Prospective Students

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!

Why the IAA?

The IAA offers career-focused, hands-on learning with access to nationally recognized research and lab facilities. Small class sizes allow students to receive individualized attention from faculty. 

Earning a Certificate of Applied Agriculture has helped numerous alumni advance their careers, network with other professionals, earn larger salaries, become more familiar with our industry, and launch educational pursuits. Over 90% of IAA alumni have jobs in their chosen fields by the time they graduate.

Get Started!

View our admissions requirements, take advantage of our rolling admissions and apply today, or join our mailing list to receive an invitation to an upcoming Open House.

Concentrations

Agricultural Business Management and Leadership

Agricultural Business Management

Agricultural Leadership and Communication

Sustainable Agriculture

Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Management

Landscape Management

Ornamental Horticulture

Environmental Stewardship

Turfgrass and Golf Course Management

Golf Course Management

Sports Turf Management

Turfgrass Management

Agriculture Forward

Agriculture Forward at Maryland (Ag Forward) is an accelerated program for first-year college students who plan to pursue a career in agriculture and natural resources. Ag Forward students are advised on a curriculum plan that allows them to become degree-seeking after only one year at the IAA. They take many courses that meet both requirements for the Certificate in Applied Agriculture and their desired four-year major. Within four years, completers can earn both a certificate from the IAA and a bachelor's degree from one of the programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). Read more.


Continuing Education

The Continuing Education track is designed for students who wish to enroll in select IAA courses without completing the entire 60-credit Certificate in Applied Agriculture. These courses strengthen management skills and prepare personnel for industry certification exams. Read more.