Agricultural Science

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.

Apply Now Program Details

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:

  1. Describe the impact of, and compliance with, a variety of federal policies related to agricultural production.
  2. Identify and differentiate key characteristics of crop, beef and swine anatomy and physiology.
  3. Make recommendations based on an understanding of policy and the regulatory environment within agricultural/agribusiness operations.
  4. Analyze how management decisions impact agricultural production and finances.
  5. Implement appropriate technology in common production scenarios.
  6. 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: 2024–2025

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 $4,123 $3,472 $0 $3,472 $3,906 $0 $14,973
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 $4,383 $3,722 $3,822 $4,056 $15,983

 

Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (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.


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


Kirkwood Student Gloria Wa Lumbu

“My instructors have really encouraged me when I doubted myself, telling me ‘You can do it!’ Even my classmates help and cheer me on!”

Gloria Wa Lumbu,
Democratic Republic of the Congo

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