Agriculture - sounds a little boring, doesn’t it?
We don’t usually run into students who wish to pursue a degree in agriculture in the US. But did you know that the USA leads the way in agricultural research and serves as a vital role model for other nations trying to solve the world's food problems? A growing number of international students are looking to further their careers by enrolling in courses at the top agricultural institutions in the United States. If you want to be one of them but need assistance with recognizing and applying to the top universities for agriculture studies, explore the Yocket Premium services.
Meanwhile, this blog will unveil the benefits, eligibility criteria, costs, and job prospects for international students opting to pursue an agriculture degree in the US. So, begin perusing!
Why Study Agriculture in the USA?
You may learn the principles of agriculture alongside the advancements that this industry has experienced by enrolling in one of the finest AG programs in the US and at one of the best universities in the USA.
The USA's courses provide top-notch instruction while supporting students in acquiring the abilities required to survive, prosper, and succeed in a modern, fiercely competitive environment.
Additionally, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) acknowledges agricultural courses that include a range of subjects. Among the subjects of study and research are animal sciences, sustainable agriculture, livestock (ranchers), agroecology, and plant sciences. Reasons for studying agriculture in the US include:
- A Higher Quality Education: A better quality education may be obtained by pursuing a degree or a master's from one of the top agricultural universities.
- Leading Institutions: The best professors and facilities may be found in the USA's leading agricultural institutions. Students can select the best education thanks to this.
- Better Job Scope: Students who complete the course will have access to better-paying jobs in American agriculture. The optimal yearly salary is around USD 81,335 (INR 66,69,470).
Also see: Top Reasons To Study MS In The USA.
After discussing the perks of studying agriculture in the US, we unveil the top universities in the US for the field.
5 Best Agriculture Universities in the USA
Are you excited to know which universities provide the best instruction, research, and job opportunities in the USA? Well, enlisted below are those universities, with all the essential information.
- University of California Davis
- Cornell University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Texas A&M University
- Iowa State University
Let us get into the details of each of these best agriculture universities in the USA.
1. University of California, Davis
When the University Farm School was formed as UC Berkeley's scientific and research-based organization in 1908, the University of California Davis (UC Davis) was born. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at UC Davis is where students go to study. They acquire the skills required to address problems in environmental science, human sciences, and agriculture in the actual world. Along with problem-solving skills, young people gain knowledge about how to improve society and support communities in leading healthy lifestyles. At UC Davis, students can enroll in any undergraduate or graduate degree.
Type |
Private |
132 |
|
Programs Offered |
Master of Science (M.Sc.) Viticulture and Enology, Master of Horticulture and Agronomy, Bachelor of Animal Science and Management, Doctoral of Philosophy in Horticulture. |
Program Fees (Annual) |
USD 13,000 - 46,000 (INR 10,30,799 - 36,47,445) |
Also see: MS In The USA Without GRE.
2. Cornell University
The best college in the US for agricultural education is Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The program as a whole is designed to promote intellectual exploration through challenging instruction and a core curriculum. Along with benefiting from the educational components, students participate in events and other institution-based activities that emphasize practical learning. Additionally, you may learn which crops to grow at particular seasons!
Type |
Private |
13 |
|
Programs Offered |
Undergraduates in Agricultural Science, Masters in Animal Science, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology Graduate Field, and others. |
Program Fees (Annual) |
USD 30,267 - 62,456 (INR 24,00,000 - 49,52,279) |
Also see: Best MS Specializations In The USA.
3. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The oldest public university in the US is the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is where anyone wishing to study agriculture will enroll. Among the fundamental topics to choose from are those related to health and nutrition, food and agriculture, biological sciences, sustainability, food production, natural resources, the environment (climate change), business, communication, and society. As part of the courses provided here, students work in laboratories to gain practical learning experiences, aiding them along the way and enhancing their professional skill set.
Type |
Public |
102 |
|
Program Offered |
Bachelor of Botany, Bachelor of Horticulture, M.Sc. Agronomy, Botany, Doctoral of Philosophy in Horticulture, and more. |
Program Fees (Annual) |
USD 38,000 - 25,000 (INR 30,13,107 - 19,82,307) |
Also see: How To Choose Your University For MS In The US.
4. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University, which was established in 1876, offers over a hundred courses. One of the university's four pillars is the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. You must enroll in this college if you wish to receive a thorough education that includes scientific advancements in various agricultural areas. Since the beginning of the university, it has been in operation. The study of agriculture and its interdisciplinary techniques is another option for students.
Type |
Private |
134 |
|
Programs Offered |
Bachelor of Agriculture Economics, Master Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Doctoral of Philosophy in Horticulture, Soil Science, and many more. |
Program Fees (Annual) |
USD 45,000 - 30,000 (INR 35,68,153 - 23,78,769) |
5. Iowa State University
Iowa State University provides the highest education for students and is one of the top state institutions for agriculture in the USA. A wide range of agricultural courses are taught to students at Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. These include biology, technology, and communication. Graduates have job options in rural development, agriculture, environmental sciences, value-added processing, and natural resource management.
Type |
Public |
400 |
|
QS Subject Ranking 2024 |
14 |
Program Offered |
Bachelor of Agronomy, Bachelor of Forestry, M.Sc. Agronomy, Animal Science, Doctoral of Philosophy in Horticulture, and many more. |
Program Fees (Annual) |
USD 12,000 - 23,000 (INR 9,51,507 - 18,23,722) |
Also see: Top 10 Universities For MS.
Now that you know some universities that offer the top education in agriculture in the US, hopefully, it’s clearer now. You can also check out more universities at Yocket’s AI tool - University Explorer. Further on, we will discuss the application process, documents needed, eligibility criteria, and more. Keep reading!
Program Overview of Agriculture Courses in the USA
In the USA, students pursuing agricultural education can select from an array of streams. Students can select from undergraduate through Ph.D. programs based on what best suits their needs.
- Students in the USA who pursue a BSc in agriculture learn the fundamentals of the field. Similar to this, students receive both a theoretical and practical grasp of the subject in USA MSc and PhD programs in agriculture.
- Universities in the USA provide courses for Doctoral of Philosophy in Horticulture, Forestry, Soil Science, Plant Biology, and numerous other fields, if you wish to pursue a PhD in agriculture.
Popular Courses Offered |
|
Total Years |
|
Top Universities |
|
Total Fees |
USD 31,018 (INR 24,59,488). |
Minimum GRE Score |
Around 140 or more |
English Proficiency Score |
TOEFL: 80-100 IELTS: 6.5- 7.0 |
Also see: Low Tuition Fee For MS In The USA.
Eligibility Criteria to Study Agriculture in the USA
Irrespective of the type of agriculture course in the US you are pursuing, the eligibility criteria are similar for all, including:
- Educational Qualification
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- Standardized Test Scores
We discuss the prerequisites for each criterion below.
1. Qualifications for Education
Present a 12th-grade qualifying certificate from any accredited educational institution (a science background is required for UG programs).
For postgraduate programs:
- Students are required to provide undergraduate qualifying credentials in a relevant subject of study.
- It may be necessary for students to abide by all guidelines set out by the many departments and colleges they attend.
- Students may be asked to provide their medical history.
About PhD Courses:
- A master's degree in agriculture or a closely related field is required of the students.
- The selected university could require your GRE scores.
- The participating universities must approve the research papers submitted by the students.
- The TOEFL or IELTS will be accepted as proof of English language competency for all international students.
2. English Language Proficiency Test Scores
International students whose native language is not English, necessarily need to submit the English Language Proficiency test scores, when applying for the course. The scores may differ university-wise, but most accept ELT scores obtained within two years. Now, don't haste! Rather, take the test a while before applying.
3. Standardized Test Scores
You may be required to provide entrance exam scores for the United States, such as the SAT/ACT for undergraduate degrees and the GRE for graduate degrees. These scores are rarely requested, but if you have already taken the test, it is important to keep them handy!
Also see: https://yocket.com/blog/eligibility-for-ms-in-usa
Having known the eligibility criteria, next explore the necessary documents to keep sorted before applying.
Documents Required to Study Agriculture in the USA
Enlisted below are the major documents required to study at top agriculture universities in the USA:
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Academic Documents
- A valid passport is mandatory
- Financial Support Proof
Also see: LOR For MS In The USA.
Remember to write a solid SOP. Request LORs from your academic professors and counselors well in advance. Translate your transcripts in English if they are not already. Submit financial proofs for scholarships or to prove that you have the funds to support your education for at least a year.
Application Process for Top Agriculture Universities in the USA
There are three yearly intakes—fall, summer, and winter—at every institution in the United States. You must be ready to submit the necessary paperwork to finish the admissions process at any of the top agricultural institutions in the United States. The steps for the admissions procedure are as follows:
- Visit the official university website to find out if you meet the prerequisites for the program you want to enroll in.
- Fill out the online form and submit it along with the application fee.
- You can check for updates by logging into the admissions site after submitting your application.
- You can gather the documentation required to apply for a study permit in the United States in the meantime.
- You will get an admission offer if your application is approved, to which you must respond.
- After completing the university enrollment procedure, pay the tuition deposit to secure your place.
- After you obtain confirmation of your approval, you can continue with the study permit application.
Also see: All About the Fall Intake in the USA
Moving on, we discuss the most dreadful topic: the expense of studying in the US.
Cost to Study Agriculture in the USA
The expense of pursuing agricultural courses in the United States varies based on your lifestyle and the kind of institution you select. Depending on the location or state in which you are taking the course, there are differences in both the tuition and living expenses.
- Various components of the course are covered by the tuition fees. But the costs are entirely determined by the degree of the course you are taking. On average, the tuition fee is USD 31,018 (INR 24,59,488), per year.
- For an international student studying in the US, the average annual cost of living ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 19, 000 (INR 14,27,261), depending on lifestyle, type of housing, and services used.
Also see: Cost of Doing a Ph.D. in the USA.
Having discussed the average costs of studying in the US, now we explore ways of saving!
Scholarships for Agriculture Courses in the USA
Some universities and colleges offer state-funded or private-funded scholarships or grants. Students can use these scholarships for US masters in agriculture and for other levels of courses to cover their tuition and living costs. Some of the grants offered are:
Scholarships |
Amount (in USD) |
Debesh Kamal Scholarship |
1,385 (INR 109,819) |
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship |
1,000 (INR 79,292) |
KC Mahindra Scholarship |
5,542 (INR 43,9437) |
Also see: How to Finance Your MS In The USA?
Finally, we discuss the job opportunities in the US, with a degree in agriculture!
Job Opportunities after Pursuing Agriculture in the USA
The job prospects are good for those pursuing an MSc in agriculture in the United States, regardless of the institutions or top AG programs they choose. After graduating from the master's program, an aspirant's average yearly pay is around USD 68,000/INR 54,47,381, depending on the post they are offered.
Job Profile |
Annual Salary (in USD) |
Agriculture Consultant |
84,000 (INR 66,60,553) |
Agriculture Engineer |
78,100 (INR 61,92,728) |
Agriculture Manager |
10,400 (INR 82,4,63,99) |
Animal Nutritionist |
72,000 (INR 57,09,045) |
Agricultural and Food Scientist |
80,100 (INR 63,51,313) |
Also see: Highest Paying Jobs In The USA.
From The Table of Yocket
For those who are eager to pursue a career in agriculture, American colleges offer a variety of course levels, ranging from degree programs to MSc and doctoral studies. Getting a college education in the United States will transform your professional and personal lives.
Given the fact that there are a handful of universities offering degrees in agriculture, it might be difficult to track those universities. However, the varied services offered by Yocket Premium can resolve your doubts and smooth the application process to the top universities. Become a Premium Yocketer Now!