Top Agriculture Universities in 2022-2023

Best Agriculture Colleges and Universities in the World 

About Agriculture

Agriculture is an interdisciplinary academic field concerned with the study of the scientific, technical, and managerial aspects of agriculture and allied areas. Education in agriculture opens options for a career in one of the largest industries in the world. The world of agriculture is not limited to farm management but extends to other specialized fields such as horticulture, botany, aquaculture and touches upon technical ones such as genetic engineering, microbiology, and soil science. It also prepares a student to address issues concerning production, consumption, and wastage of food and other agricultural products and remedy them through policies or solutions on a national and global scale.

Duties of an Agriculturist

Duties of an agriculturist may differ with each specialization. Still, certain features remain the same at the profession’s core:

• Conducting research in their areas of specialization to gain insights.
• Planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating agricultural projects.
• Educating stakeholders and the community about recent discoveries and developments.
• Working in partnership with various government and non-government organizations.
• Ensuring the high quality of production for the safety and welfare of the community.
• Contributing to the global ideologies of sustainable development and environmental protection,

Qualities of a Good Agriculturist

Being passionate and curious about their field of study is probably the most important quality expected of an agriculturist. This field offers something new to learn every day. It is up to agriculturists to grasp as much as possible to make educated decisions that may impact society, the environment, and the economy. An agriculturist should be able to apply these learnings in real-life scenarios and put critical thinking skills to good use. It is also imperative that they are a good team player and can lead a team towards ethical agricultural practices. As agriculture is a complex field, agriculturists are expected to employ their numerical ability, business acumen, and research skills.

Popular Degrees for Pursuing a Career in Agriculture

Bachelor’s Level

• BSc Agriculture
• Bachelor of Agribusiness
• Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
• Bachelor of Engineering Science (Agricultural Engineering)
• Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology
• BSc Agricultural Business Management
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Horticulture Major
• Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food and Farming

Master’s Level

• MSc Agriculture and Development
• Master of Food Science and Agribusiness
• MSc Agricultural Economics
• Master of Agribusiness
• MSc Business for Agri-food and Rural Enterprise 
• Master of Agriculture and Environment
• Master of Applied Science in Forestry 
• M.S. in Agricultural Education
• MSc Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

PhD and Doctorate Level

• Ph.D  Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry
• PhD Environment and Agriculture
• PhD Plant Science: Bioinformatics
• PhD Agri-Environmental Economics
• PhD Forestry
• PhD Crop Science
• PhD Horticulture

Specialization under Agriculture

Agribusiness

Agribusiness is a generalized term that includes all such activities and processes concerned with the manufacturing and distribution of farm products. These activities can consist of the production, storage, processing, marketing, financing, transportation, and handling of the products across the supply chain network. Agribusiness can include large commercial corporations or small-scale home-owned businesses. Every agribusiness endeavor aims to maximize profit while ensuring the satisfaction of consumers.

Agronomy

Agronomy is the intersection of science and technology to research, improve and manage areas related to plant genetics, plant physiology, plant protection, crop and soil science, and economy. Agronomists can be considered experts in determining the properties of the soil and how it interacts with the crops. They understand the nutritional needs of the crop, analyze the environmental impact on crops and plants to protect them from unfavorable conditions, and prevent infestation of pests and fungi. Usually, agronomists specialize in one or more types of crop.

Agricultural Biotechnology

Agricultural Biotechnology is a highly specialized, knowledge-centric field that incorporates the use of technology, such as genetic engineering, to modify crops and plants in a way that improves their quality and eases the process of agriculture. Biotechnology in agriculture is used to make crops cheaper with reduced production costs, more abundant to keep pace with the growing demand for food, and resistant to several biotic and abiotic factors.

Agriculture Engineering

Agriculture Engineering deals in the study, planning and design, and application of processes and systems for carrying out agriculture. Agriculture Engineering is usually seen in the development of farm motors and machinery, power supplies, land layouts, storage systems, irrigation and drainage systems. An agriculture engineer is expected to work with agriculturists who are well versed in the agricultural process.

Forestry

Forestry, in recent years, has come to be recognized as one of the most vital aspects of the biosphere. Forestry is often described as the art and science of creating and managing forests while keeping in view the conservation objects to balance the ecology and prevent altering habitats. 

Landscaping

Landscaping refers to the planning and structuring of gardens and other vast areas in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The work of a landscaper can include the manipulation of flora and fauna, terrains, water bodies, and lighting to enhance the artistic beauty of a location. A landscaper may work with individual clients who wish to enhance areas of their homes or with organizations that wish to improve properties of public interest.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture involves cultivating aquatic beings like fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and plants under controlled or semi-controlled environments. Aquaculture practiced in seawater is referred to as Mariculture. Pisciculture, also a part of aquaculture, is the specialized cultivation of fish for food and other fish-based products.

Horticulture

Horticulture is considered the art and science of sustainable production and marketing of plants for food or ornamental purposes. Horticulturists are in essence agriculturists but specialize in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and decorative plants. Viticulture, which is the production of grapes for winemaking, is also a part of horticulture.

Average Salary of an Agriculturist

Duration for Completing Agriculture Education

Top Universities for Agriculture based on Various Rankings 

Top Agriculture Universities in USA

Top Agriculture Universities in Canada

Top Agriculture Universities in UK 

Top Agriculture Universities in Australia

Academic Requirements for Studying Agriculture in Top Universities

Bachelor’s Level 

Entry requirements for a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture may be different depending on the choice of university. However, the below-mentioned information can be used as a guideline:

• Applicants must have subjects of English, Statistics, and Mathematics in their 12th-grade curriculum.
• An average percentage score of 60-80 or above in 10th and 12th-grade
• Minimum English proficiency scores: TOEFL iBT- 87 to 89, TOEFL PB-570, Pearsons- 64, IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
• Documents like Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter, or any certificates of extracurricular activities may be required as per each university’s specifications.

Master’s Level

• A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, science, engineering, economics, dietetics, or health, with at least 60% average or equivalent qualification.
• Work experience/Internship
• English Language Proficiency with minimum results of 6.5 in IELTS, 85 in TOEFL and 61 in Pearson.
• Resume/CV

• Personal Statement

Doctoral Level

Along with their application, students may be required to submit some/all of the following documents:

• Documents of mark sheets, exam results, diploma, etc.
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Proof of financial support

Exams To Be Passed for Practising Agricultural Professions

There are no specific licenses to be obtained for obtaining or practicing jobs in agriculture. Having sufficient qualifications such as educational degrees or diplomas and work experience as per the job description is usually enough. But securing a job in the government may require the applicant to be a citizen of the country.

However, several licenses and permits are needed if one wants to start their own business or dealership in agricultural products.