Agricultural Science
Grow Your Ag Career Here
Develop a deeper understanding of precision farming systems, business administration, animal husbandry, and what it takes to support the production of food, fuel, and fiber to provide for a growing population with Kirkwood’s Agricultural Science program.
Our program allows you develop a plan of study that is focused on your career goals. You can choose to emphasize in beef or swine production and management, crop production and precision agriculture, or develop your own custom program from several areas of study.
Kirkwood’s working farm provides both crop and livestock learning labs, so you’ll learn about the latest production methods and technology while using them yourself. We’re hands-on and hands-in, so wear your boots as you participate in variety of on-farm research projects, exploring the latest science and innovations as you prepare to become the next generation of agriculture.
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year. Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
Kirkwood ag students planning to transfer to Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are eligible to apply for the Leonard and Evelyn Dolezal Scholarship Program. This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen from Linn, Clayton, Fayette and Johnson counties, and transfer students, particularly those from Kirkwood. If a student is not from one of the specified counties, they will become eligible as a Kirkwood transfer student.
Graduates of the Agricultural Science program will be able to:
- Describe the impact of, and compliance with, a variety of federal policies related to agricultural production.
- Identify and differentiate key characteristics of crop, beef and swine anatomy and physiology.
- Make recommendations based on an understanding of policy and the regulatory environment within agricultural/agribusiness operations.
- Analyze how management decisions impact agricultural production and finances.
- Implement appropriate technology in common production scenarios.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in a variety of contemporary agricultural contexts.
Learn more about Kirkwood’s Agricultural Science program.
A one-hour program conference is required prior to acceptance to the program. You'll learn more about the program, specific admissions requirements and have the opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty and staff.
Program Costs
Agricultural Science
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Pre-Reqs | Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 0 | 19 | 16 | 0 | 16 | 18 | 0 | 69 |
| In-State Tuition | $0 | $4,199 | $3,536 | $0 | $3,536 | $3,978 | $0 | $15,249 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $0 | $50 | $50 | $0 | $50 | $50 | $0 | $200 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $0 | $160 | $200 | $0 | $300 | $100 | $0 | $760 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $50 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $50 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,459 | $3,786 | $3,886 | $4,128 | $16,259 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Agricultural Science Diploma
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 14 | 17 | 17 | 48 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,094 | $3,757 | $3,757 | $10,608 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $150 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $150 | $200 | $200 | $550 |
| Course/Section Fees | $50 | $0 | $0 | $50 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,344 | $4,007 | $4,007 | $11,358 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Beef Science Certificate
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 13 | 10 | 23 |
| In-State Tuition | $2,873 | $2,210 | $5,083 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $100 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $205 | $205 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,023 | $2,465 | $5,488 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Crop Production Certificate
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 11 | 10 | 21 |
| In-State Tuition | $2,431 | $2,210 | $4,641 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $100 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2,481 | $2,260 | $4,741 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Custom Applicator Certificate
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 6 | 8 | 14 |
| In-State Tuition | $1,326 | $1,768 | $3,094 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $100 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,376 | $1,818 | $3,194 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Swine Science Certificate
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 13 | 9 | 22 |
| In-State Tuition | $2,873 | $1,989 | $4,862 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $100 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,023 | $2,039 | $5,062 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both degrees offer students to work in a wide variety of careers. Additionally, both emphasize business and production principles. Differences arise between curriculum and instructional approach. Students that have an interest in managing animals and/or crop facilities may be interested in agricultural science.
Yes, instructors will work with students to build a plan for students interested in transferring to a four-year institution. Many of Kirkwood’s technical credits transfer to most four-year institutions.
Our students have interned at large farming operations; fertilizer application and distribution companies; grain elevators and feed mills; and with average and large sized swine confinement operations and beef feedlots.
We work with farmers and ranchers across the Midwest to best match the student’s goals with the internship experience.
Career opportunities include:
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Animal Caretakers
- Animal Breeders
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
- Farm Labor Contractors
- Agricultural Technicians
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
- First Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing and Forestry Workers
- Agricultural Equipment Operators
Program Requirements
To get into the Agricultural Science program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
Additional Information
Crop Production - Certificate*
Custom Applicator - Certificate
Precision Agriculture - Certificate
Agricultural Science - Diploma*
*State and federal aid may be used for the diploma on its own or as part of the degree program above.
Students in Kirkwood's Agricultural Business program, as well as those pursuing theAgricultural Business Certificate, Beef Science Certificate, Crop Production Certificate, Custom Applicator Certificate, Precision Agriculture Certificate and/or Swing Science Certificate, are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization (PAS), a student-led organization that allows students to build and sharpen their skills so that they are ready for the workplace.
PAS is a recognized member of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
“I love the campus — it’s modern and full of resources. Whether it’s tutoring or learning tools in the Sim Center, there’s always help available to get your grades up and really understand the material.”
Mariana Martinez,
Coralville, Iowa
Mission Statement
The Agricultural Science program prepares students for employment and involvement in the global agricultural community by creating an educational culture that promotes technical knowledge of biological systems, leadership and advocacy, professionalism in the workplace, and environmental stewardship.
Questions?
Agricultural Sciences
1000 Washington Hall
319-398-5609
agsciences@kirkwood.edu