students. It proves highly beneficial when looking for employment. Therefore, it is prudent to opt for an educational institution with such options in its curriculum.
Best Online Associate’s Degrees In Agriculture
An online associate degree in agriculture generally includes core coursework in agricultural marketing, animal science, chemistry, soil science, and farming. Specific programs include highly sought-after career concentrations such as agribusiness, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural technology.
Agriculture students with an associate’s degree can find internship opportunities through their educational institution, thereby attaining practical expertise. The minimum education requirement for most employment positions in the agriculture sector is an associate’s degree, so most students in this field do not pursue a bachelor’s degree.
1. Northwest Iowa Community College
The Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits the Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, IA. This educational institute offers students more than 40 undergraduate degree programs, 12 of which are available in a hybrid or completely online format.
This institute offers an online associate’s degree in agriculture with topics such as farm business management, animal health, and soil science as the core classes. However, students can tailor the program according to their professional and personal inclinations by choosing from various agriculture electives. Students are free to take part in occupational experiences.
The program spans five semesters over two years, including one summer term. All students pay the same tuition fee irrespective of their state of residence and can also avail themselves of several virtual resources such as library access, academic advising, and tutoring services.
2. Northeast Community College
The Higher Learning Commission accredits the Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE. Northeast boasts more than 5,000 students enrolled in its four campuses across Nebraska and an online division. The institute offers approximately 100 undergraduate, certificate, and professional programs, which include more than 20 online options.
Northeast Community College’s online associate in agriculture program is highly suitable for learners pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the field. Students may choose from various electives, such as animal science, agricultural marketing systems, and agricultural law. This two year online degree program falls at par with the first two years of core course requirements of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. The institute offers students academic advising, career services, and counseling. Admission requirements include submitting SAT or ACT scores.
3. Casper College
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Casper College, located in Casper, WY. This institute was initially established in 1945 as the first junior college. It gradually made its way to one of the largest two-year schools in the vicinity. It offers more than 140 online and in-person programs to its 5,000 enrolled students.
Casper’s online associate in agriculture offers students the flexibility to choose a concentration in agribusiness, animal science, range management, or general agriculture. This 60-credit program requires about two years for completion. It successfully fulfills the first two years of course requirements for a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. The institute also holds transfer agreements with various four-year schools.
Students in this program usually take core courses, including livestock production, agricultural economics, and agroecology. Virtual learners can also pursue beneficial memberships in the institute’s student organizations, including the Casper College Rodeo Club, Oil City Ag Club, and the Livestock Judging Club. Admission requirements include the submission of SAT or ACT scores.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees In Agriculture
An online bachelor’s degree in agriculture is among the most sought-after degrees, especially among rural students. This degree plan allows students to learn modernized agricultural practices through education programs that combine traditional farming topics with specialized training in technology, business, and education.
Check out the best online agriculture degree programs at the undergraduate level:
1. Oregon State University
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits Oregon State University. The institute offers an online Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences. Four start dates are offered each year. Both online and in-person students study from the same faculty. Courses cover topics such as agricultural law, world food crops, introductory animal/rangeland sciences, management in agriculture, organic farming and gardening, leadership development, environmental economics and policy, and environmental law.
2. Texas Tech University
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Texas Tech University offers an online B.S. in Plant and Soil Sciences that applies to agriculture. The school provides students with various career options, ranging from fields such as golf course and athletic field management to agriculture to environmental consultancy. Graduates can also pursue areas such as urban farming and nursery management. Completable in four years, graduates of this program can also attain certifications in horticulture, landscape management, crop protection, and soil management.
3. Colorado State University
Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Higher Learning Commission since 1924, Colorado State University offers an online B.S. in Agricultural Business completable in four years. Students who opt for this program take finance, management, economics, marketing, food technology, animal sciences, natural resources, and horticulture courses. They can choose from various minors, including political sciences and sociology, economics, global and environmental sustainability, business administration, and anthropology.
Best Online Master’s Degrees In Agriculture
Attaining an advanced degree in agriculture proves immensely beneficial for various careers, including forestry, science, agriculture, journalism, and other fields. The agriculture major primarily emphasizes social sciences, economy, and business as in the agricultural industry. Online master’s degree programs in agriculture allow aspirants to pursue higher education while juggling their professional and personal obligations.
Check out the top online agriculture science degrees at the graduate level:
1. Texas Tech University
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, Texas. It offers an online Master of Science in Agricultural Education. This degree program, completable in about a year, is highly suitable for working professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and are looking to enhance their knowledge and skill set. It allows professionals to prepare for lucrative careers such as extension agents, private business agriculture leaders, and agriculture educators.
Online classes in this program include human dimensions of international agricultural development, agricultural leadership, college teaching in agriculture, program development in agricultural and extension education, and investigations of advanced farm mechanics. The institute requires students to attain a minimum of a C grade in each of their core courses to graduate.
2. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University holds accreditation as a National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) legacy site. The Higher Learning Commission also accredits it. Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, this institute offers online accredited master’s degree programs in agriculture completable in about a year. It is designed mainly for working professionals looking to enhance their educational standing. The program is entirely online and does not require any in-person campus activities or visits. Aspirants can pursue a Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Leadership.
3. Southern Arkansas University
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Southern Arkansas University. It offers an online Master of Science in Agriculture, particularly for students pursuing extension education and agricultural leadership and management positions. Located in Magnolia, Arkansas, the institute primarily offers the Master of Science in Agriculture program as an in-person degree completable in about a year, but all classes are available online.
Students who opt for this program take courses such as organizing and teaching career orientation methods, advanced leadership for agriculture professionals, philosophy of agricultural education, and adult education in agriculture. Its highly affordable graduate tuition rates earn the program a top spot amongst the cheapest online agriculture degree programs.
Best Online Graduate Certificate, Doctorate, or Ph.D. In Agriculture
A Ph.D. or Doctorate in agriculture is a highly specialized degree that may require between three to ten years of study and professional work. Students with a master’s degree in a particular or relevant field can opt for a doctorate in agriculture, which primarily emphasizes preparing graduates for jobs in livestock companies or research institutions. Students may also take some classes in microbiology or statistics.
Let us take a look at the best online agriculture degree programs at the doctorate level:
1. Texas A&M University
Established in 1876, Texas A&M University holds the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation. It offers a 100% online Ph.D. in Plant Breeding in the Natural Sciences category. This program does not hold any residency requirements. Still, it requires 64 semester credit hours after an M.S. degree in either plant breeding or a relevant agriculture field, along with a dissertation on original research. A Texas A&M graduate faculty adjunct member serves as the co-chair of the student’s advisory committee and supervises dissertation research locally.
Students typically have an on-campus co-chair to assist them in the academic portion of their degree. However, communication channels between examinations, dissertation defense, and committee members are carried out through the internet.
2. University of Missouri – Columbia
Established in 1839, the University of Missouri – Columbia holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and offers an online doctorate program in Agricultural Education and Leadership in the Natural Sciences category.
This degree program requires a few in-person campus visits. It helps students advance their careers in extension education, agriculture, informal adult education, or communication. It is prevalent among students who wish to connect with top-notch faculty members and benefit from a high-tech approach to specialized agricultural education. The program takes more than four years to complete and requires a cumulative GPA of more than 3.5.
3. North Dakota State University – Graduate School
Located in Fargo, North Dakota State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Its Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering offers an online Ph.D. degree in agriculture. This program focuses on resolving engineering problems for food and biofuel processing, agriculture production, and environmental resources management. It also generally includes specialized training in agriculture hydrology, air quality, irrigation and drainage engineering, process engineering for food and biofuels, livestock waste management, soil and water resources management, precision agriculture, and agricultural machine systems.
Students can alter the academic programs and student research according to their interests and requirements.
Licensing and Certification
Licensing and certification required for agriculture typically depend upon the specificities of the location a professional works in or their assigned job. For instance, all individuals purchasing or using restricted-use pesticides must hold a Certified Pesticide Applicator designation. The study materials for this certification are readily available, and it has various categories along with the necessary “core” certification. Aspirants seeking this certification can participate in regular training and obtain continuing education credits.
Professionals in agriculture can also pursue various voluntary certifications to pave the way for specialized markets and increase the value of their produce. An example of one such certification is the Maryland Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), a voluntary food safety certification, particularly for Maryland vegetable and fruit growers. Aspirants can seek training from the UMD and the MDA to attain this certification.
USDA Organic is a voluntary national certification for farmers or professionals in agriculture who use organic practices. MDA also offers a state-level organic certification program. There are various other private agriculture and sustainability certifications available as well.
Career & Salary In Agriculture
What are the highest-paying jobs in agriculture?
- Agricultural Engineer
Median annual pay: $105,406 - Agronomy Manager
Median annual pay: $85,363 - Water Resource Engineer
Median annual pay: $71,292
Agriculture Degree Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for agricultural and food scientists in 2021 was approximately $74,160 per year or $35.66 per hour. The number of jobs for these professionals in 2020 stood at 37,400, with the outlook from 2020-2030 coming up to about 9%, as fast as the average across all other professions. The Bureau also expects an employment increase of about 3,200 during this period.
Professional Organizations In Agriculture Sector
Various professional organizations related to agriculture offer support, resources, and information to professionals in the field. Various such organizations are as follows:
- Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
- Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
- Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC)
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- ATTRA: National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
- eXtension
- Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
- National Agricultural Library (NAL)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Rural Development Online – USDA
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
- U.S. Forest Service
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- National Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Network
Get Started Today!
Online agriculture degrees are gaining immense popularity because of their flexibility and affordability. Most online degree programs do not require students to pay additional fees that on-campus students are required to pay. In addition, an online degree in agriculture science stands at par with an in-person degree. It thus paves the way for employment positions while causing less money drain.
Suppose you wish to pursue a career with plenty of hands-on experience and exciting approaches to nature. In that case, the agriculture field is the right fit for you. You can opt for the cheapest online agriculture degree and use it to your advantage to build up to a glimmering career in agriculture! Head over to GetEducated.com to know more and make an informed decision.
FAQs
Which degree is best for agriculture?
An associate’s degree in agriculture satisfies the minimum education requirement for most employment positions related to this field and is thus the best degree for agriculture. However, aspirants who wish to attain better-paying positions can opt for a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate.
Is agriculture a good degree?
Agriculture is a reasonable degree as it pays adequately and allows considerable hands-on experience, with minimum education requirements.
Can I learn farming online?
Yes! You can easily learn farming online through an integrated and specialized amalgamation of theoretical concepts and advanced farming procedures.
What do you learn with a degree in agriculture?
A degree in agriculture typically emphasizes the critical aspects of farming and rearing animals for resources and food. It may include topics such as agricultural law, world food crops, introductory animal/rangeland sciences, management in agriculture, organic farming and gardening, leadership development, environmental economics and policy, and environmental law.