15 Best Agriculture Schools in The World

It can be very devastating when someone invests money, time, and energy into crop production and raising of Livestock yet cannot boast of good returns.

Here are the best Agriculture schools in the world you can enroll in if you want to get the best of the Plant and animal science profession.

The agricultural industry offers a huge number of career options, and we want to connect you with the top 15 agricultural schools in the world that offer degree programs.

What is Agriculture?

Many people limit Agriculture to being just farming(growing of crops). That is a small fraction of the Agriculture profession. Agriculture, by definition, is a science that deals with the production of crops and raising of animals to provide food.

Agriculture has so many branches which include:

• Agronomy.
• Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry.
• Horticulture.
• Plant Breeding and Genetics.
• Plant Pathology.
• Entomology.
• Agricultural Economics.
• Extension Education.

In the word today, Agriculture serves as a major source of income to individuals, governments, and organizations. People go into diverse agricultural practices such as fishing and livestock.

Nevertheless, if you want to deal with agriculture at an advanced level, you may have to consider enrolling in an agriculture school.

Where Do Agriculturist Work?

Agriculture has varieties of options including Livestock and farming. Agriculturists who focus on-farm practices can work outside on fields, pastures, and also the botanical gardens.

Those into Livestock and breeding of animals can work in the Zoo or on research labs.

Others work in the universities and colleges, government departments or private entities, farming and breeding associations.

As an agriculturist, you may also like to know about Naturopathy: The use of herbs for wellness.

Why Study Agricultural Science?

The World cannot function without people working within the Agriculture & Forestry sector. However, with today’s technology, agricultural science is proven to be a top-notch career to consider and also interesting to get involved in.

Courses in Veterinary medicine, food production, plant science, property management, environmental preservation, horticulture, and zoology are all areas that you can explore within agriculture.

So, if you are considering taking a degree in agriculture, you are taking the right decision. Apparently studying agriculture in a place like the United States means that you’ll be working in an important industry that is both considered being fast-moving and high-tech.

As a graduate in agriculture, you could be a manager on a conventional farm. These jobs can be very lucrative and highly rewarding. Your role usually will include overseeing food production in society and learning skills that can be applied across sectors.

Similarly, the biotechnology sector offers various career paths for agriculture graduates Including the consultancy role at a large firm. However, a position as an auditor or regulator in a biotechnological field ensures you as a potential candidate for another position.

Additionally, an agriculture career creates room for advancement in many routes ranging from business management, farming journalism, data analyzing, public recreation, social research, and many others.

Which Famous People Studied Agricultural Science?

There are many famous agriculture graduates around the world. George Washington Carver an Agricultural scientist was the first head of Tuskegee’s Agricultural Department. He developed the techniques of adding nitrogen to depleted soil.

Also, Booker T Washington an American educator started his agriculture career at Hampton Agricultural Institute, before proceeding to lead Tuskegee University.

Norman Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize winner studied at the University of Minnesota College of Agriculture. He is known for averting mass starvation in India through the development of dwarf wheat.

How Can I Become A Professional Agriculturist?

The first step into the Agricultural profession is to earn a bachelor’s degree. So, if you are an aspiring agriculturist, you may have to enroll in an accredited Institution.

However, to get the best in this profession, consider the top agriculture schools in the world such as Cornell University. You will be required to take classes in soil and plant science, chemistry, technical agriculture, agricultural mechanics, and animal husbandry.

A bachelor’s degree in the field is also a prerequisite for professional certification. Therefore, as an aspiring agricultural consultant, take a course load heavy in natural sciences. You may also need to learn about the principles of agriculture economics if you want to go into Agric-business operations for effective problem-solving.

What Skills Do I Need To Be successful in Agricultural Science?

If you really want to make the best out of your Agriculture career, you need outstanding skills like good communication skills.

In addition to your degree, you need to develop a strong interest in agriculture and the environment.

Other skills needed to become a successful Agriculturist include:

• Ability to make accurate observations, detect and solve problems
• The ability to influence leadership and coordinate teamwork
• A deep understanding of business principles
• Computer and Information Technology skills
• Ability to plan and conduct research

How Much Do Agriculturist Earn?

Graduates of the agriculture program earn about $40,791 for their early career and $76,822 in their mid-career. 

However, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $64,020 in May 2018.

What is Agricultural Science Career Prospect?

Farms employ 15% to 20% of the workforce globally. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, $115 billion in agricultural goods were exported from the United States.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the overall employment of agricultural and food scientists will grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

Also, the employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow as research into agricultural production methods and techniques continues.

List of Best Agriculture Schools In The World

We have created a list of top colleges of Agriculture in the world. So, you can choose a school that fits your demands.

The basics of our selection of these schools are the ranking criteria and the number of Agricultural related programs offered by the schools.

However, we also consider factors such as quality of education, average earnings of graduates, accreditation, and several other relevant factors.

We got our data from reliable sources, testimonials, interviews, and also by contacting individual schools.

Below is the list of the schools, read further to get information on the various degree programs offered, tuition info, and program options for these schools.

• Wageningen University and Research Center
• Texas A&M
• University of California-Davis
•  Cornell University
• University of Michigan
• University of Cambridge
• Utrecht University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• Purdue University
• University of Copenhagen
• University of Edinburgh
•  ETH Zürich
• University of Florida
•  The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#1. Wageningen University and Research Center

Wageningen University is a public agricultural research institution in a region of the Netherlands known as the Food Valley.

WUR was founded in 1918 and has a total enrollment of 13,914 students 652 academic staff.

The school is widely known as one of the best colleges of agriculture that offers a lot of agricultural research programs. The tuition is 1,984 EUR per year for each student.

Basically, WUR offers 20 bachelor’s agriculture programs and 29 master’s programs, which include two online options, and doctoral studies.

Data from the US news shows that the institution ranks #1 in Agricultural sciences and #4 in Best Global Universities in Netherland.

Other ranking data for overall Best Global Universities ranking in 2023 are:

• #1 Plant and Animal Science
• #1 Environment and Ecology
• Global score is 71.3
• #92 for Regional research reputation
• #74 for International collaboration

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#2. Texas A&M University

With a Tuition of $9,685, you can enroll at Texas A&M University; one of the best schools for agriculture. This school conducts research in multiple agriculture subdisciplines.

Basically, the school offers 18 agricultural programs, has 12 colleges and they all possess research centers.

Texas A&M grant institutions have special relationships with other taking part schools and perform vital research for government agencies.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees and also nine agriculture certificate programs. The programs include a bachelor’s in forestry and a master’s in plant pathology.

Data from the US university ranking shows that Texas A&M University ranks #70 in the 2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities. Its in-state tuition and fees are $11,232; out-of-state tuition and fees are $37,726.

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#3. University of California-Davis

One of the top agricultural schools you can enroll in is the University of California-Davis. Apparently, UC Davis is one of the world’s leading cross-disciplinary public research and teaching institutions that was founded in 1905.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College, and University accredits the University of California-Davis Commission and offers 35 Agriculture Degree programs. The college tuition is $47,723 (in-state) and $56,974 (out-of-state​). .

Also, the University of California-Davis ranks number 3 in agricultural sciences and #2 in Plant and animal science according to the US news global ranking.

Additionally, UC Davis has recorded over 687 graduates in the study area of Agriculture with students earning 491 Bachelor’s degrees, 119 Master’s degrees, 75 Doctoral degrees, and 2 Certificates degrees as of 2015.

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#4. ETH Zürich

ETH Zürich is a higher institution of learning that started in 1854. The school focuses on the training of engineers and scientists. Albert Einstein Nobel Prize winners were famous alumni of this institution.

The System-Oriented Natural Science Division has 16 major academic agricultural departments which are earth science, environmental systems sciences and health sciences, and technology.

The institution’s research focuses on areas including the World food system, Climate change, and Energy. In addition, the school runs over 16 joint Ph.D.

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#5. Cornell University

Cornell University has a great college of agriculture with a wide selection of majors. It is a federal land-grant and private Ivy League research institution that was established in 1865.

The school offers 21 agricultural programs and tuition is 50,953 USD.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is the second-largest undergraduate college at the university and the third-largest college of its kind in Ithaca, New York.

Basically, CALS offers four areas of study and research for its agriculture master’s programs including Life sciences Food and energy systems

Additionally, the school runs varieties of outreach and extension programs such as the Cornell Cooperative Extension, the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, and the CALS Research and Impact Portal.

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Check out the recent graduate fellowship program hosted by Cornell university

#6. University of Michigan

One of the top-ranked colleges of agriculture is the University of Michigan located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The school offers tuition of 14,402 USD( In-state), 45,410 USD(Out-of-state ).

U-M formally established its School for Environment and Sustainability in 1950 and offers four graduate certificates including Environmental Justice, Industrial Ecology, Spatial Analysis, and Sustainability.

The Interesting part is that the graduate certificate programs at the University of Michigan allow students to integrate multiple fields of interest and hone a specialized skill set to complement their master’s degree.

Also, the Children’s Environmental Health Initiative, the Institute for Fisheries Research programs, and others has affiliated with U-M’s School for Environment and Sustainability.

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#7. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the widely known best agricultural schools that was founded in 1209 and in Cambridge, England. The school offers tuition of 9,250 GBP and is committed to providing world-class education and access to the very best teachers, resources, and support.

Cambridge offers six programs including Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology.

Basically, the School of the Biological Sciences encompasses the Faculty Board of Biology and the Faculty Board of Veterinary Medicine and is represented on the Faculty Board of Clinical Medicine.

Also, the school offers a variety of agricultural and labor programs, and it works alongside the Graduate School of Life Sciences, the Graduate Committee, the Medical Education Committee, and the Clinical School.

In addition, Cambridge ranks as the world’s second-best university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and also ranks 3rd worldwide by Academic Ranking of World Universities, 6th by QS, and 7th by US News.

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Are you looking for scholarships? You can check here for The University of Cambridge scholarships opportunity for students

#8. Utrecht University

This Dutch public university is one of the top agricultural schools and currently has a total enrollment of 30,000 students. Students who earn their degree in life sciences study at the secondary Utrecht Science Park campus.

The Agricultural program is offered under the school Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The FVM combines coursework, research, and patient care in its three master’s programs and each program prepares graduates to work as veterinarians.

The Utrecht University bachelor’s program features a single track and instructs students in English and Dutch. The three-month master’s program features three tracks; companion animal health, farm animal health, and equine health. These programs require that students understand Dutch.

Besides the academic program, the university runs one of the largest educational veterinary hospitals on the European continent.

Data from the Shanghai Ranking shows that Utrecht University ranks 1st in the Netherlands and 49th in the world.

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#9. University of Melbourne

If you are searching for where to get a degree in veterinary, agricultural or food sciences, University of Melbourne is the best for you. The school is one of the best agriculture schools in the world. It is known as the second-oldest institution of higher education in Australia was founded in 1853.

The public research university comprises 12 colleges, 11 academic units, and 15 graduate schools on or near the main campus. The University Faculty of Veterinary and Agriculture offers five main academic divisions. The agricultural education degree programs include:

• Animal welfare and behavior
• Plant pathology
• Meat science
• Parasitology
• Soil science
• Wildlife research
• Zoo residencies

Data from Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS Graduate Employability show that the University of Melbourne ranks #1 in Australia, # 32 in the world, and # 7 in graduate employability worldwide.

Additionally, the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences has a range of scholarships and bursaries to assist students with study and living expenses.

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#10. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney was the first Institution in Australia. it was established in 1850 to bring together agricultural research and contribute valuable knowledge to the food sector.

The institution is one of the best schools for agriculture and the research primarily focuses on quality food and development of agriculture.

If you are interested in agriculture or life sciences, you can select from over 40 majors and minors.

What amazes me most is that Sydney unlike other schools on the list offers a minor in virology and a major in hydrology.

So, students can further personalize their education by completing interdisciplinary projects. Students can earn credit by pairing and problem-solving with a local business.

The Institute of Agriculture offers two major paths for prospective students including agriculture and agribusiness.

Therefore, the Agriculture students can select from 12 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that include health security and agriculture, and environment.

Similarly, Agribusiness students select from four-degree paths.

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#11. University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is a research institution that was founded in 1479 and in Denmark.

The school currently has four campuses with six faculties including the health and medical sciences, humanities, law, science, social science, and theology.

UCPH is widely known as one of the best schools for agriculture. The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences offers master’s programs in addition to undergraduate degrees.

The PES Focuses its research on areas such as Plant and soil science, Crop sciences, Transport biology, Ecology, and biotechnology.

Beside the school academic program, the University of Copenhagen is ranked first in Denmark and 101st overall in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2023.

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#12. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is the sixth-oldest higher institution in the world. Founded in 1582.

The GeoSciences school came to result from a merger between the Institute of Ecology and Resource Management, the Department of Geography, the Department of Geology and Geophysics, and the Institute for Meteorology. Today, the School is recognized as one of the best colleges of agriculture worldwide.

The University of Edinburgh ranks 20th in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Also 6th best university in Europe according to the U.S. News Best Global Universities Ranking, and 7th best in Europe by the Times Higher Education Ranking.

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#13. Purdue University

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The school offers a Tuition of  $10,002.

PU has 8 agricultural research stations and enables agriculture students to use modern technology to study emerging agricultural sub-disciplines like plant pathology, natural resources, and landscape architecture.

The College of Agriculture graduate degrees include varieties of master’s and doctoral programs. It also has four interdisciplinary programs, including faculties and resources from other Purdue colleges.

The university has modern research facilities on campus that enable students to use government grants to investigate topics like plant genetics and food security.

Besides the school program, Purdue University maintained its position as one of the world’s best agriculture schools. Also, the institution ranked among the nation’s public universities and is 65th among all universities, according to U.S.News & World Report.

#14. University of Florida

One of the top research and best colleges of agriculture is the University of Florida. The school started in 1853 and is the third-largest Institution in Florida. Over 49,000 students enroll in 16 colleges and have access to over 150 research centers and institutes.

UF’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences comprises 18 schools and departments. The College of Agriculture and Life Science offers 21 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate programs. These programs comprise over 50 areas of specialization.

UF currently ranks among the world’s top colleges of agriculture, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

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#15. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was established in 1867. The institution comprises 17 colleges and offers over 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs of study.

The College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Science has over 2,500 undergraduate and 750 graduate enrollments.

These students participate in various programs, including agriculture science and leadership education, crop sciences, food science and human nutrition, and animal sciences.

The unique thing about this Institution is that the College of ACES offers students scholarships in the agricultural, consumer, and environmental sciences.

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Conclusion

Agriculture is a science that involves the research and development of crops and livestock for consumption. Apparently, agricultural science professionals play a vital role in maintaining the food supply in our society.

With a degree in agricultural science, you can access any career in the agricultural sector. The top agricultural domains are agribusiness, public and private agencies, government and policy-making agencies, and private consulting companies.

References

• The Best Life & Agriculture Sciences Programs in the World Today: thebestschools.org
• Best Global Universities for Agricultural Sciences: usnews.com
• Agricultural and Food Scientists:bls.gov

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