Agriculture degrees in the USA

As an academic field, agriculture looks at the cultivation of land, breeding of animals, and the growth and harvesting of plants, amongst other things. These are all important processes as they provide food, fibres, medicinal properties and other products to sustain and enhance life. Agriculture has long been acknowledged as one of the main contributors to the development of the modern civilisation, and dates back thousands of years. The field of agricultural science is also fast developing, and has a great impact on the climate and environment.

Studying agriculture will likely include a large proportion of scientific modules such as biochemistry, natural/environmental sciences and biology. You may also be required to study some business models as well, such as mathematics, humanities and economics. These will give you a well-rounded insight into the ethics and science of the agricultural industry.

Your degree may be taught in a mixture of modes. These will likely include classroom based work, laboratory work and practical based work. This practical work may be undertaken on campus, or you may be encouraged to participate in a work placement to gain relevant experience.

Accreditation

The accreditation of your agriculture degree will depend on which country you study in and your institution.

There is currently no universal certification that graduates must obtain before they can seek employment, meaning you are able to look for a job as soon as you have graduated.

Fees and funding

Fees for international students are set by the individual institutions. This means that they can vary greatly from institution to institution. You make sure that you are aware of how much each course will cost you.

You may be eligible for a scholarship or funding. This may be awarded by your institution, or a separate funding body. For more information, visit our scholarships and funding section.

Future careers

Agricultural graduates will be have the skills to go into a wide range of professions. Jobs in agriculture can be found in many different areas, including farms, forests and nature reserves, among others. You could choose to become an agricultural consultant, a farm manager, or you could work in a research position.

Generally, an undergraduate degree in agriculture will last three to four years. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates usually take up to two years when studied full-time.

After successfully completing your degree, you can either seek employment in your chosen field, or continue your studies. Further studies could be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters degree, a PhD, a graduate diploma, or a graduate certificate. If you do choose to study for a postgraduate degree, you will get the opportunity to focus on a more specific area of agriculture.