The Best Online Agriculture Classes

Best Overall: Colorado State University

Why We Chose It: Colorado State University’s online agriculture programs are our top choice because the university offers everything from training programs and certificates to individual agriculture courses and undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

Pros:

• Offers both credit and non-credit agricultural courses
• Several undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from
• Multiple tracks of study

Cons:

• Credits are more expensive than other options on our list

Founded in 1870 as Colorado Agricultural College, Colorado State University (CSU) offers both undergraduate and graduate online degrees with credits ranging from about $476 to $624, depending on the degree and program. Available degrees include Agriculture, Agricultural Business, Extension Education, and Horticulture; courses cover topics like animal sciences, nutrition, and economics. 

In addition to online degree programs, CSU offers a wide selection of non-credit classes that can be completed online, and most classes are available for about $40 or $60 each.

Available courses include topics like irrigation management, plant diseases, lawn care, and houseplants. CSU also offers several training courses for irrigation technicians.

Best for Bachelor’s Degree: Oregon State University

Why We Chose It: We chose Oregon State University as the best option for readers seeking an online bachelor’s degree in agriculture due to the school’s multiple online undergraduate programs related to the agricultural industry. 

Pros:

• Courses are fully online, and students receive the same degree as on-campus learners
• Has high ranking as online education provider
• Credits are less expensive than many other online degrees

Cons:

• Does not offer an online graduate degree in agriculture
• Only four start dates offered per year

Ranked a top 10 online bachelor’s program by U.S. News & World Report, Oregon State University offers a totally online Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences.

Course topics are extremely diverse with options like organic farming and gardening, Native American agriculture, world food crops, and animal sciences. Ultimately, the B.S. in Agricultural Sciences will prepare students for careers in science, government, and agribusiness. 

Students can choose from one of four start dates each year and the program takes 180 credits to complete as part of a quarter-term system—equivalent to 120 credits in a semester system. Credits are about $331 each, but students will also have to cover fees, textbooks, and other course materials.

The university also offers online B.S. degrees in related fields like crop and soil science, horticulture, and rangeland science.

Best Free: FutureLearn

Why We Chose It: FutureLearn stands out as the best option for free, online agriculture classes because the platform lets students learn about unlimited topics without having to pay for lessons. 

Pros:

• Courses can be taken for free
• Flexible scheduling
• Classes are taught by experts in the U.S. and abroad

Cons:

• Course offerings are more theoretical and less practical
• Students cannot earn a degree

FutureLearn is an online platform that provides short, accessible online courses in subjects related to agriculture. Classes are available in areas like sustainable food systems, agricultural technology, and soil science, and are offered through institutions like the University of Cambridge and the University of Exeter. 

Beyond strictly agricultural topics, you can also explore subject areas like sustainability, food tech, and climate change. This includes more advanced options like programs with academic accreditation and micro-credentials that may let you get independently certified or earn academic credit. 

And, while students can opt for an upgrade that includes a certificate of achievement, classes are otherwise free for six weeks of access. Upgrade costs also vary by course but can potentially start around $49. Students who spend three hours on a lesson each week typically take three to four weeks to complete it—meaning you shouldn’t have to pay for extended access unless you specifically want a certificate.

Best Online Certificates: Coursera

Why We Chose It: Coursera is the top choice for students who want to earn certificates in agriculture-related topics because the platform’s certificates are well-regarded and easy to add to LinkedIn. 

Pros:

• Flexible course schedules
• Classes are extremely well-reviewed
• Certificates are easy to share with your network on LinkedIn

Cons:

• Course offerings are more theoretical and less practical

Coursera is a top online learning platform that collaborates with more than 200 universities and companies to offer a range of courses that cover several agricultural topics. Like FutureLearn, many of Coursera’s lessons can be audited for free. That said, the platform’s certificate stands out because the platform is well-recognized and credentials are easy to add to your LinkedIn profile. 

Agriculture classes on Coursera include options like Sustainable Agricultural Land Management offered through the University of Florida and Agriculture, Economics, and Nature through the University of Western Australia. Before signing up for a course, prospective students can see how long the class will take to complete by reviewing the syllabus to ensure they’re interested in the topics.