Explore the Master of Agriculture Degree

The NDSU Master of Agriculture (MAG) degree is a flexible, non-thesis program designed for working professionals who want to advance in agricultural leadership, education, or industry careers. With a strong focus on practical application, the MAG degree combines academic rigor with real-world problem solving.

✓ Fully online or hybrid program, earn your degree while you work
✓ An individualized curriculum to meet unique personal and career goals
✓ Stackable certificate pathways
✓ Complete in two to three years part-time

Master of Agriculture Degree

Grow Your Career with Purpose

Advance. Specialize. Lead.

Whether you’re looking to step into leadership, pivot your role, or deepen your expertise, the Master of Agriculture degree and stackable certificates from NDSU provide tangible pathways to career advancement.

Career-Focused Credentials

Each certificate is aligned with high-demand skills in agriculture, agribusiness, education, and environmental sectors - designed with input from industry partners and employers.

Earn While You Learn

Courses are delivered online and designed for working professionals. You can apply what you’re learning immediately in your current role, boosting both your value and visibility.

Built with Industry Connections

Our programs are rooted in real-world relevance, with support from agricultural leaders, extension networks, and regional employers who seek graduates trained in practical, applied skills.

Flexibility that Builds Your Future

Stackable Certificates

Stack certificates to create a master’s program tailored to your goals - whether you’re heading into agronomy, food systems, extension, conservation, or leadership in a rural community.

Why Stackable?

Stackable graduate certificates allow you to earn industry-relevant credentials while progressing toward your master’s degree. Each certificate counts toward your MAG degree and can be completed individually or in combination.

Each Certificate:

  • 9–12 graduate credits
  • Online, asynchronous, or synchronous courses
  • Focused on applied knowledge and skills

*30 credits total needed to complete program

Food science students making pasta with pasta machine

Available Certificate Programs

Learn more about the certificates available to complete a Master of Agriculture degree.

Integrates animal nutrition with sustainable grazing strategies for livestock health and productivity.

Explores carbon markets, soil carbon sequestration, and climate-smart agriculture practices.

Develops leadership, communication, and data skills essential for agricultural professionals.

View Graduate Curricula

Focused on advanced crop management, precision farming, and plant health.

View Graduate Curricula

Covers integrated pest management, plant pathology, and resistance management.

View Graduate Curricula

Prepares professionals to lead effective outreach, community education, and engagement efforts.

View Graduate Curricula

Emphasizes foodborne pathogens, regulatory standards, HACCP, and modern risk reduction strategies.

View Graduate Curricula

Addresses fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crop production and business management.

View Graduate Curricula

Builds strategic decision-making, personnel management, and team leadership skills in ag settings.

View Graduate Curricula

A deep dive into grain science, fermentation, and craft brewing processes.

View Graduate Curricula

Applies grain science to food product development and food safety.

View Graduate Curricula

Connects human, animal, and environmental health in global and local agricultural contexts.

View Graduate Curricula

Equips learners with tech-forward solutions using drones, GPS, and sensor data.

Explores genetic data analysis and breeding strategies using modern statistical methods.

View Graduate Curricula

Examines ecosystem management, grazing systems, and rangeland monitoring.

View Graduate Curricula

Focuses on sustainable soil practices and policy frameworks.

View Graduate Curricula

Evaluates systems thinking and ecosystem-based agricultural practices.

View Graduate Curricula

Who should apply?

This program is designed for:

  • Agricultural educators and extension agents
  • Industry professionals seeking career advancement
  • Rural leaders and sustainability advocates
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs in ag-based ventures
Masters of Agriculture Farmer and Professor in Field with Tractor

Admission and Application

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field
  • 3.0 GPA or higher (flexible with relevant experience)
  • GRE not required
  • Rolling admissions – apply anytime!
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Students in greenhouse with faculty

Why NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources?

  • Land-Grant Institution rooted in agricultural excellence
  • Faculty with deep industry and research experience
  • Strong connections with community and ag tech partners
  • Proudly serving rural and regional learners
Agricultural and biosystems engineering students looking at drone

Contact Us

Karensa Flora Headshot
Karensa Flora

CAFSNR Online Professional Programs Coordinator
Email: karensa.flora@ndsu.edu
Phone: 701-231-1864

Live Local. Learn Local. Lead Local.

Earn your Master of Agriculture degree from an affordable and nationally accredited university. Contact us today to learn more about where NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources can take you.

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