The Master of Science in Agriculture prepares graduate students for leadership, management, and advancement opportunities across agricultural education, extension education, post-secondary education, and agribusiness. This flexible online degree is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, expand career opportunities, and increase their leadership capacity while maintaining professional responsibilities.
Program Format & Flexibility
A key advantage of the program is its versatility. Depending upon elective coursework selected, students may earn valuable graduate credentials alongside the degree, including:
- Instructor Facilitator Certificate
- Lead Teacher Certificate
- Agricultural Business Certificate
Students pursuing careers in education may also complete the coursework required for the EDAS Building Level Leadership Graduate Certificate by taking only one additional course beyond degree requirements.
Because the program is delivered entirely online, students can complete coursework from anywhere while balancing professional and personal commitments.
Program Duration & Start Dates
- Duration: Can be completed in as little as 18-24 months depending on course load.
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, Summer
- Deadlines: * Fall: July 20 | Spring: December 1 | Summer I: April 1 | Summer II: June 1
Why Choose SAU for Your M.S. in Agriculture?
100% Online Flexibility: Complete your degree fully online while continuing to work and serve your community.
Leadership-Focused Curriculum: Develop advanced skills in communication, organizational leadership, decision-making, and management that support advancement in educational and agricultural settings.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Whether you work in agricultural education, extension services, post-secondary education, or agribusiness, the program provides knowledge and credentials that support professional growth and leadership opportunities.
Multiple Certificate Pathways: Customize your degree through elective coursework that can lead to graduate certificates aligned with your career goals.
Exceptional Value: Benefit from one of the region’s most affordable online master’s degrees in agriculture while gaining credentials that can support long-term career advancement.
Skills You Will Gain
Graduates of the program develop competencies in:
- Agricultural leadership and management
- Communication and organizational effectiveness
- Educational leadership and supervision
- Agricultural business principles
- Strategic planning and decision-making
- Program development and evaluation
- Professional advancement within agricultural and educational organizations
Curriculum
Course Requirements (33 hours)
Each candidate desiring to complete the Master of Science in Agriculture degree must complete 33 semester hours. All courses will be taught online. This program is designed to best serve agricultural educators by providing a quality education to place-bound agricultural professionals.
Core Courses (18 hours)
- AGRI 6063 – Advanced Leadership for Agricultural Professionals
- AGRI 6083 – Professional Development in Agriculture
- AGRI 6123 – History and Philosophy of Agriculture
- AGRI 6143 – Adult Learning Management in Agriculture
- AGRI 6153 – Leadership of Volunteers
- AGRI 6183 – Development and Implementation of Professional Presentations in Agriculture
Elective Courses (15 hours)
Select 15 hours from the following:
- AGBS 6003 – Agricultural Markets and Prices *
- AGBS 6013 – International Trade of Agricultural Products *
- AGBS 6023 – Agricultural Policies *
- AGBS 6033 – Management of Agriculture Production *
- AGRI 6133 – Experiential Learning
- EDAS 6013 – School and Community Relations **
- EDAS 6023 – Supervision of Instruction in Elementary and Secondary Schools **
- EDAS 6033 – Organizational Development, Evaluation, and Action Research **
- EDAS 6233 – Leadership of Special Programs and Services
- EDUC 5033 – Classroom Assessment
- EDUC 6083 – Application of Learning Theories
- EDUC 6043 – Current Issues and Trends in Education
- EDUC 6063 – Applications of Technology in Education
- EDUC 6213 – Curriculum Planning **
- EDUC 6253 – Foundations of Teacher Leadership **
- EDUC 6403 – School Law
Notes:
*Completion of AGBS 6003, AGBS 6013, AGBS 6023, and AGBS 6033 will allow students to obtain the Agricultural Business Certificate.
**Completion of EDAS 6013, EDAS 6023, EDAS 6033, EDUC 6213, and EDUC 6253 will allow students to obtain the Instructional Facilitator/Lead Teacher Certificate.
Admissions
- Online Application: Start by submitting the Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Send official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred. Conditional admission may be available for applicants who do not fully meet regular admission criteria.
Academic Background
A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field is preferred.
Career Outcomes
The Master of Science in Agriculture prepares graduates for advancement into leadership and management positions in a variety of professional settings.
Potential career pathways include:
- Agricultural Education Instructor
- Lead Teacher
- Instructional Facilitator
- Secondary Agricultural Education Administrator
- Extension Educator
- Postsecondary Agriculture Instructor
- Agricultural Program Coordinator
- Agricultural Business Professional
- Agribusiness Manager
- Agricultural Industry Consultant
- Principal (with applicable certification and additional requirements)
Designed for Career Advancement
This program is particularly valuable for professionals seeking promotion, leadership responsibilities, additional credentials, or expanded opportunities within agriculture and education-related fields.
