Online agriculture certificates and degrees are available at a variety of levels, therefore, before making your selection, make sure the program meets your requirements. As an agriculture graduate, you’ll be able to advise employers with a strong understanding of the scientific principles of crop and animal production, coupled with business management and practical skills. According to the BLS, the median yearly income for agricultural and food scientists was $64,020 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,740, and the highest 10% earned more than $116,740. Carefully read through this article put together by the World Scholarship Forum team to see the best online agriculture certificate programs. See the table of contents below for a quick view.
What is Agriculture?
According to National Geographic, agriculture is the art and science of planting the soil, growing crops, and raising livestock. It further incorporates the arrangement of plant and animal products for people to use and their spread to markets. In addition, agriculture provides most of the world’s food and fabrics. Cotton, wool, wood for construction, and paper products. Before agriculture became popular, people spent more time searching for food—hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants. About 11,500 years ago, it dawned on them that they could actually grow crops. Behold, they started growing cereal and root crops and settled down to a life based on farming. In recent years, the whole idea of agriculture is to keep food production at the same pace as population growth and distribution methods. However, it hasn’t been easy. Therefore, agriculture being the science of cultivating the soil, harvesting crops, and raising livestock and also as the science or art of the production of plants and animals useful to man strives to evenly distribute food supply thus, reducing food insufficiency. The question now is agricultural output on the same page as the burgeoning population? To get closer to the answer, there’s a great need to get an online degree in agriculture. Obviously, you can’t venture into agriculture without knowing about agriculture.
Why Should I Study An Online Agriculture Degree Program?
Why study agriculture? Agriculture is an aged long practice and key to sustaining human development on planet Earth. Therefore, the value of agriculture in today’s world is significant. Much of the world still relies heavily on what we produce from the land, and as development throughout the world continues, so will the demand for food. Obtaining an online agriculture degree means that you’ll be working in an important industry that is lucrative, valuable, and highly modernized. Courses in animal science, food production, horticulture, property management, environmental preservation, and zoology will be taught. Furthermore, students will find a number of career paths that exist in any one field. Whether you are looking to get more into the sciences and study biology, physics, and chemistry of agriculture or if you are looking to get into the business side there are so many options available to graduates. Furthermore, studying agriculture online will give you the advanced knowledge you need to tap into this growing industry and make an impact. With the rise in population, there is an obvious need for a similar rise in agricultural product exports. This will greatly be beneficial to us as we’ll have something to eat. In other words, attain food sufficiency. Therefore, an online agriculture degree gives you the knowledge and skills needed to manage agricultural and farm businesses or to work in areas such as agricultural sales, food production, and farming journalism. The introduction of technology to aid agriculture has reshaped much of the industry making it much more easier and interesting.
Can I Get An Online Agriculture Degree?
Of course, you can get an online agriculture degree. Suffice it to say, there are various universities and colleges that allow an online degree in agriculture. The online agriculture degrees administer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees. Here are the types of agriculture degrees you can obtain online…
Online Certificate of Completion in Organic Agriculture
An online certificate program in organic agriculture informs students about agriculture and food systems. Learners can participate in coursework on their own time and communicate with other classmates through online discussion forums, chat rooms, or message boards. Courses cover areas such as:
Organic gardening and farmingNutritional scienceFundamentals of micro- and macro-economicsSoil fertility
Online Bachelor of Science in Organic Agriculture
An online bachelor’s degree program in organic agriculture focuses on natural crop and soil science as well as agriculture business management, also called agribusiness. Students may need to meet certain requirements, such as specific biology classes. Online agriculture classes include:
Sustainable food systemsPlant breedingAgroecologySoil as a living systemOrganic gardening and farming
Online Master of Agriculture
An online master’s degree program in agriculture can concentrate on a specific area within the field, such as education, horticulture, poultry science, agronomy, or integrated resource management. Courses are granted through program-based websites or course management systems such as Blackboard. A thesis is usually not required, but a professional paper or an internship with a local agency may be part of the program. Students learn about:
Integrated decision makingAnimal resource managementIntegrated forage managementProducts to profitAnimal production systems
Nevertheless, students pursuing degrees in agriculture should verify that their colleges and universities have both institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation for the agriculture degrees offered.
What Are The Entry Requirements For An Online Degree In Agriculture?
Though the entry requirements differ per institution, you’ll typically need a high school diploma/A level or equivalent to be admitted to a BSc Agriculture degree. Also, you need to demonstrate strong background knowledge in science, with two A-Levels in science subjects often required by UK universities. Relevant work experience is an added advantage.
How Long Does It Take To Complete An Online Agriculture Degree?
Online agriculture certificate programs can be concluded in as little as one semester but generally take at least one year to finish. Distance learning agriculture bachelor’s degree programs can take four years to achieve, and students must obtain at least 120 credit hours, including general education courses. On the other hand, online agriculture master’s degree programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, with students earning around 36 credit hours.
How to Select an Online Agricultural School
Students interested in a degree or certificate in the agricultural sciences may want to review each school’s offerings prior to selecting a program. Questions like, How much time are you willing to commit to your education, and what type of qualification are you aspiring to earn? need to be answered. Programs ranging from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree are available in universities and offer fully or partially online formats. Therefore, when choosing an online agricultural degree program, you should consider these two key points; award level and program delivery.
Award Level
When students are selecting an online agriculture school, it is essential to examine the credential level desired. Online agriculture certificate programs can be achieved in as little as one semester. Usually, it takes at least one year to finish. Elearning agriculture bachelor’s degree programs can take four years to achieve, and students must earn at least 120 credit hours, including general education courses. On the other hand, online agriculture master’s degree programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, with students earning around 36 credit hours.
Program Delivery
Before enrolling in an online agriculture program, you need to know if the program offered is fully or partially online. Also, some agriculture programs may require students to partake in internships. These internships are permitted on a school-by-school basis, with students expected to achieve a specific number of hours at the business location.
How Can I Get An Online Agriculture Degree?
Online agriculture certificate programs are available in the associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree levels. Therefore, students should consider what level of education they wish to obtain, and the format of the program. See our list of schools that offer agriculture degrees below
Schools that Offer Online Agriculture Degree
The list of online agriculture certificate programs was chosen based on the following ranking criteria… Accreditation – The accreditation status of an institution proves that the school and program are approved and declared fit to award certificates. Reputation – The reputation of a school or program represents the school’s rankings in other web spaces and ranking platforms.
1. North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an established leader in online education. They merge academic rigor with the assistance of state-of-the-art online instructional technology to make our programs accessible to students all over the world. The online agriculture certificate program is designed to allow individuals with two-year degrees from North Carolina Community College Agricultural Programs, and the Agricultural Institute at NC State University, to upgrade their associate’s degree in an agricultural-related discipline into the Bachelor of Science In Agricultural Education at NC A&T State University. Each course includes resources to assist you to succeed online, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran online learner. With an emphasis on learning, the course is well organized so your learning activities, resources, and assignments are easy to access. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to administer certificates and baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Visit School
2. Fort Hays State University
The online, Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Business helps students develop their conceptual, technical, analytical, and communication skills related to careers in the agricultural industry. Additionally, they help equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the agricultural industry. 99% of their graduates go on to land jobs in all parts of the food, fiber, and fuel industries across the country with average starting salaries around $44,000. The program consists of 120 hours. Students may join the program at any time during the year (fall, spring, or summer). Program Requirements:
General Education Courses: 55 Credit HoursAgricultural Courses: 43 Credit HoursBusiness Cognates: 12 Credit HoursFree Electives: 10 Credit Hours
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3. Washington State University
WSU’s online certificate in organic agriculture gives training in the agricultural sciences, including an understanding of complex agriculture and food systems. It furnishes students with services ranging from starting a farm to food industry management. The 18-credit certificate consists of five required core courses (13 credits), two credits of experiential learning, and a minimum of three elective credits. More so, the undergraduate program is ideal for agriculture professionals who desire to learn about organic methods. Washington State University is the first in the nation to offer a degree in organic agriculture. U.S. News and World Report place WSU at #36 for Best Global Universities for Agricultural Sciences. QS World University Rankings for Agriculture and Forestry place WSU at #45 worldwide. Visit School
4. University of Idaho
The department of Agricultural Extension and Education in partnership with the College of Southern Idaho and the College of Western Idaho offers a 2+2 degree program in Twin Falls and Boise. Students complete their first two years at the CSI or CWI campus and then complete their last two years of upper-division U of I courses online. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (formerly NCATE, also covers PSC). Courses are available in the areas of: Visit School
5. University of Massachusetts Amherst
UMass Amherst offers an online sustainable food and farming certificate at the undergraduate level that is intended for professionals who want to change careers or students not yet ready to enroll in a full-time program. This online agriculture certificate program requires 15 hours for completion and students can choose from over 20-course options. The online agriculture certificate program breaks the barrier of a tight schedule. That is to say, you can take the online class at your own leisure. The 15-credit Certificate in Sustainable Food and Farming is designed for:
Adults looking to make a career change,Returning Veterans,High school grads are not yet ready to go to college full-time, Those of you pursuing a lifelong interest related to food, farming, homesteading, or gardening.The fastest-growing farm demographic in New England – is small farms managed by women.
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6. Colorado State University
As the world’s population continues to grow, agricultural industries have been developing to meet increased demand. Job diversity in agriculture has grown extensively during the last several decades, providing current job seekers with many career opportunities. To help meet the rising demand for skilled professionals and provide educational resources to students around the world, Colorado State University offers a range of online agriculture certificate program. This online agriculture degree program gives you the advanced knowledge necessary to tackle current and future challenges in this growing industry. Furthermore, earning an online degree or certificate in an agricultural field can provide the credentials you need to pursue a wide range of careers, including:
Agricultural business and financeAgricultural product developmentProduction managementLand and resource management
In addition to delivering agricultural science courses online and other educational resources, Colorado State University is also committed to sustainability. Colorado State University is regionally accredited, which means the University carries the highest level of accreditation available in the United States. It is also accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. Visit School
7. Oregon State University
Oregon State’s undergraduate agricultural sciences online program allows you to customize your studies with an emphasis on fields like crop and soil science or agricultural business management. Rooted in nearly 150 years of agricultural teaching expertise, this program has proved successful for students who are new to agriculture as well as experienced farmers and ranchers. The online agriculture degree allows you to identify the agricultural career of most interest to you and develop a course of study to achieve your professional goals. Oregon State is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Visit School
8. Utah State University
The online agricultural science associate degree combines research, faculty real-world experience, and new technology to provide you with a strong foundation in the ethical use of land, food, and water. Earning an online associate in agricultural science prepares you for a bachelor’s program at USU’s College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences. Furthermore, this online program requires you to earn a minimum of 60 credits and takes an average of two years to complete. In this online agriculture degree program, you’ll learn the role of dietary choices in providing nutrients. Each semester builds on the knowledge from previous courses. USU Online became Utah’s #1 Online University, ranking 23rd for best online bachelor’s programs, 6th in graduate education, and 18th in online bachelor’s for military veterans according to U.S. News & World Report. USU Online received state accreditation to deliver online courses using competency-based (CBE) teaching and launched its first online CBE degree. Visit School
9. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
The online Bachelor of Business Administration in Agribusiness Management is to design students that desire an academically rigorous curriculum. The online agriculture degree program offers students an opportunity to intensely focus on agribusiness management and broaden their education through a vital component of liberal arts and sciences and other business courses. Furthermore, the program will provide students with the management skills needed to make effective decisions and develop markets for their products. SUNY Canton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Visit School
10. Texas Tech University
College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources offers an online bachelor of science in Plant and Soil Science. This program makes it possible for students to study plants from the comfort of their homes. At the end of this course you’ll be able to;
Manage golf courses and athletic fields. Own your own nursery. Provide environmental consulting. Develop shade-tolerant strains of grass. Design environmental plantings for urban areas. Manage a commercial orchard, greenhouse, or botanical garden. Design, install, and maintain interior capes.
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Conclusion
Online agriculture certificates and degrees are offered at a variety of levels, therefore, before making your selection, make sure the intended program meets your requirements. This online program breaks the barrier of tight schedules and workload as you can afford to take this online agriculture certificate degree from, the comfort of your home.
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