Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for a Masters in International Agribusiness is McGill University, followed by North Dakota State University.
- Programs focus on solving global agricultural issues through internships and studies in economics, policy, and food systems.
- Most programs are interdisciplinary, targeting real-world problems like poverty and food security through various academic lenses.
The following is an affordability ranking for an international agriculture degree.
Methodology
Featured Programs
Programs represented here include both the undergraduate and graduate levels in which international agriculture or a related degree are a major component. Minors, certificates, and specializations in international agriculture were not included in this ranking.
Program emphases range from small-scale agricultural innovation to large-scale agribusiness policy. Our pool was gathered through NCES College Navigator and school websites. Schools are ranked by tuition/fees (in-state is given where applicable), with the number one ranked school being the most affordable.
The goal of this article is to inform you about what is available in international agriculture majors and give you an idea of what this type of degree will cost. Financial information given below is for broad comparative purposes only. Always be sure to contact schools for the latest program and tuition information.
10. Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture: International Agriculture and Rural Development Major
If you are passionate about food systems and rural development in emerging countries, this major deserves a good look. Students choose a concentration in either Economics and Development, Agricultural and Food Systems, or Environment and Ecosystems. Besides core courses of the program, students will engage in an international internship in which they can develop some proficiency in the local language. A senior capstone project allows them to communicate their findings abroad to other seniors in the program. The program is interdisciplinary in nature, addressing issues related to poverty, hunger, agricultural innovation, and sustainable development.
Tuition/fees: $49,116
9. Andrews University
Berrien Springs, Michigan
Bachelor of Technology in International Agriculture Development
If small-scale agriculture at an international level is on your radar, the bachelor of technology in international agriculture development is worth considering. Through coursework and both a domestic and international internship experience, students are prepared to work with government agencies, NGOs, and mission agencies. Completing the program will also give you advanced standing as a student in the MS in community and international development program at Andrews, allowing you to add depth to your preparation for a career in agriculture abroad.
Tuition/fees: $27,000
8. Penn State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Dual-title MS or PhD in International Agriculture and Development
Graduate students wishing to add a strong international agriculture component to an initial graduate degree can opt for the dual-title MS or PhD in international agriculture and development. Through coursework, research, and experience abroad, graduates will be uniquely positioned to lead nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations. If solving global food and development issues through agricultural innovation holds a strong interest for you, Penn State offers a substantial program. An undergraduate minor is also offered.
In-state graduate tuition/fees: $19,964
7. University of California–Davis
Davis, California
Bachelor of Science in International Agricultural Development
This is a great program for students looking to make a career out of helping improve others’ lives at the level of agriculture, food, and nutrition. Future professional possibilities with this major include international trade, Peace Corps, and humanitarian or mission work. Depending on your interests, you would choose either the social sciences or natural sciences track. The social sciences track will help you get at the root of global hunger issues from a social perspective, while the natural sciences track will allow you to innovate at the agricultural and technological level. Another study option besides the major is the minor in international agricultural development.
In-state tuition/fees: $13,951
6. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Bachelor’s in Global Agribusiness
One of the many facets to international agriculture is the business/economic aspect. The Morrison School of Agribusiness delivers this bachelor’s in global agribusiness at ASU’s Polytechnic campus, assuring a small-college atmosphere to your undergraduate experience. Take courses like Global Marketing Management, International Agricultural Policy, and Global Supply Chain Management.
In-state tuition/fees: $9,684
5. Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
BS in Agriculture and Life Sciences: Secondary Major or Minor in International Agriculture
As a secondary major taken in conjunction with a primary major in agricultural and life sciences, the program in international agriculture will help you prepare for a career with a business or agency addressing issues of agricultural development in emerging countries. The internship abroad, including the foreign language element, is a key feature of this major. If you would like to be equipped to solve agricultural and food problems in an international setting, this secondary major is an important piece, because you will also have the additional strong foundation offered by your primary agricultural major. Students of any major at Iowa State can take a minor in international agriculture as well.
In-state tuition/fees: $7,736
4. Utah State University
Logan, Utah
Bachelor of Arts in International Agribusiness
Offered through the Applied Economics Department, the major in International Agribusiness at Utah State will interest those who want to understand global agricultural through the business lens. There are several interesting features of this degree. One is that the program is small, offering serious faculty attention. A second feature is the foreign language requirement in which students must gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages. If you are interested in large-scale business abroad in the areas of agricultural products or equipment, this program may be of interest.
In-state tuition/fees: $7,260
3. Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Master of Agriculture in International Agriculture; Master of Science in International Agriculture
The master of agriculture in international agriculture prepares graduates to work directly in the public or private sector, including agribusiness, non-profits, government agencies, and more. The master of science in international agriculture, however, is designed as a theoretical basis for research for those who desire to work more on the design and implementation side of agricultural development in emerging countries. Students in the program have travelled to over 40 countries since 2012.
In-state graduate tuition/fees: $7,230
2. North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota
Master of Science in International Agribusiness
Offered through the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, the MS in international agribusiness at ND State prepares students academically and experientially to excel in international agribusiness. Curriculum content includes courses in applied economics and international agribusiness strategy, marketing, and finance. The internship element of the program (summer or semester-long) could take the form of a paid or volunteer position with a non-profit, government agency, or agribusiness company.
In-state graduate tuition/fees: $6,352
1. McGill University
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences): Major in Global Food Security
McGill is offering a unique undergraduate program among those listed here. Agriculture students looking for emphases both on food security and developing nations will want to consider this bachelor of science offered at the McGill’s McDonald Campus outside of Montreal. The multidisciplinary program will include public health, food safety, water resources, international development, and agriculture and nutrition. Field experience will give exposure to small-scale agriculture and further learning in project development at the community level. Global food security majors may even choose a specialization in international agriculture.
In-province tuition/fees: $3,855.23 CDN
CVO Staff
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