Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Agricultural extension agent education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become an agricultural extension agent. Agricultural extension agents usually study plant sciences, environmental science, or agriculture. 78% of agricultural extension agents hold a bachelor's degree, and 16% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 134 real agricultural extension agent resumes to see exactly what agricultural extension agent education sections show.
The most common colleges for agricultural extension agents are the Kansas State University and the Kansas State University.
There are also many online agricultural extension agent courses to help get the education required to be an agricultural extension agent.
What education do you need to become an agricultural extension agent?
What degree do you need to be an agricultural extension agent?
- Bachelor's, 78%
- Master's, 16%
- Associate, 4%
- Diploma, 2%
What should I major in to become an agricultural extension agent?
- Plant Sciences, 17%
- Agriculture, 7%
- Other Majors, 56%
Most common colleges for agricultural extension agents
| Agricultural extension agent common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Kansas State University | 8.33% |
| Michigan State University | 8.33% |
| Western Washington University | 5.56% |
| University of Maryland - College Park | 5.56% |
| University of Washington | 5.56% |
Best majors for agricultural extension agents
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plant Sciences | 16.9% |
| 2 | Environmental Science | 13.5% |
| 3 | Agriculture | 6.7% |
| 4 | Agricultural Business | 6.7% |
| 5 | Biology | 5.6% |
Best colleges for agricultural extension agents
The best colleges for agricultural extension agents are Cornell University, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, and University of Maryland - College Park.
An agricultural extension agent with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for agricultural extension agents. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become agricultural extension agents.
1. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
2. University of Georgia
Athens, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,830
Enrollment
29,474
3. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI • Private
In-state tuition
$10,555
Enrollment
30,360
4. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Enrollment
33,495
5. University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD • Private
In-state tuition
$10,595
Enrollment
30,184
6. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
In-state tuition
$10,726
Enrollment
45,769
7. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$9,816
Enrollment
21,047
8. North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$9,101
Enrollment
23,708
9. University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, NE • Private
In-state tuition
$9,242
Enrollment
20,592
10. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$9,080
Enrollment
30,795
20 best online courses for agricultural extension agents
Advertising disclosure
1. Sustainable Food Production Through Livestock Health Management
Learn about the impact of infectious disease on sustainable animal-based food production by understanding the science of growth, immunity, and infection and by learning the problem-solving skills needed to advance animal health and food production through optimal management practices. There is a growing global need in agricultural production for a workforce that is capable of integrating knowledge of animal health and production with an understanding of consumer preferences in the context of...
2. Education on climate change: water and soil
This course delves into the connection between water, climate change, and how living organisms adapt to these shifts. It also explores concepts related to agriculture, food, and food sovereignty. Additionally, it introduces a range of online games that enhance the integration and practical application of the developing conceptual knowledge...
3. NLP communication techniques
Neuro-Linguistic Programming, NLP communication, communicate more effectively, better listen, understand and influence...
4. Vegetable Gardening: How to Grow Healthy, Fresh Food at Home
A-Z gardening instructions for creating a healthy and delicious edible garden in your own backyard, patio, or balcony...
5. Population, Food, and Soil
This course explores the population-environment relationship. In this course, you will learn about the human population and the ways in which changes in the population affect the environment. Agriculture, soils, and the environmental implications of eating meat, vegetables, local, organic, sustainable, industrial, and other types of food are discussed too. We explore questions such as: 1. How many people live on Earth right now? 2. What is the carrying capacity of Earth? 3. What is the...
6. Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050
The Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050 Course is based on a clear vision: imagine best practice farming for 2050, start to implement these strategies now, all the while making sure it will still be profitable. At UWA we're doing just that with the Future Farm 2050 Project, set on a mixed-enterprise farm in Western Australia and we want you to learn how it can be done in your part of the world. Although this course is based on agriculture, it's not only about farming. It is a...
7. Getting Started with Call Center Training
Call Center Training is essential for both new hires and existing staff to sharpen their skills and feel motivated...
8. Executive Communication Training
Being a great leader without being a great communicator is nearly impossible...
9. Bats, Ducks, and Pandemics: An Introduction to One Health Policy
Welcome to "Bats, Ducks, and Pandemics: An Introduction to One Health Policy". One Health is the concept that human, animal, and environmental/ecosystem health are linked. The concept provides a useful framework for examining complex health issues such as food safety and security, emerging and vector-borne diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. It can be used to analyze government policies to determine if they are effective in improving health and well-being. Agriculture is the foundation of...
10. Adding a Phone Gateway to a Virtual Agent
This is a self-paced lab that takes place in the Google Cloud console. In this lab you will continue working on your Pigeon Travel virtual agent and add a phone gateway to allow users to call into your virtual agent...
11. Winning Communication Skills for Telephone, Conference Calls
Improve Communication Skills - Use the Telephone Effectively! Avoid Phone Etiquette Blunders that Annoy...
12. Communication Skills - 7 Communication Courses In 1
Master Communication Skills: Learn Persuasion, Negotiation, Body Language, Emotional Intelligence & More!...
13. Issues in Supply Chain Management
Learners in this course will examine global trade agreements -- including policies, barriers, and regulations -- of agricultural commodities, and discuss implications of world and economic disruptions on the food supply chain. Throughout this course, learners will also discuss issues of sustainability, technology, and the environment as it relates to the supply and distribution of food products. This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs. To learn more about online...
14. Become a Sustainable Business Change Agent
About the course\n\nThis specialization is for anyone who would like to improve how their company or organization impacts the environment, people and communities. We will introduce you to some of the key concepts and tools of sustainable business, then teach you how to be an effective change agent. By the end of the specialization you will have the skills to create an effective sustainability proposal and know who you have to convince, and what they need to be convinced.\n\nThe Classes\n\nClass...
15. Mastering Go Programming
Master programming with Golang by learning how to write idiomatic, effective code...
16. Planning with Climate Change in Mind
This course focuses on the climate impacts occurring and expected to occur across the United States. Our approach will be regional and sectoral, with consideration of impacts on water resources, transportation, energy, agriculture, forests, health, and coastal/marine resources. We will also look at how you can apply information about climate risks to motivate climate action in your household, in your community, or in your workplace...
17. Semiconductor Packaging
Microelectronics enable all aspects of our daily lives (across consumer products, automotive, communication, computer, medical, agriculture), and must all be housed in secure packages. This specialization, jointly developed by ASU and Intel, provides a foundational understanding of what Semiconductor Packaging is, how packaging is designed and made, and how it works to finish, connect and protect functional parts...
18. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an increasingly sought after skill in industries from agriculture to public health. This Specialization, offered in partnership with ArcGIS developer Esri, will teach the skills you need to successfully use GIS software in a professional setting. You will learn how to analyze your spatial data, use cartography techniques to communicate your results in maps, and collaborate with peers in GIS and GIS-dependent fields. In the final Capstone...
19. Sustainable Cities and Communities
In this specialisation you will learn how to drive change in cities and communities towards sustainable, climate friendly, just, healthy and prosperous futures, and you will boost your career with new knowledge, understanding and skills for navigating urban transformations. This specialisation brings together a series of cutting-edge courses with world-leading teachers on cities, communities, sustainability, governance and innovation.\n\nThis specialisation is offered by the IIIEE at Lund...
20. Google Chrome Security and Extensions for Beginners
Google Chrome extensions and security skills can help you launch your career with technical experience valued by IT employers. This guided project can help you gain job-ready knowledge and skills related to managing browser pop-ups, redirects, and extensions on Google Chrome. Then, gain practical browser privacy and security settings skills. After completing these hands-on project labs, you can assess your knowledge using a graded quiz available here on Coursera. Score higher than 80% to earn...
Top 10 most affordable universities for agricultural extension agents
The most affordable schools for agricultural extension agents are University of Florida, brigham young university, and university of puerto rico - mayaguez.
If the best universities for agricultural extension agents are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for agricultural extension agents.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
2. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
3. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
4. California State University - Fresno
Fresno, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,587
Cost of attendance
16,915
5. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
6. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
7. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
8. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,353
Cost of attendance
21,302
9. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
10. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for agricultural extension agents
The hardest universities for agricultural extension agents to get into are Cornell University, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, and University of Maryland - College Park.
Some great schools for agricultural extension agents are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for agricultural extension agents based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,471
2. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA • Private
Admissions rate
30%
SAT average
1,339
3. University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD • Private
Admissions rate
47%
SAT average
1,390
4. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,448
5. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI • Private
Admissions rate
52%
SAT average
1,365
6. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,461
7. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Private
Admissions rate
39%
SAT average
1,367
8. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
Admissions rate
39%
SAT average
1,362
9. Clemson University
Clemson, SC • Private
Admissions rate
47%
SAT average
1,337
10. University of Georgia
Athens, GA • Private
Admissions rate
49%
SAT average
1,345
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for agricultural extension agents
The easiest schools for agricultural extension agents to get into are Texas A&M; University - Kingsville, university of the incarnate word, and texas woman's university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an agricultural extension agent without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for agricultural extension agents.
1. Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Kingsville, TX • Private
Admissions rate
89%
SAT average
1,035
2. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
3. Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,059
4. Life University
Marietta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
94%
SAT average
979
5. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,054
6. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
7. Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX • Private
Admissions rate
79%
SAT average
1,075
8. University of North Texas at Dallas
Dallas, TX • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
992
9. Centenary University
Hackettstown, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
67%
SAT average
987
10. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,062
Average agricultural extension agent salary by education level
| Agricultural extension agent education level | Agricultural extension agent salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $59,120 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $47,289 |
| Doctorate Degree | $63,913 |
Agricultural extension agent education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common education, training, and library questions.
Search for agricultural extension agent jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025