Job opportunities within the various fields of agriculture are projected to increase in the coming years, and an online agriculture associate’s degree is a great way to get prepared. While many students who graduate with this major go into production (farms and ranches), there are many other types of companies where the degree would be useful.
Many of those companies work in agribusiness, but there are also opportunities in fields related to science, education, and government. In addition to an associate’s degree being an affordable way for a worker to improve their income, the availability of online degrees makes these programs more flexible and practical for busy people to earn.
This article lists the top 10 online agriculture associate’s degrees. The rankings are ordered on the quality of the program (based on graduation rate and student-teacher ratio) and affordability (based on tuition).
- Florida Gateway College
- Northwest Iowa Community College
- Lakeshore Technical College
- Lake Area Technical College
- University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- Madisonville Community College
- Northeast Iowa Community College
- Southwestern Community College
- Isothermal Community College
- Casper College
10. Casper College
Casper, Wyoming
Associate of Science in Agriculture
Associate of Science in Agribusiness
Casper College offers two options for online associate degrees in agriculture. Both programs require the completion of 64 credits, and students can choose to study either full-time or part-time. Students earning their AS in agriculture can choose from the following concentrations: animal science, agribusiness, range management, and general agriculture. Both programs offer many exciting electives.
Tuition: $6,373
9. Isothermal Community College
Spindale, North Carolina
Agribusiness Technology Associate in Applied Science
The agribusiness technology AAS program at Isothermal Community College is a great option for students looking to earn an online degree. The 67-credit program takes four semesters to complete. Students can choose between the equine track, landscape horticulture track, and animal science track. The curriculum offers courses such as soil science, farm maintenance, and agriculture chemicals. Before graduating, students will complete 10 credits of work-based learning. Financial aid is available.
Tuition: $6,076
8. Southwestern Community College
Creston, Iowa
Associate of Applied Science in Agricultural Business
At Southwestern Community College, students can earn an AAS in agricultural business while studying 100% online. The 68-credit program combines business courses with agricultural science courses. Classes range from four to 16 weeks. The curriculum includes essential courses in accounting, economics, science, and agriculture. Online students are eligible for online tutoring and for financial aid.
Tuition: $9,182
7. Northeast Iowa Community College
Calmar, Iowa
Agriculture Business Associate of Applied Science
Agriculture Finance Associate of Applied Science
Northwest Iowa Community College offers two options for those looking to earn an online associate’s degree in agriculture. Both programs can be completed entirely online and have entry points in the fall, spring, and summer. The AAS in agriculture business is a 72-credit program that allows students to choose a concentration in either agriculture finance or precision agriculture. The AAS in agriculture finance is a 66-credit program that has been developed at the request of the banking industry to meet the current need for agriculture finance officers.
Tuition: $8,218
6. Madisonville Community College
Madisonville, Kentucky
Associate in Applied Science in Agriculture
At Madisonville Community College, students can earn an affordable online associate’s degree in agriculture. MCC offers the lowest tuition in the state, and scholarships are available. The program takes two years to complete. Program participants can choose from one of the following concentrations: agriculture business marketing, agriculture education, agriculture technology, agronomy, horticulture, and sustainable agriculture.
Tuition: $5,884
5. University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Sustainable Food and Farming Associate of Science
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst offers an exciting, flexible, 60-credit online associate’s degree in agriculture. All classes are asynchronous, and students are able to register for as many classes as desired per semester. Additionally, students can take as long as they need to complete the degree. The program offers the flexibility for each student to design their own personal plan of study. Courses begin each summer, and all courses can transfer to the school’s online BS in agriculture.
Tuition: $22,505
4. Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, South Dakota
Associate of Applied Science in Agri-Business
Lake Area Technical College offers an online associate’s degree in agri-business that can be completed in just 20 months. The program is a great fit for those who are interested in both agriculture and business. The program requires the completion of 77 credits. Upon completion, the students will be prepared for job openings in areas such as agricultural supply business, cooperatives, agriculture sales, or farm management. Graduates of the program have a 100% job placement rate.
Tuition: $12,075
3. Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, Wisconsin
Agribusiness Science and Technology Associate Degree
The online agribusiness degree at Lakeshore Technical College is a great option for those looking to earn their agriculture associate’s degree online. The 60-credit program begins each August, and it can be completed in four terms. The courses teach how to merge business and science to produce a product and make a profit. The curriculum includes animal science and nutrition, integrated pest management, soil science, crop production, and precision agriculture. Financial aid is available.
Tuition: $8,495
2. Northwest Iowa Community College
Sheldon, Iowa
Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture
At Northwest Iowa Community College, students can earn an associate’s degree in agriculture entirely online. The 66-credit program allows students to target a specific area of interest throughout the program. Students will graduate prepared to seek employment in numerous careers, including agriculture sales, farm management, supplies and service, and production. Also, the degree includes an internship at a local agricultural business.
Tuition: $10,395
1. Florida Gateway College
Lake City, Florida
Agribusiness Management Associate in Science
Florida Gateway College offers the top online associate’s degree in agriculture. The 61-credit curriculum can be completed entirely online and takes four semesters to complete. The affordable program prepares individuals to apply the economic and business principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of horticultural and agricultural businesses. The curriculum combines horticulture and business courses with general education courses. Courses include plant growth, turfgrass, soil science, plant identification, and integrated pest management.
Tuition: $2,930
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