12 Best 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online Programs

A 2-year agriculture degree online program is within your reach! Agriculture is crucial. It’s been that way for thousands of years, providing food and livelihood to millions worldwide. Not to mention, it fills roles like ensuring food security and economic stability.

Today’s agriculture professionals are pursuing degrees in the field. Specifically, the 2-year agriculture degree online. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in soil science, animal science, agribusiness, and technology.

For some, a 2-year program lacks depth and specialization compared to a four-year degree. Yet, it remains an excellent choice for quickly entering the agricultural workforce. If you’re a working student or have work experience, etc., a 2-year agriculture degree online may be a good option for you.

Article Navigation: Best Online Two-Year Agriculture Degrees | Types of 2-Year Agriculture Degrees | Can You Get A Two-Year Agricultural Degree Online? | Top 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online | Bachelor of Agriculture Degrees | Agriculture Master’s Program Online | Online Agriculture Degree Majors | The Prevalence Of Online Agriculture Degree Majors | Choosing an Agriculture Degree Online | Admission Requirements for Online Agriculture Degrees | Scholarship and Financial Aid | FAQs | Find An Agriculture Degree Online Today

Best 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online Programs

Online education provides many choices for pursuing a two-year agricultural degree online. Of course, it can be difficult for students to determine which offers the best education and career prospects.

In truth, not all agriculture online degree programs are created equal. Not in their curriculum, faculty, flexibility, and career support services, among other crucial factors for students to consider. So, what makes an online agriculture degree the best?

Accreditation

Consider accreditation when selecting an agriculture degree online. This external validation process means your program meets higher academic standards. Overall, accreditation equals a quality education. One that employers, professionals, and other colleges recognize.

Most people consider regional accreditation the gold standard. It evaluates the entire institution rather than specific programs or departments. Regionally accredited agriculture schools online undergo rigorous processes to guarantee they meet the standards.

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes six regional accrediting agencies. They evaluate institutions within specific regions. According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), these agencies include:

1. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
2. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
3. New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
4. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
6. WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Regional accreditation is highly regarded in the education system. First, it serves as an external validation of quality education. Credits earned at regionally accredited agriculture schools online are transferable to other accredited schools. This makes it easier to pursue additional degrees.

Furthermore, only students attending regionally accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid programs and professional licensure. As for careers, employers generally recognize accredited degrees as being of higher value.

Programmatic Accreditation for Agriculture Degrees Online

Another form of external validation is programmatic accreditation. This validation evaluates specific academic programs within a particular field. It ensures specific educational standards set by the industry. However, this option is not available for farming degrees. That’s due to the diverse and encompassing nature of the field. As such, it becomes difficult to establish a single set of standards that applies to all programs.

Nonetheless, there are other accreditors you can look out for when considering related fields of study in agriculture. For example, business, engineering, or veterinary science.

Let’s start with the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB). AACSB provides programmatic accreditation to business schools. This accreditation helps to meet rigorous curriculum standards, faculty, student support services, etc. Similarly, there’s the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accredits engineering programs that meet their high standards.

Types of 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online

Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture – 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online

A two-year agriculture degree program in agriculture is generally nested in one umbrella term – an online agriculture associate’s degree.

Generally, an associate’s in agriculture provides foundations in agriculture science and management principles. It also offers practical knowledge to pursue a career in agriculture. The most prevalent is the Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

An AAS in Agriculture delivers theoretical knowledge for a career. There is often hands-on training in agriculture and agribusiness. The curriculum for this degree might cover the following topics:

• Animal science
• Soil science
• Crop production
• Agribusiness management
• Agricultural economics
• Agricultural technology

Any degree in agricultural science provides farming practices, techniques, and terminologies. You can apply this knowledge to research education, production, marketing, and more. In short, the careers attainable from these degrees are also more secure and sustainable.

Associate of Arts vs. Associate of Science

Even though it’s a science-heavy field, students can choose an Associate of Arts in Agriculture. The main difference between an AS and an AA is the type of coursework students must complete.

An AA degree in Agriculture focuses on foundational knowledge and knowledge of the agriculture industry. It generally includes farmers’ challenges and the importance of sustainable farming practices. Overall it incorporates agriculture practices with humanities and social sciences. Graduates with an AA degree in agriculture can pursue paths such as:

• Sales and marketing
• Farm management
• Agricultural education degree online

On the other hand, students receive an Associate of Science degree with coursework in natural sciences and math. In addition to the difference in coursework, the requirements for an AA and an AS degree also differ. In general, the choice between these degrees depends on your academic and career goals.

Transferring Credits – 2 Year Bachelor’s in Agriculture

Let’s say you have earned an associate’s in agriculture degree. It was a convenient way to pursue an agriculture education online. Plus, it prepares you for entry-level positions in the industry. But now, you’re ready to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Transferring credits to a bachelor’s from 2-year agriculture associate’s degree courses can be done. Yes, the transfer process may vary by school. Generally, students must meet transfer admission requirements. Those may include a minimum GPA, completion of specific prerequisite courses, etc.

Which credits are eligible for transfer is determined by the school. A bachelor of science in agriculture program may accept around 60 transfer credits out of its typical 120.

Transferring credits can shorten how long a bachelor’s in agriculture will take. Also, because general education classes often transfer, you can specialize in your field more quickly.

Can You Get A Two-Year Agricultural Degree Online?

Suppose you’re passionate about agriculture and interested in pursuing a degree in the field. Then you must have wondered if completing a 2-year agriculture degree online is possible. The answer is yes!

Online education has become extremely popular. About 75% of all undergrad students enrolled in at least one distance education course, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Many colleges now offer online programs in agriculture. Some can be completed in just two years. These programs provide flexibility in scheduling and allow students to complete coursework quickly.

Online degrees offer these formats to suit different learning styles and preferences. Researching different online formats is essential to find the one that aligns with your goals. These options also add to the legitimacy and value of online degrees.

Accredited online agriculture programs are similar to their on-campus counterparts. Students may even be able to participate in online discussions, virtual field trips, and remote research projects.

However, program quality, legitimacy, and value depend primarily on the institution.

Students searching for a two-year agricultural degree online can explore several formats. Each caters to different learning styles, schedules, and preferences. Here are some of the most popular and effective online degree formats you can explore:

Asynchronous

This format is most common. It allows students to access course materials and complete coursework at their pace and within their schedule. Students need not attend live lectures or participate in real-time discussions but must meet deadlines to submit assignments and complete exams.

Synchronous

Synchronous online degrees require students to participate in real-time lectures and discussions at scheduled times. They are similar to traditional classroom settings. However, students can participate from any location. Synchronous programs require a good internet connection and a webcam to attend live lectures and discussions.

Hybrid

As the name implies, the hybrid format combines online and in-person learning. For these programs, students must attend some classes on campus or engage in fieldwork or internships. The rest of the coursework is completed in online agriculture classes. Hybrid programs offer the flexibility of online degrees with hands-on experience and the personalized benefits of traditional programs.

Competency-Based

Next are competency-based online degrees. These emphasize mastering specific competencies rather than completing a set number of credits or courses. Generally, students can progress at their own pace. They must demonstrate their mastery of particular skills through assessments, such as exams or projects.

Cohort-Based

An online degree in agriculture program with a cohort enables students to advance alongside peers. Typically, these programs conform to a sequence of online agriculture courses. They involve the shared completion of assignments and projects. The cohort approach fosters a sense of camaraderie among online learners, which has proven advantageous.

Top 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online

There are constant and rapid advancements and changes in agriculture practices. And they have only made online two-year agriculture programs more popular. To help with the selection process, we highlighted the top online colleges offering two-year agriculture degrees. The list features their programs and the cost of pursuing these degrees.

1. Northeast Community College

   Degree: Associate of Arts in Agriculture / College Transfer
   Estimated Cost:$6,480

   The Northeast Community College, Nebraska, offers an online associate of arts degree in agriculture-college transfer. This program is ideal for students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. With this program, students can take the first two years of classes at Northeast and then transfer to any four-year college they choose.

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2. Colby Community College

   Degree: Associate of Science in Equine Science
   Estimated Cost:$8,975

   Colby Community College also offers an online associate’s degree in a field related to agriculture. This one is specifically for students looking to enter the equine industry. The AS in Equine Science online provides specialization in management, breeding, selection, nutrition, and training. Expect general education courses combined with those covering anatomy, reproduction, nutrition, etc.

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3. St. Petersburg College

   Degree: Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology
   Estimated Cost:$8,270

   This AS in Veterinary Technology prepares students to start a career in veterinary medicine. St. Petersburg College offers this degree in traditional and online formats. A big commitment to the online program includes its requirement of  280 clinical hours each semester. This practicum can take place in your local veterinary facility with the approval of the school.

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4. Allen County Community College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Farm & Ranch Management
   Estimated Cost:$9,000

   This program prepares you for a successful career in agriculture practices related to farming and ranch management. As an AAS in Farm and Ranch Management, it provides foundational and practical knowledge related to the industry. These careers include livestock and grain production, crop consulting, and soil conservation.

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5. Casper College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness
   Estimated Cost:$9,114

   There are also associate programs that do not lead to transfer. Casper College offers an AAS in Agribusiness for students who do not plan to transfer to a four-year school at any point. This degree combines agricultural practices and business courses to help students enter production agriculture. Graduates can also apply this degree toward an online AS degree at the University of Wyoming.

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6. East Mississippi Community College

   Degree: Associate of Arts in Agricultural Science
   Estimated Cost:$165/credit hour

   EMCC offers an AA degree in Agricultural Science as part of its Mathematics and Science Programs. This academic division allows students to select coursework that leads to an AA degree and prepares them for transfer to a university. EMCC also offers distance learning options in other areas.

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7. Northwest Iowa Community College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture
   Estimated Cost: $12,804

   This two-year AAS degree in Agriculture can lead to employment in many careers. The core coursework helps students learn the foundation of agriculture. At the same time, they can choose their specific areas of interest through their Ag electives. With this degree, students can explore careers in farm management, sales, supplies and service, and production.

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8. Southwestern Community College – IA

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Agricultural Business
   Estimated Cost:$14,768

   Next is the Agriculture Business degree by Southwestern Community College. The in-person degree offers endless hands-on learning from its agricultural site. But the online degree doesn’t sacrifice the program outcomes for a virtual format. The degree will cover business and science courses. It will also hone in on your specialized training to advance in the field. With this Ag business degree online, you can prepare yourself for the workforce without transferring to a bachelor’s degree.

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Bachelor of Agriculture Degrees – 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online

A Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Ag) degree focuses on agriculture studies. This includes crop production, soil science, agribusiness, and agriculture engineering, to mention a few. This degree can lead to careers in research, management, production, marketing, etc.

The B.Ag program generally takes four years to complete. The curriculum incorporates agriculture-related topics. However, earning a bachelor of agriculture degree in two years is possible. One option is accelerated programs. They allow students to complete their program requirements in a shorter time span. Students take accelerated online agriculture classes year-round. This enables them to complete coursework in a shorter period.

Another way to obtain a B.Ag in two years is through generous transfer policies. Students that have completed coursework at other schools can transfer credits toward their degree. This is a very popular way to reduce the time it takes to complete the program. Some colleges have transfer agreements with other colleges, making the credit transfer process simpler. Interested in a two-year B.Ag degree? Then here are some top colleges and their offers.

1. Illinois College – Bachelor of Arts in Agribusiness Management

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Agribusiness Management
   Estimated Cost: (18+ months) $12,100

   This online Ag business degree online prepares students for business roles in the field. Students study essential business and agriculture topics. Overall, they receive a broad understanding of successful practices in all aspects of agriculture. This program is traditionally a traditional four-year program that requires 120 credit hours. But its online format provides asynchronous classes, allowing students to complete the degree in 18 months or 42 major credit hours.

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2. Utah State University – Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
   Estimated Cost: (student-specific scheduling) $20,448

   This online agribusiness degree provides a foundation for a career serving agriculture and rural regions. Students can choose from four concentrations:

   – Agricultural finance
   – Farm and ranch management
   – Agricultural marketing
   – International agribusiness

   Students may also go without an emphasis area, making it a versatile program. USU does offer some flexibility in course scheduling. Students can transfer schools or experience credits, significantly reducing the time required to complete the degree.

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Agriculture Master’s Program Online

Agriculture master’s programs online provide advanced knowledge and skills in agriculture. They offer a flexible and convenient option to earn an advanced degree while maintaining other commitments.

Specific master’s programs can take two years with full-time enrollment and a particular curriculum, but all require completing a set number of credit hours or courses. However, they may offer limited flexibility in course selection. Additionally, students with relevant coursework or work experience can complete their online master’s in agriculture degree in two years or less. Some top agriculture master’s programs online include:

1. Tarleton State University

   Degree: Master of Science in Agriculture & Consumer Resources
   Estimated Cost: 36 credit hours, 12+ months, $18,334

   Students seeking an advanced online agriculture degree-Texas can opt for Tarleton State University’s M.Sc Agriculture & Consumer Resources program. Students with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture-related disciplines can gain more profound knowledge in any chosen career. You also build leadership, vocation, research, and animal science skills.

   Also, there is an accelerated option for non-thesis students. This allows them to complete the program as quickly as a year. Students can earn this entirely remotely, in-person, and a hybrid of the two options.

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2. University of Georgia

   Degree: Master of Food Technology
   Estimated Cost: 2.5-3 years, $20,757

   Check out this entirely online, non-thesis master’s degree in agriculture. It provides working professionals to learn from food industry experts and top food science and technology researchers. You’ll study the core areas of food technology, such as:

   – Processing to packaging
   – Microbiology
   – Fermentation
   – Chemistry
   – Food regulations

   Students working full-time can complete the program in 2.5-3 years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester.

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Online Agriculture Degree Majors

Online agriculture degrees offer majors and concentrations covering agriculture aspects. Below are the most common agriculture online degree majors and what they entail:

1. Agronomy

   Agronomy is the study of how plants and soils interact to produce crops for food, fuel, fiber, and more. These majors in online agriculture programs take on the following aspects:

   – Crop Production
   – Plant Genetics
   – Soil Conservation
   – Weed Management
   – Pest Control

   Most students also explore the latest advancements in precision agriculture, biotechnology, and other sustainable farming practices.

2. Animal Science

   Animal science is the study of domestic and wild animals. These scientists examine how these animals contribute to human needs and welfare. There is research in:

   – Animal behavior
   – Nutrition
   – Reproduction
   – Genetics
   – Health

   They may also specialize in specific animal types, such as livestock, poultry, or companion animals.

3. Agribusiness

   Agribusiness refers to the business aspect of producing, processing and distributing agriculture products. Online agribusiness degrees encompass industries such as farming, forestry, fishing, food processing, and distribution. Some significant sectors where agribusiness majors can specialize include the following:

   – Crop Production
   – Livestock Production
   – Food Processing
   – Agricultural Machinery
   – Financing and Marketing
   – Agrochemical Manufacturing

4. Environmental Science

   This field of study combines aspects of biology, chemistry, geology, and ecology. In short, it explores the relationship between humans and their environment. Environmental science involves the study of:

   – Natural resources
   – Ecosystems
   – Pollution
   – Impact of human activity on the environment

   This agriculture major explores how to manage resources sustainably. Specific topics include:

   – Conservation Biology
   – Environmental Chemistry and Geology
   – Atmospheric Science
   – Environmental Policy and Management

5. Horticulture

   Horticulture deals with plant cultivation, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Professionals in this field have skills in producing, marketing, and managing crops. Furthermore, those who pursue a degree in horticulture learn to apply scientific principles to plant cultivation. They can specialize in the following areas:

   – Pomology: The study of fruit production
   – Olericulture: The study of vegetable production
   – Floriculture: The study of flower production
   – Landscape Horticulture: The study of landscape design and maintenance
   – Nursery Management: The study of managing plant nurseries

The Prevalence Of Online Agriculture Degree Majors

The world is constantly evolving. So is the field of agriculture, and pursuing these degrees online has become more popular. In fact, the prevalence of online agriculture degree majors has grown recently. In general, they provide greater access to education and careers.

While we identified only a few online degrees in the previous section, it’s worth noting there are several other degree majors within agriculture. Their prevalence varies based on region, industry demand, and current trends. A more extensive list of majors in online degrees in agriculture includes the following:

• Education
• Economics
• Engineering
• Journalism
• Mechanics
• Technology
• Agroecology
• Agroforestry
• Aquaculture and Fisheries
• Crop Science
• Food Science and Technology
• Natural Resource Management
• Soil Science
• Sustainable Agriculture

These programs offer a complete range of course selections and specializations. You can tailor your degree to your interests and career goals. Whether in organic farming, agribusiness management, or animal science, pursuing a career in agriculture is more accessible. It’s an exciting time for passionate people who want to impact the field.

Choosing a 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online

The best online agriculture degrees offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative to in-person programs. Online degrees foster convenient access to course materials and lectures, which means students can fit their studies around their schedules. They also tend to be more affordable. That is because they eliminate the need for many expenses associated with on-campus learning. All these combine to make two-year online agriculture degrees an increasingly popular option, particularly among working students with irregular working hours or other commitments.

The selection process for agriculture online degrees determines the program’s effectiveness and authenticity. There are factors to consider before opting for any agriculture degree online.

Location

Despite the virtual aspects of these programs, it’s still important to consider location when choosing a 2-year agriculture degree online. Location can affect the course type and hands-on experiences offered. Also, the school’s location may affect the availability of:

• Internships
• Research opportunities
• Networking events

Hence, you should consider location and how it aligns with your interests and goals.

Cost

Cost is a significant factor when choosing an online program. The price could affect your ability to pay for the degree and the ROI. Factors such as tuition and ROI can help you make informed decisions on whether financial aid or scholarships would be necessary. Working students should also consider the time commitment to complete the degree and the potential lost income during that period.

Accreditation

As we’ve seen, accreditation is crucial for agriculture online degrees. Basically, you should ensure a recognized agency accredits your program. That way, you know your education meets quality standards, and employers will value you.

Format

Finally, the format of a 2-year agriculture degree online degree is a great factor to consider. Different schools incorporate different formats to suit the requirements and preferences of a program. Assess how it suits your needs before choosing agriculture online degrees. You should consider every option, such as:

• Asynchronous
• Synchronous
• Full-time
• Part-time
• Blended/hybrid
• Entirely online

Admission Requirements for Online Agriculture Degrees

With an agriculture education degree online, it’s essential to understand admission requirements. Requirements can vary depending on the school, program, and degree level.

Associate requirements – 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online

For an agriculture associate’s degree, applicants typically need:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Official transcripts or test scores

Prerequisite courses in math or science may be required, and a personal statement about applicant goals. Furthermore, some schools may consider relevant work or volunteer experience.

Bachelor’s requirements

The admission requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree vary depending on the institution. But some standard conditions include:

• A high school diploma
• Official transcripts
• Test scores like SAT or ACT
• Completion of prerequisite online agriculture courses
• Personal essays
• Relevant work experience

Master’s requirements

For an online master’s in agriculture degree, applicants must have:

• A bachelor of science in agriculture degree, or other related fields
• A minimum GPA of about 3.0 or higher

Other admission requirements include:

• GRE or GMAT scores
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges
• Personal statements
• Letters of recommendation
• Relevant work or research experience

Whichever degree you choose, research the admission requirements to ensure you meet all necessary criteria.

Scholarship and Financial Aid for Online Agricultural Degrees

As with most industries, pursuing a degree in agriculture can be financially challenging. Fortunately, scholarships and financial aid are available for agricultural students at every level. Students can achieve their goals through grants, scholarships, and loans.

Grants

Grants are financial aid programs that support an agriculture education degree online. Government agencies, non-profits, private foundations, and other entities generally award grants. Some grants include research, internship or fellowship, and projects.

Scholarships

Scholarships are generally based on academic merit or financial need. Some scholarships are based on students themselves, like scholarships for women or people of a certain descent. They are a great source of financial aid because you don’t have to pay this money back. One great example is the Women’s Leadership in Agriculture Scholarship. The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation offers it. This scholarship offers financial support to women pursuing a B.Ag. who want to affect the food science industry. You can find excellent scholarships through the US Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool. Here is a quick list of examples to pull from:

• National FFA Organization Scholarships
• American Agri-Women Scholarships
• NDS/ DMI Milk Marketing Scholarship
• Monsanto Graduate Student Scholarship
• AFA Leader and Academic Scholarships

Loans

Student loans provide funds for students pursuing education and research. However, this financial aid comes from private lenders, such as banks, and must be paid back. It helps cover tuition and other learning and living expenses. Some common types of loans include federal student, private student, and agriculture-specific loans. The most popular place to find financial loans for college online is FAFSA.

FAQs – 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online

Which agriculture degree is best?

The best degree ultimately depends on your interests and goals. For instance, a 2-year agriculture degree online is ideal for working students looking to earn a degree quickly. The specialization also depends on your specific interests and career goals.

Is it worth getting a degree in agriculture?

Yes, a degree in agriculture is a worthwhile investment. For one, agriculture is diverse and offers several academic pathways. Also, with a degree in agriculture, you can pursue a rewarding career and contribute to society.

Is agriculture a difficult major?

Agriculture can be a challenging major. But like any other program, the difficulty level depends on your strengths, interests, and the program format. For instance, a 2-year agriculture degree might require year-round coursework. It could also include challenging fieldwork. Students should choose programs and formats that suit their interests and capabilities.

What are the most helpful agriculture degrees?

Agriculture is a broad field that encompasses many sub-disciplines. However, the most helpful program will depend on your interests, career goals, and the current job market.

Find A 2-Year Agriculture Degree Online Today

Overall, pursuing a 2-year agriculture degree online can be a convenient and cost-effective option. Students can study at their own pace, working around their schedules. In addition, good online programs offer excellent resources for this industry. Yet, significant factors still separate the best online agriculture degrees.

To this end, GetEducated is a great resource for online agriculture programs. Check out our extensive list of accredited online farming degrees! If you want to explore their 2-year agriculture degree program list, visit GetEducated today!