Agriculture is a massive industry in America. In fact, agriculture, food and relative industries account for more than a trillion dollars of U.S. GDP. Whether it’s your dream to work on the business end of agriculture or manage a farm or ranch, these are the top schools for studying agriculture.
UMass Amherst
Kicking off the very top of our list is UMass Amherst. Known for its renowned Stockbridge School of Agriculture, this is a great program for those who know they want to pursue a career in ag after college. This program offers several different tracks, from a 15-credit certificate to Bachelor’s, with focuses on horticulture science, plant and soil sciences, sustainable food and farming, and turfgrass science and management. But the primary hallmark of the program is an emphasis on hands-on learning. The program also offers international exchange opportunities and research projects.
Cornell
Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is among the best. They offer majors and minors in Agribusiness Management, International Agriculture & Rural Development, Plant Sciences, Crop Management and Agricultural Sciences. They also have a student-run farm on campus, and myriad other niche programs for ag students to choose from
University of Florida
UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences offers majors in Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources and Forest and Geopath Sciences among others. They even have majors in Agricultural Education and Communication, as well as Agricultural Operations. This is a top-notch program for career-driven students who know which specific path they intend to pursue.
Michigan State
Michigan State’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources allows for students to explore majors in Agribusiness Management, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Entomology, Horticulture, Biosystems Engineering, Animal Science, and more. This is a large program that boasts 95% student job placement among undergrads.
UC Davis
UC Davis’ College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has a very large array of various majors, from Agricultural and Environmental Education, Agricultural and Environmental Technology to Animal Science and Management. The school has a particular focus on social impact and climate change, and offers a ton of interesting organizations for majors and those interested in the field.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is home to the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Majors include Agribusiness Markets & Management, Agricultural Accounting, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Agricultural Communications, Agronomy, Crop Sciences and many more. There are also a number of minors for those who want to pair their Agriculture studies with other disciplines. This is a great program for those looking to pursue the business end of Ag, or just explore the sector through a few classes.
Ohio State
Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences houses 21 majors, including Agricultural Communication, Agribusiness and Applied Economics, Agriscience Education, Animal Sciences, Entomology, Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture and more. There are also several clubs, from the Saddle & Sirloin Club to the Dairy Judging Club, and more.
Iowa State
Iowa State is located in the heart of agriculture country. Its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences include multiple departments. From Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering to Agricultural Education and Studies, Agronomy, and Horticulture, there’s something at Iowa State for just about anyone.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is a fantastic place for those interested in Ag. So much so that it’s in the name. The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences is home to 15 different departments. It offers degrees in Agribusiness, Agricultural Systems Management, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Agricultural Leadership and Development, and more.
University of Wisconsin- Madison
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at U of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on a research-based approach to the discipline. Majors include Agricultural & Applied Economics, Agricultural Business Management, Forest Science, Food Science, Horticulture, and more. Their program and research focus on enhancing food systems, addressing climate change, and encouraging economic and community development.
While it might seem intimidating to go into college knowing what major you want to study (and what profession you want to pursue), we advise our students to apply to specific majors and departments. Schools are hoping to admit freshmen who are hyper-focused on a particular field.
Need help determining what college program is right for you? Call us. We’re great at helping students match with their perfect schools.