Last Updated on September 4, 2024
Agriculture has been considered one of the main contributors to building modern civilization for several thousand years. Agricultural science is also one of those that is changing very fast and impacting the climate and environment significantly. But to start this profession, you must have a solid academic background, and an MS in Agriculture in the USA can be an ideal choice. With its reputation as the leading destination for higher education, the United States offers the best quality education. Students can pursue an MS in Agriculture in USA at top agricultural universities with modern curricula. This article will discuss MS in Agriculture in USA in detail.
List of Top MS in Agriculture in USA Colleges / Universities
The following is a list of US universities offering master’s programs in agriculture if you are looking for any:
- Texas A & M University
- University of Massachusetts
- University of Florida
- Cornell University
- University of Illinois
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University came into being in 1876 and has over 100 courses. The Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a vital resource for students in modern agriculture training. You need to be at this college to have an excellent education in different agricultural streams of technological advancement, amongst other streams in agriculture. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences was initiated along with the university’s founding. You can take agricultural courses and learn about multidisciplinary methodologies, too.
| Type | Private |
| QS Ranking 2023 | 164 |
| Programs Offered | Master of Agriculture in Agriculture Development |
| Program Fees (Annual) | USD 14,000 (INR 11,07,484.00) |
University of Massachusetts- Amherst
The Institution of Massachusetts, founded in 1863, is an open research university in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States. UMass Amherst ranks 24th among US public universities. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the leading research universities, hosting more than 28,000 students from 85 countries and 49 states. There are about 200 student organizations where students can pursue interests other than academics.
| Type | Open Research |
| QS Ranking 2023 | – |
| Program Offered | MSc in Food Science |
| Program Fee (Annual) | USD 20,380 (INR 16,12,180) |
University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public research university ranked among the top in the United States of America (USA). It is the foremost university in the United States that offers an MS in agriculture. Furthermore, there are more master’s and MBA courses. The university is located in Gainesville, Florida, and has operated since September 1906. The University of Florida is one of the state’s top hubs for education, medicine, cultural events, and athletics, with over 6,000 international students pursuing a fully accredited and globally recognized education. Students will appreciate the university’s unparalleled access to world-class facilities and vibrant and diverse campus community.
| Type | Public |
| QS Ranking 2023 | 188 |
| QS Subject Ranking 2023 | 290 |
| Program Offered | Master of Agribusiness |
| Program Fees (Annual) | USD 12,750 (INR 10,086,01) |
Cornell University
The privately endowed statutory Ivy League research university, Cornell College, was founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University is one of the best agricultural teaching and research institutions in the United States of America. It is considered among the highest-ranking agricultural schools in the country. Along with the academic aspects, students at the university can participate in activities and other university-based programs based on hands-on learning.
| Type | Private |
| QS Ranking 2023 | 20 |
| Programs Offered | Masters in Animal Science, Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology Graduate Field, and others. |
| Program Fees (Annual) | USD 39,466 (INR 31,21,997) |
University of IllinoisÂ
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public research institution in the Illinois cities of Urbana and Champaign. The university also encompasses the third-biggest university library in the country and one of the world’s most extensive public libraries. The purpose of the terminal master’s degree is to concentrate on the concepts and analytical techniques that analysts and managers use in enterprises, governments, and other organizations.
| Type | Public |
| QS Ranking 2023 | 85 |
| Program Offered | Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics |
| Program Fees (Annual) | USD 30,646 (INR 2,424,282) |
Course Curriculum for MS in Agriculture in USA
An MS in Agriculture in USA is a postgraduate degree that lasts one to two years and keeps students up to date on scientific advances related to agricultural development. The course emphasizes agricultural technology, plant biology, plant management, and biochemistry, in addition to providing scientific knowledge of farming and agriculture. For the next two years, the total credit hours will be 30.
| Popular Course Offered | MS In Agricultural Biology, MS in Agricultural Engineering, Master of Science in International Agricultural Development, Master of Science in Urban Forestry, Master of Science (M.S.) in Agricultural and Resource Economics, Master of Science in Sustainable Forest Management |
| Course Duration | 1.5- 2 Years |
| Top Universities | Texas A & M University, University of Massachusetts, University of Florida, Cornell University, University of Illinois |
| Average Tuition Fees | USD 29,993.18 (INR 2,372,640.50). |
| Minimum GRE Score | 140 or more |
| English Proficiency Test Score | TOEFL- 100IELTS- 6.5- 7.0GRE- 140 or more |
Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required for MS in Agriculture in USAÂ Â Â Â
Following are the eligibility criteria for admission to colleges in the USA for master’s Agriculture programs.
- Educational Qualification
- Results of English Language Proficiency Tests
- Standardized Exam Score
Let us look at each one in detail:
Education Qualification
The student must have a bachelor’s degree from any recognized college/university with the required grades, like a BSc in Agriculture or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Test Scores
Students looking for admission to the master’s in agriculture course in the United States of America have to show their test scores in English Language Proficiency. However, scores may vary from university to university.
Standardized Test Scores
You may need to provide your US entry examination test marks, such as SAT or GMAT, for an MSC/ MBA in agribusiness. These are rarely required, but if you have taken your exam earlier, having these marks always helps.
Now, coming back to the primary documents for a Master of Agriculture in the US:
Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation, Resume/ CV, and Academic documents.
- The required documents are a valid passport and proof of financial support.
Application Process to Apply for MS in Agriculture in USA
For admission to any of the ranked universities in the United States, students have to follow the admission procedure. Here are the steps:
- Search for a university in the US offering an MSc in Agriculture course.
- Check the admission requirements of the university. See what exams must be given and what papers must be presented.
- Application form. The application to the entrance can be accessed online.
- All documents must be received before the application deadline date. You may visit the status of how far your application has reached on their website.
- The university will invite the students for the entrance test if they qualify for all of the qualifications.
- The college administration decides the cut-off score for the entrance test; the candidate needs to perform well in the admission test and meet the required cut-off score. After that, a further step can be taken.
- After making a choice, plan the budget and go for a student visa application process.
Cost of Studying MS in Agriculture in USA
An MS in Agriculture in USA has a different tuition fee structure than every other university in the United States. Apart from tuition, the living costs vary from city to city or state where you will study. On average, the total cost per year to study for master’s degree in agriculture in the US is approximately USD 29993.18 or 2,372,640.50 INR.
The average cost of living in the US annually for an international student is about USD 18,000 (INR 14,23,908), which includes various regions, types of homes, and facilities utilized during the stay in the country.
Scholarship MS in Agriculture in USA
Universities and colleges have state-specific financial grants for MS in Agriculture in USA. International students can utilize these scholarships for Masters in Agriculture in the United States to help pay for their tuition and living expenses.
Some of the available grants for MS in Agriculture in USA are:
| Scholarships | Award (in USD) |
| Narotam Sekhsaria scholarship | 25,282.53 (INR 2,000,000) |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | 1,000 (INR 79,292) |
| KC Mahindra Scholarship | 5,542 (INR 439,437) |
Job Scope for Students Pursuing MS in Agriculture in USA
MS in Agriculture in USA is a one-of-a-kind course that teaches students how to adapt to new changes in the agricultural industry. Salary levels differ based on the sector (government or private), the type of work, and even the aspirant’s abilities. The average annual wage for an M.Sc. in Agriculture student is approximately USD 24,000 (INR 18,98,544).
| Job Profile | Annual Salary (in USD) |
| Agriculture Officer | 71,329 (INR 56,42,551) |
| Agriculture Engineer | 78,100 (INR 61,92,728) |
| Agricultural Research Scientist | 70,737 (INR 55,95,721) |
| Seed Technologist | 55,447 (INR 45,44,402) |
| Agricultural and Food Scientist | 80,100 (INR 63,51,313) |
Final Insights!!
An MS in Agriculture in USA is a postgraduate degree focusing on scientific advances related to agricultural development. Top US universities offering this program include Texas A&M University, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, the University of Florida, Cornell University, and the University of Illinois. These top universities offer modern curriculums, world-class facilities, and diverse campus communities.
Eligibility criteria for these programs include a bachelor’s degree, English Language Proficiency Test scores, and US entry examination test marks. To apply, students must search for a US university offering an MSc in Agriculture course, check admission requirements, and submit an online application form.
FAQs
Which country is best for MS in agriculture?
The USA is considered the best country for an MS in Agriculture due to its advanced research facilities, diverse programs, and opportunities for practical experience. Other top countries include the Netherlands, Australia, and Canada.
What is the fee structure of MS in Agriculture in USA?
The fee structure for an MS in Agriculture in USA varies by institution, typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. This excludes living expenses, which can add an additional $10,000 to $20,000 annually.
Is agriculture a good career in the USA?
Agriculture is a promising career in the USA, offering diverse opportunities in research, agribusiness, and technology. The sector’s innovation and demand for sustainable practices contribute to its growth, providing job security and career advancement.
Can Indians do agriculture in the USA?
Indians can pursue agriculture careers in the USA, provided they have the necessary visas and qualifications. Many opt for higher education in agriculture in the USA and subsequently work on farms, in research, or in agribusiness roles.
Kanishka Garg specializes in crafting informative content on study abroad education. Her passion lies in simplifying the journey for students through SEO-optimized articles and blogs. Kanishka’s commitment to clear communication and her deep understanding of international admissions processes make her blogs essential for students aiming to gain insights into top universities worldwide. With Kanishka’s blogs, students can confidently get solutions to the complexities of applying to their dream universities and achieve their academic aspirations abroad.
