Apply to the IAA for Spring 2020

Choose Your Pace.

The Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) offers a 60-credit, two-year academic certificate program within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland, College Park.

IAA students receive a high-quality education that opens doors to successful careers in the agribusinesssustainable agriculturehorticulturelandscaping, and turfgrass industries. The IAA also provides a gateway for students who want to continue their education by transferring into a baccalaureate degree program.

Our certificate program offers rolling admissions; that means there is no deadline to apply! Students can begin at the IAA during Fall or Spring semester. Request information by mail, or apply now by following the steps below.

Scroll to the bottom of this page for specific instructions regarding our Agriculture Forward at Maryland and Continuing Education options.

Take the Next Step.

Step 1:

Complete the IAA application form and write your 300-500 word essay on one of the prompts provided. Be sure to proofread your essay. Note: Agriculture Forward applicants must address Prompt #1.

Step 2:
Mail your application, essay, and nonrefundable $75 application fee to the IAA. Checks and money orders must be made payable to the University of Maryland. The address is:

Institute of Applied Agriculture
Jull Hall, Room 2123
4196 Stadium Drive
College Park, MD 20742

Step 3:
Request that your official high school transcript be sent to the Institute of Applied Agriculture.

Step 4:
If you have taken the SAT or ACT, please send your scores directly to the IAA. The IAA's designated institution code for The College Board is 7069. Scores sent to the UMD Office of Admissions will not be forwarded.

If you have not taken the SAT or ACT, call 301.405.4686 to arrange a time to take the IAA Entrance Exams.

Step 5:
If you are a transfer student, arrange to have official transcripts sent to the IAA from all institutions where college work was attempted or completed.

Agriculture Forward at Maryland Applicants

Please note that only graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply for Agriculture Forward at Maryland (Ag Forward). Ag Forward applications are due by March 15.

If this is your first time applying to the IAA or the University of Maryland, College Park, fill out the entire application and complete essay Prompt #1.* Include the $75 application fee with your paperwork. 

If you have previously applied to the University of Maryland and are applying to the IAA for the same term and have already paid the UMD application fee, you do not need to pay the fee again. Complete the first page of the application and sign under the "Certification" heading on page two. Ag Forward applicants must write an essay addressing Prompt #1.*

*Ag Forward application essays addressing prompts other than Prompt #1 are not admissible.

Continuing Education Applicants

The Institute of Applied Agriculture's (IAA) Continuing Education track is designed for students who wish to enroll in select IAA courses without completing the entire Certificate in Applied Agriculture.

To apply, submit an application for admission including the $75 fee (make checks payable to University of Maryland). Applicants must also provide proof of high school graduation. College transcripts can be submitted in place of high school transcripts. Continuing Education applicants do not need to write an application essay or submit standardized test scores (SAT, ACT). 

Golden ID Applicants

The University of Maryland's Golden Identification Card (Golden ID) program allows eligible senior citizens to take advantage of the wide variety of courses at UMD, tuition-free. To participate, the individual must be 60 years of age or older, a legal resident of the state of Maryland, and retired (not engaged in gainful employment for more than 20 hours per week). Click here to learn more about the Golden ID program.