Agriculture Degrees

<h2 id="section---WhatIsADegreeInAgriculture">What Is a Degree in Agriculture?</h2> <p>Agriculture degree programs are available at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree levels and may be a good fit for students who are interested in learning about the productivity, business, sustainability, and education of agriculture. Agriculture in general is how humans have used biological processes to produce food and other products. A degree in agriculture aims to equip students to practice agriculture and/or further understand a specific area of the field. There are a wide range of specific degrees in agriculture and/or concentration areas, including agriculture science degrees, agricultural business degrees, agriculture engineering degrees, and concentrations in areas like animal science, agronomy, and agricultural education. Typically, degree options become more and more specific at advanced levels to help prepare students for careers in a specialized area of agriculture. </p> <p>Students may decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in agriculture for entry-level positions in the field and/or to be better equipped to grow their own food or assist agricultural organizations and family farms. A graduate degree in agriculture generally helps prepare students for more advanced positions in research, leadership, or education in the field. Salaries and job outlooks for careers in agriculture vary by position, but in general these positions are needed in the development, production, and sale of various plant- and/or animal-based products, as well as the continuing education of those interested in the field. Some degree programs in agriculture provide students with flexible learning options, such as online program formats. Students in these degree programs may also have the opportunity for hands-on learning through internships and other experiences. </p> <h2 id="section---AgricultureDegreePrograms">Agriculture Degree Programs</h2> <p>Agriculture degree programs are widely available in various formats and at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A degree in agriculture can also be as general or as specific as a student's interests, as many schools provide a range of degree programs and/or concentrations, tracks, and degree options. Explore some of the agriculture degree options in more detail below. </p> <h3 id="section---AssociateDegreesInAgriculture">Associate Degrees in Agriculture</h3> <p>Associate degrees in agriculture are available as Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. There are some agriculture associate degrees in general areas of the field, such as agriculture and agricultural science, as well as more specific areas, like sustainable food and farming, animal science, range management, and agricultural business. Some associate degrees, such as an associate degree in agricultural business, may offer additional focus areas, like a food, horticulture, crop production, or animal production option. Additional areas of study for associate degrees in agriculture may include, but are not limited to, agricultural operations, agriculture and natural resources, agricultural technology, and agribusiness management. </p> <p>Several of these associate degree programs require around 60 credits and can be completed in 2 years. Some programs may offer online courses for flexibility in addition to on-campus courses. Typically, associate degrees in agriculture are designed for students who are not ready to commit to a bachelor's degree, but wish to receive real-world, practical training in the field. Some students may go on to earn their bachelor's degrees, while others may return to work on family farms or pursue careers in community organizations, food companies, agricultural associations, and more. </p> <h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreesInAgriculture">Bachelor's Degrees in Agriculture</h3> <p>Bachelor's degrees in agriculture are most commonly offered as Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. Agriculture bachelor's degrees can be found in general topics like agricultural science, but typically these degree programs begin to focus on a specific area in the field. For example, students may decide to pursue a bachelor's degree in areas like horticulture, agricultural business, food science and industry, animal sciences and industry, sustainable food and farming, agricultural engineering, or agricultural education. There are some degree programs that allow students to further focus their studies through concentration options, such as a technology option or food business and operations management option in a bachelor's degree for food science and industry. </p> <p>Usually, bachelor's degrees in agriculture require around 120 credits and can be completed in 4 years. Some of these degree programs can be completed fully online or offer some online courses to allow greater flexibility for students. However, it is fairly common for these degree programs to require students to complete internship experiences for hands-on learning in the field. Many graduates of bachelor's degree programs in agriculture are prepared to begin their career. Depending on the background of their degree, students may pursue careers in education, agricultural sales, production management, agricultural business/finance, agricultural product development, and more. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterSDegreeInAgriculture">Master's Degree in Agriculture</h3> <p>Some students may decide to pursue a master's degree in agriculture to further focus their studies and gain expertise in a specific area of the field. This additional level of specialization may lead to higher-level careers in research, extension, or industry. Most master's degree programs in agriculture lead to a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Agriculture (MAgr) degree, but there are also additional degrees available, such as a Master of Aquaculture or Master of Turfgrass Management. Some master's programs in agriculture may offer additional areas of emphasis within the degree, like an MS in Agriculture with an emphasis in sustainable agriculture, agribusiness economics, or veterinary management. Other program options may include a master's degree in food science, agricultural education and communication, integrated resource management, plant pathology, rural sociology, poultry science, and more. </p> <p>Master's degree programs in agriculture fall between 30 and 42 credits and traditionally take 2 years to complete, although some degrees may take closer to 2.5 years to complete. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete a thesis and/or participate in other experiential learning opportunities, such as practicum experiences. Some of these programs may offer online courses. Graduates with their master's degree in agriculture can work in a variety of industries, including education, communication, finance, and the government. </p> <h3 id="section---DoctorateDegreeInAgriculture">Doctorate Degree in Agriculture</h3> <p>Students interested in pursuing advanced positions as a professional in agriculture and the life sciences may decide to earn a doctorate degree in agriculture. Typically offered as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), agriculture doctoral degree programs provide students with expertise in a specific area of agriculture and help prepare students for leadership and/or independent research positions. Some of the more common degrees available at this level include a doctorate degree in agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, and agricultural education. Doctorate degree programs in agricultural sciences offer a range of concentrations, such as horticulture, hydrology, forest recreation, biotechnology, food safety, or bio-fuels. Other available agriculture doctoral degrees may include, but are not limited to, crop and soil sciences; toxicology; plant breeding, genetics, and genomes; and biological and agricultural engineering. </p> <p>The required number of credits for a doctorate degree in agriculture usually varies by a students' background education, with some programs requiring students with only a bachelor's degree to complete between 72 and 96 credits or requiring those with a master's degree to complete between 60 and 64 credits. Traditionally, these programs take 4 years to complete, but the time to completion may vary by program and a student's research. Most doctorate degrees in agriculture require students to take various exams and complete a thesis and/or dissertation. </p> <p>Careers for graduates of a doctoral degree in agriculture can vary from a researcher to an educator. Agricultural scientist positions are also available. </p> <h3 id="section---OnlineAgricultureDegree">Online Agriculture Degree</h3> <p>Online agriculture degree programs are fairly common. Students can earn an online associate, online bachelor, or online master's degree in the field. Although doctorate degree programs in agriculture are typically on-campus, some programs may provide students with limited online course options. Students may pursue an agriculture degree online at the associate level in areas like agriculture and sustainable food and farming. Online bachelor's degree programs may be available in agricultural sciences, horticulture, agricultural business, and animal sciences and industry. Students can find online master's degree programs in areas such as agriculture, integrated resource management, food science, and agricultural education and communication. </p> <p>The main benefits of earning an online agriculture degree is completing the degree in a flexible format from any location. This may allow some students to live and/or work at home and on family farms as they earn their education. This type of format may also be ideal for working professionals as they earn an advanced degree. Online learning can be part of a school's mission in sustainability, and these online degree programs still provide students with the necessary credentials to work various careers in the industry. </p> <p>When comparing online degree programs in agriculture, students may want to consider several different factors. Some online agriculture degree programs still require some in-person experiences, such as an internship. Students will also want to research any additional resources that schools offer to online students, such as online tutoring, library services, and/or advising and success coaching. Most online degree programs provide online students with the same diploma and access to world-class faculty members as on-campus students. </p> <h2 id="section---The50BestAgricultureDegrees20202021SchoolYear">The 50 Best Agriculture Degrees (2020-2021 School Year)</h2> <p>Students interested in agriculture degrees can find plenty of options on Learn.org's list of best agriculture schools. To compile this list of top schools, we looked at factors like the range of degree options, tuition costs, and graduation rates. We also checked out schools' offerings for valuable hands-on learning through internships, special programs, and campus agriculture facilities. If you're thinking of pursuing a degree in agriculture business management, animal science, horticulture, or a specific field like agricultural mechanics, this ranking can provide you with information on well-respected schools with programs that can prepare you for a successful career. </p> <h3 id="section---1.SUNYCobleskill">1. SUNY Cobleskill</h3> <p>The Cobleskill campus of the State University of New York offers degrees related to agriculture at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels. Undergraduate students can choose from programs in agricultural business management, agricultural equipment technology, agricultural power machinery, agriculture science, and agricultural engineering, as well as related fields like plant and animal science. Courses give students valuable hands-on experiences in subjects like plant science and agricultural engineering, and students also have the opportunity to work in an agricultural laboratory featuring dairy, livestock, and crop operations. Agriculture students can also get a head start on their careers by completing internships with major agricultural organizations (like the USDA, Farm Credit East, and Nationwide Agribusiness), and they can gain experience in agricultural management by working at the school's farmer's market. </p> <h3 id="section---2.DelawareValleyUniversity">2. Delaware Valley University</h3> <p>Students at Delaware Valley University can choose from several agriculture-related bachelor's degree programs, including options in agribusiness, animal science, and crop science, and the school also offers a Master of Science in Agribusiness Management program. At the undergraduate level, the school proudly offers its Experience360 program which gives agribusiness students real-world experience through internships and research projects. Agribusiness students at Delaware Valley also enjoy a low student-to-faculty ratio, and they can earn their bachelor's and master's degrees in five years through the school's 4 + 1 program. Located in Doylestown, PA, Delaware Valley University also gives students the chance to gain professional experience by working in a market on campus, and agriculture students can get involved in several organizations, like the Collegiate Farm Bureau. </p> <h3 id="section---3.WilmingtonCollege">3. Wilmington College</h3> <p>At its campus in Wilmington, OH, Wilmington College offers students in its Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program the choice of six areas of concentration: agronomy, animal science, plant and soil science, agriculture business, agriculture communications, and agriculture education. Realizing the importance of hands-on learning opportunities, the college allows agriculture students to work on its 267-acre production farm. Students can also participate in study abroad programs examining sustainable agriculture, judge agriculture competitions, and complete internships in their particular area of interest. The college boasts that over 90% of recent graduates receive employment offers in the agriculture industry. </p> <h3 id="section---4.SUNYMorrisville">4. SUNY Morrisville</h3> <p>At SUNY's Morrisville campus, students can pursue agriculture degrees at the associate's and bachelor's levels. The school offers an impressive range of programs to suit individual interests; for instance, degrees are offered in agricultural mechanics, horticulture business management, and dairy management along with more traditional offerings like agricultural business and animal science. Courses equip students with knowledge of the latest technologies shaping the agriculture industry, and students have access to hands-on learning facilities like a specialty-foods market and a working dairy facility. </p> <h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfWisconsinRiverFalls">5. University of Wisconsin - River Falls</h3> <p>The University of Wisconsin's River Falls campus offers 16 undergraduate majors and two master's programs through its College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. Students can choose to pursue degrees in specific areas like agricultural marketing or conservation planning, and the school proudly offers the only agricultural engineering technology program in Wisconsin. As they progress through their studies, agriculture students gain valuable experience at the university's laboratory farms, food processing operations, and related facilities. </p> <h3 id="section---6.LakeAreaTechnicalInstitute">6. Lake Area Technical Institute</h3> <p>Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute offers a range of technical degree programs in agriculture, and many can be completed in under two years. Students can choose from Associate of Applied Science degree options in agri-production, livestock management, commodity merchandising, and agri-business. The school also offers several convenient online degree programs in which students complete most coursework online and come to campus to work in the school's agricultural center. Lake Area Technical Institute provides other valuable opportunities by facilitating internships with area co-ops and growers. The school boasts that 100% of recent graduates obtained employment in agriculture or are pursuing additional education. </p> <h3 id="section---7.SouthDakotaStateUniversity">7. South Dakota State University</h3> <p>The College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State offers more than 20 undergraduate majors, minors, and certificate programs as well as master's and doctoral programs. With such a wide range of options, agriculture students can select programs tailored to their specific interests, like a major in agricultural education with a communication specialization or a dairy manufacturing degree with a microbiology specialization. South Dakota State also gives students the chance to participate in award-winning competition teams in livestock, dairy products, crops, and related areas, and the school also sponsors more than 30 relevant student organizations, offering plenty of opportunities for networking. </p> <h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfMinnesotaCrookston">8. University of Minnesota - Crookston</h3> <p>The Agriculture and Natural Resources department at the University of Minnesota's Crookston campus stresses experiential learning, giving students a wide range of opportunities for hands-on learning to prepare them for their careers. For instance, students complete field-based projects and internships, and classroom learning is supplemented with laboratory work and simulations. Agriculture students can choose from seven majors including agriculture business, agronomy, agricultural communication, and equine science, and some programs match specific student needs through specializations like renewable energy or environmental education. The school also offers a convenient online certificate program in agricultural business. </p> <h3 id="section---9.CollegeOfTheOzarks">9. College of the Ozarks</h3> <p>Agriculture students at the College of the Ozarks participate in an innovative work program on the school's working farm. Through their efforts, students supply goods like dairy products and produce used in on-campus restaurants. Participants hold regular positions in areas including beef or hog farming or feed production, providing valuable real-world work experience. The college provides a choice of six majors related to agriculture that lead to Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees in agribusiness, agriculture education, agronomy, animal science, agricultural development, or horticulture. </p> <h3 id="section---10.TheUniversityOfTennesseeMartin">10. The University of Tennessee - Martin</h3> <p>The Martin campus of the University of Tennessee offers a variety of Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in agriculture, and its students benefit from curriculums that cover the breadth of the discipline while still allowing for an in-depth concentration in an area of interest. For instance, students enrolled in the agriculture Bachelor of Science program can concentrate in agricultural engineering technology, plant science, or agricultural science. During their studies, agriculture students gain practical experience on the university's 640-acre farm. One of the school's unique programs prepares students to serve as officers in the U. S. military, and the university also supports students by arranging living-learning communities of students with similar academic interests, thus fostering opportunities for networking and collaborative study. </p> <h3 id="section---11.MontanaStateUniversityNorthern">11. Montana State University - Northern</h3> <p>Students at Montana State University - Northern benefit from its location in Havre, MT, as the school is surrounded by numerous farming and ranching operations. It's School of Technical Sciences offers associate's degrees in agricultural technology and ag mechanics technology and bachelor's degrees in agricultural operations technology. Faculty members boast practical experience in the field and are committed to one-on-one advising, preparing students for careers in agricultural business or production. Before graduation, students complete courses covering a broad range of agriculture topics, from animal science to marketing, and the curriculum places a special emphasis on current industry technologies. </p> <h3 id="section---12.DordtCollege">12. Dordt College</h3> <p>Located in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College incorporates a Christian perspective to the study of agriculture, emphasizing responsible stewardship of land and resources. As they pursue their bachelor's degrees in agriculture, students choose an area of emphasis like animal science, biotechnology, plant science, or agribusiness, and the school also offers a unique missions-based concentration, equipping students to use their knowledge of agriculture to tackle the challenge of hunger within communities. The college also proudly promotes their Agriculture Stewardship Center, a hands-on learning facility that allows students to study agriculture topics including equipment repair, livestock production, and animal care. </p> <h3 id="section---13.KansasStateUniversity">13. Kansas State University</h3> <p>Undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University are sure to find a program reflecting their academic interests among the 16 available majors - which range from agricultural communications to agronomy to bakery science. The school offers prospective students the chance to meet with an Agriculture Ambassador on its Manhattan, KS, campus to explore academic options and learn about the many organizations and training programs available to Kansas State agriculture students. Kansas State also offers 18 graduate programs in disciplines including entomology, food science, grain science, and plant pathology. </p> <p>Graduate students have opportunities to conduct research at agriculture facilities throughout the state including a biosecurity research institute and a wheat innovation center. </p> <h3 id="section---14.WabashValleyCollege">14. Wabash Valley College</h3> <p>Located in Mt. Carmel, IL, Wabash Valley College offers two associate degree programs in agricultural technology. Students can choose from a focus on business or production in degree programs that prepare them for a variety of careers in farm management, agricultural supply, agricultural finance, and related areas. The programs can be completed in two years, so students can enter the workforce fairly quickly, and Wabash's agriculture programs also incorporate hands-on occupational experiences in which students can develop real-world skills. The school also offers a 43-hour precision agriculture certificate program for students seeking entry-level positions within the industry. </p> <h3 id="section---15.MitchellTechnicalInstitute">15. Mitchell Technical Institute</h3> <p>Mitchell Technical Institute offers five career-focused agriculture associate's degree programs that can be completed in about four semesters. In addition to program offerings like agricultural business and animal science, the institute has a unique diesel power program in which students can learn about the maintenance and operation of farm equipment, which is currently a high-demand career field. All of Mitchell's programs stress current trends and issues in the agriculture industry, and some courses of study give students the chance to work on the institute's 85-acre production farm. The college boasts that 100% of their agriculture graduates find employment within six months of finishing their programs. </p> <h3 id="section---16.CaliforniaPolytechnicStateUniversitySanLuisObispo">16. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo</h3> <p>Cal Poly's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences offers nine undergraduate majors in fields including agribusiness, horticulture and crop science, and agricultural education along with master's programs in agricultural education and agriculture. The school incorporates hands-on learning into all of its programs, striving to create a 'Learn by Doing' culture in which students and faculty collaborate. The campus offers unparalleled facilities for agriculture students including the Dairy Innovation Institute and an 11-acre on-campus organic farm; overall, students have access to 6000 acres of facilities near the school's San Luis Obispo campus. Cal Poly proudly asserts that 85% of agriculture graduates are employed in positions related to their majors. </p> <h3 id="section---17.IowaStateUniversity">17. Iowa State University</h3> <p>Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University can choose from an astounding 28 majors, which include agronomy, animal science, and a flexible agricultural studies program that allows students to design a course of study around a specific interest, like agricultural law. In addition to networking opportunities through student organizations and learning communities, the university offers an Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative through which students can hone their business skills, participate in competitions, and go on national and international tours showcasing real-world entrepreneurial efforts. As evidence of its ability to prepare graduates for the workforce, the College of Agriculture boasts that 98% of its grads are working or in higher ed within six months of finishing their degrees. The university also offers agriculture-related master's and graduate certificate programs and several doctoral programs in specific areas like agricultural meteorology and rural agricultural technological and environmental history. </p> <h3 id="section---18.NorthDakotaStateUniversityMainCampus">18. North Dakota State University-Main Campus</h3> <p>At its campus in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University offers 17 undergraduate degrees and 12 master's- or doctoral-level graduate programs through its College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources. Options range from general agriculture to agricultural economics, cereal science, and crop and weed science, and students can connect easily with their instructors thanks to a low 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. One of the school's unique features is the NDSU Commodity Trading Laboratory, the first facility of its kind where students can learn about commodity trading, logistics, and other concepts related to agricultural business. The university strives to make agricultural education accessible with about a quarter of agriculture students receiving scholarship funds. </p> <h3 id="section---19.NortheastCommunityCollege">19. Northeast Community College</h3> <p>Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE, offers several associate's degree programs preparing graduates to enter the agriculture workforce. Some of their program options include an AAS in Agribusiness, AAS in Diversified Agriculture, and AAS in Mechanized Agriculture. There are also programs in agronomy and animal science as well as a general agriculture AA/AS program designed to transfer to a 4-year school. All aspiring agriculture students at NCC take courses in business management, marketing, computers, and agricultural records within their program, which helps them gain many useful skills for their future careers. The school also offers a summer internship program to helps students gain real world experience while also connecting them with possible future employers. </p> <h3 id="section---20.UniversityOfWisconsinPlatteville">20. University of Wisconsin - Platteville</h3> <p>At the Platteville campus of the University of Wisconsin, agriculture students can participate in hands-on learning at the school's impressive 430-acre farm and during internships within the industry. Several bachelor's degree programs are available including a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, and students can also earn an associate's degree in food and agriculture. Students at this university also benefit from the chance to participate in competitions with an agriculture-related team; for example, the university's soil and crop science teams have won national and international championships. </p> <h3 id="section---21.TuskegeeUniversity">21. Tuskegee University</h3> <p>Students interested in agribusiness, animal science, or plant and soil sciences can find these three undergraduate programs at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL. In the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, students are encouraged to participate in research projects in conjunction with faculty members and university partner organizations, giving undergraduates an opportunity to conduct advanced research in areas like plant breeding and animal reproduction. Tuskegee University is a highly-ranked HBCU, and students enjoy a low student-to-faculty ratio on a campus designated as a National Historic Site. The school also offers amazing agriculture graduate programs in agricultural economics, animal science, and plant science. </p> <h3 id="section---22.OklahomaStateUniversityMainCampus">22. Oklahoma State University - Main Campus</h3> <p>As a large university with over 24,000 students, Oklahoma State offers students a vast range of agriculture programs - with 19 areas of study and many specializations to choose from; for example, students can major in animal science and specialize in animal biotechnology or they might major in agribusiness and choose a focus in accounting or farm and ranch management. The university's Ferguson College of Agriculture and Animal Science emphasizes hands-on learning throughout a student's entire time on campus through experiences at the school's teaching farms and laboratories. The college also offers 16 master's programs and 11 doctoral programs in a number of agriculture-related areas including agricultural economics, crop science, international agriculture and animal science. </p> <h3 id="section---23.UniversityOfNorthwesternOhio">23. University of Northwestern Ohio</h3> <p>At the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, OK, students can pursue associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, or diplomas in agricultural equipment technology or associate's or bachelor's degrees in agribusiness. The agriculture equipment technology program provides students with in-demand skills, and 70% of students' time is spent in hands-on learning opportunities. Students in the agribusiness program gain a broad understanding of the field and begin taking agriculture courses their very first semester on campus. Both programs proudly note that over 90% of recent graduates are either employed or pursuing higher education. </p> <h3 id="section---24.TarletonStateUniversity">24. Tarleton State University</h3> <p>Agriculture students at Tarleton State University benefit from access to the school's Tarleton Agriculture Center which features facilities including a meat lab, an agricultural machinery lab, and a aquaponics center. In addition, students get field-based education during a required internship as they pursue bachelor's degrees in agricultural services, agricultural communication, or agribusiness. Located in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State boasts the second-largest enrollment of agriculture students in the state of Texas. For prospective graduate students, the university also offers a Master of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Resources. </p> <h3 id="section---25.UniversityOfNebraskaLincoln">25. University of Nebraska - Lincoln</h3> <p>Undergraduate students can select from 32 amazing agriculture majors at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, ranging from agribusiness and food science to insect science. The school also offers a unique program for aspiring agribusiness entrepreneurs that allows students to complete learning modules during which they focus in-depth on concepts critical to entrepreneurial success like risk management and prototype creation. Students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources are encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty and to get involved with one of the more than 50 clubs the college works with. The college also offers more than 30 master's, doctoral, certificate, and professional graduate programs related to agriculture. </p> <h3 id="section---26.NorthwestCollege">26. Northwest College</h3> <p>Located in Powell, WY, Northwest College offers nine associate's degree programs related to agriculture. The top-notch degrees cover topics including farm management, agriculture education, and agroecology, and students may be able to transfer their credits to a four-year institution if they wish to pursue additional education. As they pursue their degrees, students have access to the college's Paul Stock Agriculture Pavilion, a site for hands-on learning and livestock judging events, as well as a 1,500 square foot greenhouse where students investigate crop science. </p> <h3 id="section---27.NorthwestMissouriStateUniversity">27. Northwest Missouri State University</h3> <p>The School of Agricultural Sciences at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, offers eight bachelor's degree programs, three graduate degrees, and a two-year certificate program, so prospective students are sure to find a good academic fit whether they are interested in agricultural communication, agronomy, agricultural finance, or a related field. Students benefit from the school's demonstration plots and 448-acre farm featuring swine, dairy, and crop production operations. The agricultural science program is growing, boasting a recent 40% increase in students majoring in the field. Additionally, 98% of the school's graduates find employment or continue their educations after earning their degrees. </p> <h3 id="section---28.NortheastIowaCommunityCollege">28. Northeast Iowa Community College</h3> <p>Students eager to enter the agriculture workforce can be well prepared with an associate's degree, diploma, or certificate from Northeast Iowa Community College - which has many in-demand programs offered at the school's Calmar campus or online, including Associate of Applied Science degrees in agriculture business and agriculture finance and certificates that focus on precision agriculture and swine production. Agriculture students can learn and work in the state's Dairy Center and they gain experience with agricultural technologies and animal care. Northeast Iowa CC's range of offerings also allows students to pursue a specific interest like crop science or beef science. Students also have unique opportunities like the chance to work directly with faculty on projects in conjunction with the U. S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. </p> <h3 id="section---29.TexasAMUniversityCollegeStation">29. Texas A &amp; M University - College Station</h3> <p>The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A &amp; M University includes 15 departments offering a wide range of programs - including more than 25 undergraduate majors and 30 graduate degrees as well as both undergraduate and graduate certificates. Students can choose programs tailored to their specific interests like agricultural engineering, agricultural systems management, agricultural communications, or poultry science. This school in College Station, TX, offers valuable opportunities to its more than 7000 students including study abroad programs and collaborations with government agricultural agencies. Faculty members encourage hands-on learning in facilities including a meat science center and a seven-acre teaching garden. </p> <h3 id="section---30.NorthCarolinaStateUniversityAtRaleigh">30. North Carolina State University at Raleigh</h3> <p>North Carolina State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences emphasizes preparing students for success in a variety of agriculture-related fields, like agricultural economics, crop and soil science, and agricultural engineering. Students at this Raleigh, NC school can pursue bachelor's and graduate degrees through the college's 12 academic departments with programs tailored to specific interests like veterinary bioscience or extension education. The school's Leadership Office sponsors programs that equip students for leadership roles in the industry, and the university boasts that 95% of agriculture graduates with high-need degrees earn salaries higher than the median salary in North Carolina. In addition, students at North Carolina State can participate in research experiences even at the undergraduate level, and the school offers study abroad programs and student organizations to extend learning past the walls of the classroom. </p> <h3 id="section---31.CornellUniversity">31. Cornell University</h3> <p>Both undergraduate and graduate agriculture students hoping to make a positive impact on their community through their work may find a good fit at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences emphasizes outreach efforts with communities throughout the state and takes an interdisciplinary, problem-focused approach to the study of agriculture. Cornell's 22 undergraduate offerings include noteworthy programs like bachelor's degrees in science communication and public engagement or viticulture, and the college is proud to be the home of the nation's first programs in plant pathology and rural sociology. Graduate programs range from soil and crop sciences to horticulture and food science. Cornell's distinguished history includes several faculty members and graduates who have been recognized as National Academy of Sciences Fellows, Nobel Laureates, and World Food Prize Laureates. </p> <h3 id="section---32.NorthDakotaStateCollegeOfScience">32. North Dakota State College of Science</h3> <p>At its campus in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College of Science's Department of Agriculture offers undergraduates the chance to earn associate's degrees six fields including agronomy, animal science, and ranch management. Students gain practical experience on the college's 95-acre land laboratory, and some programs include flexible structures allowing students to work and learn on their home farms for part of the semester. The department proudly reports a 100% job placement rate for its graduates. </p> <h3 id="section---33.UniversityOfIdaho">33. University of Idaho</h3> <p>The focus of the University of Idaho's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is on how agricultural work can address challenges related to nutrition, development, and natural resources throughout the world. Located in Moscow, ID, the college offers a wide selection of 25 undergraduate programs, including majors in crop management and sustainable food systems, and more than 15 graduate programs. Agriculture students participate in endeavors benefiting the community like the university's dairy center, which produces about 600 gallons of milk daily for local milk processors and creameries. Another opportunity for hands-on learning can be found at the school's Agri Beef Meat Science and Innovation Center which produces and sells meat products, generating funds to maintain livestock and facilities. </p> <h3 id="section---34.VermontTechnicalCollege">34. Vermont Technical College</h3> <p>Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center, VT, emphasizes practical skills in its series of five associate's degree programs in agriculture, and the school also offers a bachelor's degree program in diversified agriculture. In addition to agribusiness management, students can learn about forestry and dairy farm management in programs boasting 80 to 100% job placement rates for graduates. Students gain hands-on experience at facilities like the school's 500-acre farm, and the school offers a broad selection of scholarships for agriculture students to help make college affordable. </p> <h3 id="section---35.MurrayStateUniversity">35. Murray State University</h3> <p>The Hutson School of Agriculture at Murray State University prides itself on offering the opportunities of a large university while still maintaining a small school feel where students receive ample individual attention. Agriculture students on the Murray, KY, campus can choose from 10 fields of study at the associate's, bachelor's, or master's levels with specific options including agriscience technology, agricultural education, and agribusiness economics. The school also offers a Master of Science degree in agriculture with on-campus or online options. Agriculture students can apply classroom learning to real-world situations in the university's many relevant facilities, including a mechanization and farm shop, a 44-acre research farm, and a cattle research complex. </p> <h3 id="section---36.WestTexasAMUniversity">36. West Texas A &amp; M University</h3> <p>The Department of Agricultural Studies at West Texas A &amp; M University offers eight undergraduate degrees and three graduate programs, covering a broad range of student interests that range from agricultural media and the equine industry to agricultural business and economics. The school's location in Canyon, TX, gives students the advantage of being surrounded by agricultural operations. The department prides itself on its judging programs, giving students the chance to build critical thinking skills while participating in competitions judging horses, livestock, and crops. In addition, students can pursue work on the school's Nance Ranch, a teaching and research operation where duties are tailored to students' academic and professional goals. </p> <h3 id="section---37.NortheasternJuniorCollege">37. Northeastern Junior College</h3> <p>For students seeking an applied education in a specific area of agriculture, Northeastern Junior College is an excellent option. The school offers a series of 2-year associate's degrees in agriculture along with one-year certificate programs. Students can choose a curriculum on a subject as specific as commodity marketing or as broad as production agriculture. Located in Sterling, CO, Northeastern Junior College also encourages agriculture students to get involved in relevant clubs like the Aggies Club and the Collegiate Farm Bureau--the two largest student organizations on campus. </p> <h3 id="section---38.RedlandsCommunityCollege">38. Redlands Community College</h3> <p>Redlands Community College in El Reno, OK, offers students a choice of six amazing associate's degree programs in agriculture: agribusiness, agroecology, agricultural communications, agriculture education, or animal science, and general agriculture. The school also provides certificates of mastery in areas as specific as sustainable food systems technology. Redlands prides itself on its close-knit campus feel, and students can enhance that feeling by living in on-campus student housing or getting involved in organizations like the Sustainable Living Club or the Aggie Club, which emphasizes community involvement. </p> <h3 id="section---39.AlcornStateUniversity">39. Alcorn State University</h3> <p>Agriculture students at Alcorn State University learn both practical skills used in agriculture and the theoretical concepts behind them. Located in Lorman, MS, the school offers both bachelor's and master's degrees through its Department of Agriculture, including three undergraduate program options in agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, and agribusiness management and a Master of Science degree with options to focus on agronomy, animal science, economics, or education. Beyond the classroom, Alcorn State provides real-world learning opportunities for agriculture students through internships and experiential learning programs. Alcorn State is also home to the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Center, an organization devoted to researching how policies impact this group of agricultural operators. </p> <h3 id="section---40.ColoradoStateUniversityFortCollins">40. Colorado State University - Fort Collins</h3> <p>Colorado State University's College of Agricultural Sciences focuses on how to use agriculture-related disciplines to solve worldwide concerns like food insecurity and climate change, making it an excellent choice for students seeking to make a positive impact on their community through their work. The five departments within the college offer a broad selection of undergraduate degrees including agricultural education and agricultural business; graduate programs include master's and doctoral degrees in agricultural and resource economics. The university's size allows it to offer students a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom including study abroad programs and outreach efforts like providing agricultural education programs for children. The Fort Collins campus is also home to unparalleled facilities, like the 60,000 square foot Plant Growth Facilities complex. </p> <h3 id="section---41.RendLakeCollege">41. Rend Lake College</h3> <p>Rend Lake College in Ina, IL, offers a series of associate's degree and certificate programs in agriculture for students seeking to enter the workforce in fields like agricultural business or agricultural mechanics. Most of the Associate in Arts or Associate in Applied Science degree programs can be completed in four semesters, and the school maintains relationships with several four-year institutions, making it easy for students to continue their education if desired. Shorter certificate programs are available in agricultural mechanics and agricultural production and management. Students complete their coursework in a 22,300 square food applied science facility, and the school sponsors an agriculture club to provide networking opportunities. </p> <h3 id="section---42.ClarendonCollege">42. Clarendon College</h3> <p>Clarendon College offers technical programs for students seeking agriculture-related associate's degrees or pre-transfer credits. The school's open-door philosophy makes it a great fit for students from a variety of educational backgrounds, and agriculture students can benefit from its location in the agriculture-rich Texas panhandle city of Clarendon. Students can choose from Associate in Science programs in agriculture, agri-business or agricultural economics within programs where they take courses in subjects including agronomy, food science, and equine management. </p> <h3 id="section---43.UniversityOfCaliforniaDavis">43. University of California - Davis</h3> <p>The University of California's Davis campus is home to an impressive College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences that provides instruction to more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year! Their programs are widely recognized for excellence and the school is home to award-winning faculty members, including 33 who have been named Fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences. Undergraduates at UC-Davis can choose from over 25 majors including sustainable agriculture, animal science and management, international agricultural development, and agricultural and environmental education; graduate students can find master's and doctoral programs in areas like agricultural and environmental chemistry and agricultural and resource economics. Beyond the classroom, agriculture students at UC-Davis learn and conduct research in facilities devoted to plants, seeds, and sustainable agriculture. </p> <h3 id="section---44.PurdueUniversityMainCampus">44. Purdue Global - Main Campus</h3> <p>The College of Agriculture at Purdue Global lets students choose from an impressive array of 31 majors, many which have options to specialize in a particular sub-field; for instance, students can major in agronomy and specialize in crop and soil management or international agronomy. Even as undergraduates, agriculture majors at Purdue participate in cutting-edge laboratory and field research alongside faculty members on subjects like plant science and agricultural education. The school's campus in West Lafayette, IN, includes the ADM Agricultural Innovation Center, a site where students can investigate agricultural equipment and research topics like robotics and food engineering. The college also proudly reports that almost 95% of graduates are either employed or pursuing further education. </p> <h3 id="section---45.CaliforniaStateUniversityFresno">45. California State University - Fresno</h3> <p>The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology gives students at California State University - Fresno access to a 30,000 square foot agricultural research center where they can work together with faculty on projects investigating projects connecting agriculture with math, engineering, and related fields. Students also learn in the school's 1,000-acre agricultural laboratory as they pursue a degree in one of seven departments. The merits of the school's programs have led to a significant enrollment increase in the last ten years; now, more than 2,500 students have enrolled to enroll in one of the schools amazing bachelor's degree programs, including ones in agricultural business, industrial technology, food science, agricultural education, and plant science. </p> <h3 id="section---46.ClemsonUniversity">46. Clemson University</h3> <p>Undergraduates at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, can choose to major in agribusiness, agricultural education, or agricultural mechanization, and the school also offers a master's degree in agricultural education. Agriculture students have access to hands-on learning facilities, like a cutaway tractor, and they can also complete internships and capstone projects prior to graduation, providing plenty of valuable real-world experience. In addition, students have opportunities to tour agricultural operations, participate in organizations like the Ag Mech Club, or compete on the department's academic bowl team. </p> <h3 id="section---47.DickinsonStateUniversity">47. Dickinson State University</h3> <p>Agriculture students at North Dakota's Dickinson State University can earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies that has specialization options that allow students to tailor their studies for a particular career field or graduate studies; options include business management, ranch management, or soil science. Seniors complete a capstone research project and present it at a networking event where they can connect with potential employers and graduate schools. As they complete their studies, students can get involved in judging agriculture-related competitions and conferences. The school also sponsors rodeo teams, a Future Farmers of America chapter, and community outreach programs like a farm day experience for elementary-age children. </p> <h3 id="section---48.UniversityOfWyoming">48. University of Wyoming</h3> <p>At the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY, undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources can pursue one of ten program bachelor's degree programs in areas s including agricultural economics, plant science, and agricultural communication. Agriculture students have opportunities to learn outside of the classroom through the university's research and extension centers on projects like grain science and indigenous plant studies. Faculty members regularly receive more research funding than any other college within the university, signaling the agriculture scholars' commitment to advancing the discipline. The school also offers a unique rangeland ecology and watershed management program that is larger than any comparable program nationwide. </p> <h2 id="section---49.OregonStateUniversity">49. Oregon State University</h2> <p>Through its College of Agricultural Sciences in Corvallis, OR, undergraduate students at Oregon State can choose from more than 40 majors and minors that span areas like general agricultural studies, food science and technology, and sustainability. The school offers undergraduates valuable research opportunities through internships at Branch Experiment Stations throughout the state where they work on challenges related to ranching, farming, and food processing. Students can also complete internships with organizations outside the college and expand their horizons through study abroad programs. At the graduate level, the college offers a range of master's, doctoral, and certificate programs including M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural education, animal sciences, and crop science. </p> <h3 id="section---50.VirginiaPolytechnicInstituteAndStateUniversity">50. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University</h3> <p>Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University offers a plethora of degree programs for students interested in agriculture. For example, college offers an AS in Agricultural Technology and a MS in Agricultural and Applied Economics as well as bachelor's degrees in agribusiness, crop and soil sciences, dairy science, and agricultural sciences. Hands-on learning experiences and research opportunities are available at the school's Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, and students are encouraged to participate in one of the schools many agriculture-related clubs, like the Ag Econ Club, National Agri-Marketing Association. or Collegiate Young Farmers at Virginia Tech. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatCanYouDoWithAnAgricultureDegree">What Can You Do with an Agriculture Degree?</h2> <p>There are a wide range of career options in the field of agriculture available that may vary by degree level and/or focus. Many students may think of careers as farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers when they think of a degree in agriculture. According to the <i>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> (BLS), these professionals made a median annual salary of $71,160, as of 2019, and had little to no change (-1%) for a job outlook from 2018 to 2028. Typically, farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers need at least a high school diploma and some experience, but it is becoming more common for these professionals to earn an undergraduate degree to prepare for managing agricultural organizations. </p> <p>Students interested in the food-side of agriculture may pursue a career as an agricultural and food scientist. The BLS reported that these scientists made a median annual salary of $65,160, as of 2019, and had a job outlook of 7% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than average. Agricultural and food scientists need at least a bachelor's degree but may go on to earn an advanced degree to study and improve agricultural products. </p> <p>Some students may decide to help educate the next generation in the field of agriculture and work as postsecondary teachers, which typically requires a doctoral degree, but some community colleges may accept those with a masters. As of 2019, the BLS reported that agricultural sciences teachers made a median salary of $83,260 and had a job outlook of 4% from 2018 to 2028. </p> <p>Students with at least a bachelor's degree and an interest in sales and the business-side of agriculture may look to become a wholesale or manufacturing sales representative for agricultural equipment and sell supplies to agricultural businesses and organizations. The BLS reported that as of 2019, these representatives made a median annual salary of $63,000 and had a job outlook of 2% from 2018 to 2028. </p> <p>A final career example for those with at least a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering is working as an agricultural engineer who solves a wide range of agricultural problems. These professionals made a median salary of $80,720 as of 2019 and had a job outlook of 5% from 2018 to 2028, per the BLS.</p>