Agriculture Distance Learning

Online agriculture courses allow students to get a degree while still working on farms
By Catherine Ann Rayburn-Trobaugh, Writer/Owner CRT Writng Services The old saying about being "kept down on the farm" isn't a bad thing when it comes to agriculture distance education. College and university agriculture programs have kept up with the times with online farming classes that make it possible to apply knowledge immediately to practical projects. The advantages are clear. You save money on gas and housing; you save time on commuting, but the mostly, you can manage your time to fit in with the demands of farming.

Before deciding if agriculture distance learning courses are right for you, determine your own personality and needs. Distance learning requires good time management and dedication to stay with it. If this sounds like you, you might be a good candidate for distance learning in agriculture. In addition to traditional bachelor and master's degrees, many universities are also offering certificates in agriculture.

1. A non-degree certificate may be a good choice for your agriculture distance education.

2. Bachelor's degree agriculture distance education offerings are often hybrid programs.

3. Master's programs often offer complete online agriculture degrees.

Choose an online agriculture courses certificate program if a degree is not your goal

You may feel that a degree is not to your advantage or you want to continue your education into a specialty. Most non-degree programs take as little as a year to complete and con be conducted entirely online. Many programs will spotlight a specialty field such as sustainability or organic farming through online agriculture classes.
Try:  Cultivating Success offers a certificate in conjunction with the University of Idaho. Washington State University's certificate for organic farming can aid in becoming government certified for an organic farm.

Consider the hybrid option for agriculture distance education

Because of the need for on-campus lab experience, most agriculture bachelor's degrees offer a hybrid option. Some of the courses are held on campus while others are online. Many colleges and universities will work with you to come up with a schedule that will allow you to spend the maximum time on your farm.
Try:  Ohio State University offers a large variety of online general education courses to augment their on-campus agriculture classes. Oregon State's distance learning agriculture program teams with community colleges to aid students to complete degrees.

Look into a master's degree in agriculture distance education to further your career

If you have a bachelor's degree, consider getting a master's degree through agricultural distance education. Many programs are available nationally that you can obtain your entire degree online while still working and living on your farm.
Try:  Texas A&M offers a non-thesis program. University of Nebraska has a variety of concentrations for their online agriculture degrees.

• Search online databases for specific information on distance learning in agriculture.
• If your college of choice doesn't offer online farming classes, ask about customizing a program.