Online Agriculture Schools and Courses
Read on to learn more about what online agriculture schools and classes have to offer you. See what programs are offered online and what you might study, depending on your interests.
What You Need to Know
Many colleges and universities offer numerous online agriculture programs, ranging from certificate all the way up to doctoral degrees. Certificate programs can be completed in as little as one semester, but they typically take one year to complete. If you need continuing education credit, certain certificate courses may qualify.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Methods of researching agriculture, finance, law, economics, organics, pesticides, agronomy, organic farm and field management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in agriculture</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certificate</b></td><td> Certificates in organic agriculture, plant pests and pathogens, agriculture, agricultural business management</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTopicsWillIStudy">What Topics Will I Study?</h3><p>The curriculum of online agriculture programs vary, so the classes that you take will depend upon the degree and program. If you opt for an agricultural education program, most of your courses cover the foundation, evaluation and method of researching agriculture-based topics. Likewise, if you desire the business aspect of agriculture, you should expect to take classes in finance, economics, law and pricing commodities. You may also complete courses in the following:
</p><ul><li>Organics
</li><li>Pesticides
</li><li>Forage production
</li><li>Agronomy
</li><li>Organic farm and field management
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowCanIAccessTheCoursesOnline">How Can I Access the Courses Online?</h3><p>Most coursework for online agriculture programs can be completed entirely online and are offered asynchronously. Courses are mainly delivered through a Web-based system, with course materials and other communications sent directly to your e-mail box. Other viewing options include video conferencing, interactive television, chat rooms and message boards. You should check to see if the school requires you to have specific computer application programs in order to view homework assignments or course materials.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheOptionsForOnlineDegreePrograms">What Are the Options for Online Degree Programs?</h3><p>Distance learning associate's degree programs can provide a solid foundation of agriculture-based courses and can prepare you to transfer to a bachelor's degree program through a 2+2 program. Once you earn your associate's degree, you can obtain a bachelor's degree in just two additional years.
</p><p>Online bachelor's degree programs, which take four years to finish, prepare you to become an agricultural manager through agribusiness programs or an educator through agriculture education programs. The online master's degree option takes 1-2 years to complete, and depending upon the program, you may need to complete a thesis. With this degree, you can search out jobs in horticulture, agronomy, education or management.
</p><p>Although rare, doctoral degree programs also offer agricultural education courses. These programs prepare you for a career in teaching, researching or analyzing specific aspects of the agriculture industry. Most doctoral degree programs last four years and culminate with a dissertation.
</p><p>Some schools that offer online agriculture programs include:
</p><ul><li>Oregon State University
</li><li>Colorado State University
</li><li>Texas Tech University
</li><li>Washington State University
</li><li>Oklahoma State University</li></ul>