Our Students Do It All

A remarkable 92% of Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) students are hired for a job in their field as soon as they complete their certificate. For some of those students who don’t jump straight into the job market after two years, continued studies at UMD keep them busy. These are the students who go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR). Some apply for undergraduate admission upon finishing their two-year IAA certificate; others apply after their first year as Agriculture Forward students. Regardless, many of these students engage fully in the college experience while earning two UMD credentials.

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Roar, Turtle, Roar.

If you want to be recognized as a professional in your field backed by credentialing and education from the University of Maryland, apply to the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA). We’ll provide the entrepreneurial, technical, leadership and communication skills you’ll need to work in and manage successful agricultural enterprises, including golf courses, food systems, sports fields, landscaping companies, and farm operations and markets, and nonprofits. You'll benefit from the individualized attention provided by a small program along with the advantages of belonging to a world-class research university.

It's never too late to apply. Apply today.

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Areas of Study

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Two Years.

Careers Grow Here.

The Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) offers a two-year academic certificate program within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland, College Park.

The IAA provides students with the entrepreneurial, technical, and leadership skills needed to manage profitable agricultural enterprises, including golf courses, sports fields, landscaping companies, and farming operations.

Students enjoy the benefits of a small program along with the advantages of belonging to a world-class research university and living on or near campus in College Park. Apply Today!

Welcome!

We encourage students to connect with us on social media, stay up-to-date with the IAA Student Handbook and course materials, get involved with student organizations, and take advantage of the various networking opportunities that are available.

Stay Connected.

Our program strives to keep the communication lines open with our alumni and connect current students with our extensive network.

IAA alumni are leaders, entrepreneurs, and exceptional mentors to the next generation of green industry professionals.

If you are an IAA alumni and wish to join us at a fundraising golf tournament, host an IAA intern, join our mailing list, or volunteer to share your story of success, please connect with us.

Scholarships

These scholarships are only available for students of the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA). Funds are awarded directly through the IAA. Please download, read, and fill out the form carefully, then submit your completed application to Room 2123 of Jull Hall.

Please note: there is one application form which covers multiple IAA scholarships. The annual due dates are January 5 for Spring scholarship applications, and May 31 for Fall applications. Download the IAA's scholarship application using the link below.

IAA Scholarship Application

Sustainable Food Systems Lecture Series

Watch the spring 2020 Sustainable Food Systems Lecture Series, formally known as Sustainable Ag Tuesdays! This carefully curated schedule of events is solely dedicated to topics related to sustainability and the role of agriculture in environmental, social, and economic issues, with a heavy emphasis on the food we consume in our everyday lives. All events are free and are hosted online through WebEx.

Learn More and Register

Spotlight - Knopp '15 and Blake '17

This year’s Super Bowl marked a career pinnacle for the victorious Kansas City Chiefs – as well as two alumni of the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA). Jarod Knopp (Sports Turf Management, ’15) and Robert “Bobby” Blake, Jr. (Golf Course Management, ’17) were among the 38 members of the NFL’s Super Bowl grounds crew, which included groundskeepers from professional and college football teams as well as Major League Baseball.

Learn More