Agriculture Degrees
Agriculture continues to gain relevance and importance in a world facing climate change, food shortages, and the depletion of natural resources. Graduates of an accredited agriculture program often find employment as food scientists, agricultural engineers, and agronomy specialists.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $65,160 for agricultural and food scientists, much higher than the $39,810 median salary for all jobs. Additionally, the BLS projects a 6% growth rate for the industry, faster than the 4% projected growth rate for other industries. Overall, agriculture graduates can expect to enter a robust job market with ample opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment.
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How long is an agricultural degree?
Like most undergraduate programs, a bachelor's degree in agriculture requires four years of full-time enrollment to complete.
Is agriculture a good career?
In terms of growth opportunities, the agricultural field shows promise. The BLS projects a 6% growth rate for jobs in the sector, faster than the projected growth rate of 4% for other sectors.
Does agriculture pay well?
According to data from the BLS, agricultural scientists earn a median salary of $65,160 per year, much higher than the national median salary of $39,810.
Can you get an agriculture degree online?
Yes. Several accredited colleges and universities nationwide offer online bachelor's degrees in agriculture.
Affordable Bachelor's in Agriculture Programs
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s In Agriculture Programs
The University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Florida offers programs that prepare students for new job opportunities and career advancement. The institution enrolls 24,310 online degree-seekers. Remote students receive the same high-quality education as on-campus learners. One of the options for online bachelor's students is the bachelor of science in agricultural operations management, with a rigorous curriculum.
The flexible learning format often appeals to students with personal and professional responsibilities. Undergraduate degree-seekers take general education courses and major classes. Bachelor's degree-holders often benefit from increased earning potential. The school reports an admission rate of 37% for undergraduate degree-seekers.
Students earning a bachelor's degree pay affordable tuition rates. Many bachelor's degree-seekers qualify for financial aid. In-state tuition costs $4,477 per year, and out-of-state tuition costs $25,694 annually. The school's website provides details about the types of transfer credit it accepts from degree-seekers. The University of Florida has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s In Agriculture Programs
The University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The programs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison help professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. Among the school's virtual options is a bachelor of science in agricultural business management. Online students work with advisors, IT support professionals, and other support staff to complete their degree. The online programs maintain a high academic standard by connecting students and faculty in a virtual classroom. Degree-seekers can use test scores to bolster their application.
With affordable tuition rates, the school offers some of the most accessible online undergraduate degrees. The school charges in-state undergraduate learners $9,273 annually and out-of-state undergraduates $36,333 per year. Online learners often save on transportation and housing costs. Prospective applicants can check the institution's website for details about transferring previous credits or earning credit for professional experience.
Online enrollees can continue working full time while advancing their education. The school reports that graduates earn an average of $49,600 six years after completing their bachelor's program. The institution reports that 54% of hopeful students receive admission. The University of Wisconsin–Madison holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s In Agriculture Programs
The University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Georgia delivers 419 academic programs, including online options. The school's enrollment includes 5,389 distance learners. Remote degree-seekers receive the same high-quality education as on-campus students. One of the options for these learners is the bachelor of science in agriculture in agribusiness. The institution's online programs feature rigorous coursework requirements. Undergraduate degree-seekers take general education courses and major classes. Prospective applicants can learn about residency and practical experience requirements through the institution's website.
Students enrolled at the school pay an affordable tuition rate. Degree-seekers pay $15,961 on average to attend the school, after factoring in financial aid. For undergraduate students, in-state tuition costs $9,790 per year, and out-of-state tuition costs $28,830 annually. Prospective learners can check the school's website for details about transfer credit requirements.
The convenient online learning format is ideal for working professionals looking to qualify for career advancement. The school reports that 45% of hopeful students receive admission. The University of Georgia receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s In Agriculture Programs
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's students choose from 372 program options, including online programs like the bachelor of science in agricultural leadership, education, and communications. Like on-campus students, online students work with advisors, IT support professionals, and other support staff. In online courses, learners interact with faculty and peers in a virtual classroom setting. The school allows degree-seekers to submit entrance scores to bolster their application.
The school charges affordable tuition rates. After factoring in financial aid, degree-seekers pay an average of $14,660 to attend the school. The school charges in-state undergraduate students $14,188 per year and out-of-state undergraduates $33,127 per year. Prospective degree-seekers can check the institution's website to determine whether the school will accept their transfer credits.
Online learning allows professionals to continue working full time while earning a degree. The institution reports that 59% of undergraduate applicants receive admission. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s In Agriculture Programs
North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners at North Carolina State University can pursue 294 academic programs, including in-person and online programs like the bachelor of science in agricultural science. Students without transfer credits typically need about four years to complete the bachelor's program. In online bachelor's classes, students interact with faculty and peers in a virtual learning environment. Students can use test scores to bolster their application.
Degree-seekers pay affordable tuition rates based on the number of credits they take. Students pay $14,958 on average to attend the school, after accounting for financial aid. The school charges in-state learners $6,535 per year and out-of-state residents $26,654 per year. Transfer students should check the school’s website for more details about transferring credits.
The flexible learning format allows learners to work full time while earning their degree. A bachelor's degree can lead to advanced, high-paying professional roles. According to the institution, 45% of hopeful students receive admission. The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What Are the Goals of an Agriculture Degree?
Students pursue an agricultural degree at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Since agriculture encompasses a broad field of study, most programs offer concentrations for enrollees to focus on an area relevant to their career objectives. Popular specializations include sustainable agriculture, land management, and agricultural engineering.
Courses for an undergraduate agriculture degree vary among schools and further depends on a student's area of specialization. Most core classes cover foundation topics such as soil ecosystems, agribusiness management, and agricultural markets and prices. Agriculture programs usually require enrollees to participate in field work and perform lab experiments in addition to classroom instruction.
Why Get an Agriculture Degree?
For some students, pursuing a bachelor's degree in agriculture stems from a desire to turn a passion into a career. Continue reading for a list of five common reasons that motivate students to enroll in an agriculture program.
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Keep Knowledge Current
A well-crafted undergraduate program in agriculture gives students the chance to learn about the latest developments and research findings in the field.
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Improve Professional Standing
An agriculture bachelor's degree often qualifies graduates for management positions and leadership roles in agribusiness companies, research teams, and nonprofit organizations.
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Expand Career Options
Graduates with a degree in agriculture work in diverse professional arenas and usually qualify for jobs like forest ecosystem managers, rural development specialists, food scientists, and crop management consultants.
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Graduate School Requirement
Although graduate programs in agriculture accept applications from prospective students with a non-agriculture degree, schools often prefer applicants who hold a degree in the field.
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Increase Income Potential
Data from the BLS show that bachelor's degree-holders earn higher median weekly salaries ($1,248) than employees with an associate degree ($887) and workers with some college but no degree ($883).
What Are the Requirements for an Agriculture Degree?
Colleges and universities offering a bachelor's degree in agriculture usually require applicants to hold above-average GPAs, often 3.0 or higher. Many schools also require the satisfactory completion of prerequisite coursework such as chemistry and biology. Applicants also submit their SAT or ACT scores, a transcript from every secondary school they attended, and at least one recommendation letter.
Agriculture degrees usually culminate in a capstone project. Precise capstone requirements vary among schools, but often include documented field research with relevant implications in real-world scenarios.
Professional Organizations for Agriculture Students
Professional organizations serve many goals. They keep members current on the latest research developments and findings in the field, which helps them carry out key aspects of their work. Professional associations also facilitate collaboration and mentorship opportunities among members.
ASA informs members about recent research in the field through publications, a podcast, and webinars. The society also administers two industry-recognized certification programs, free online courses, and scholarships for agriculture students and researchers. Members also enjoy access to a job board with information on work and collaboration opportunities.
ASABE members enjoy access to services at the organization's online career center, which includes career coaching, assistance with resume writing, and job application guidance. ASABE also offers various resources for members planning to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, including test preparation materials and mentorship opportunities.
Membership privileges include access to various online learning and teaching resources, mentorship workshops, and electronic subscriptions to industry journals and newsletters. AAEA also offers scholarship programs and research and travel grants exclusively for members. Many members also take advantage of volunteer opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Scholarships for Agriculture Students
Many U.S. colleges and universities with an agriculture program support enrollees through scholarships and grants. Students often explore additional financial aid options from professional organizations, state and federal agencies, and private nonprofit groups with deep roots in the agriculture field, including the two listed below.
Agriculture Scholarships
Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
AAEA Special Purpose Funds |
Varies |
The organization administers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, women, and early-career professionals in agriculture. Eligibility and application requirements vary among programs. Students should submit an application only for the programs for which they feel most qualified. |
ASABE Foundation Engineering Scholarship |
$2,000 |
The program welcomes applications from undergraduate students pursuing a degree in biological or agricultural engineering. Eligible applicants demonstrate financial need, hold a minimum 2.5 GPA, and show at least one year of completed enrollment. The application includes a 750-word essay. |