Auburn Agriculture Online
Welcome to the College of Agriculture distance education website
Our academic offerings include a variety of online courses, both undergraduate and graduate. We also offer the Master of Science and Master of Agriculture degrees in crop, soil and environmental sciences completely online.
We offer a variety of online coursework as well as both thesis and non-thesis master’s degree program in crop, soil and environmental sciences. Our online offerings also include professional and continuing education opportunities and certificate courses. Applications and reviewed and accepted year around.
“I was able to accomplish it all at home at little or no cost just because it’s all in data science. Definitely using big data and the R program that I’ve learned to over the last year, it’s very easy to complete a thesis research project with just a home computer.”
– Kyle Lesinger, M.S. Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences
Programs
Master’s programs
We offer both thesis and non-thesis master’s degrees in crop, soil and environmental sciences. These graduate programs are designed for working professionals and may be earned completely online.
Certificate program
We also offer certificate courses, which do not require official admission to Auburn University. Certificate courses may not be applied toward an academic degree.
These online courses include a Certification for Aquaculture Professionals (CAP) and a Crop and Soil Science Certificate.
Variety of Online Courses
We offer undergraduate and graduate online distance education courses, which may be taken individually or as part of a master’s degree or graduate certificate program.
Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences Online Courses
- ENVI 1010 – Intro To Environmental Science (1)
- CSES 2910 – Turfgrass: Uses and Care for Sports & Leisure (2)
- CSES 3150 – Turfgrass Management (4)
- CSES 6020 – Nutrient Management (3)
- CSES 6080 – Soil Resources & Conservation (4)
- CSES 6240 – Crop Physiology (3)
- CSES 6590 – Environmental Soil Physics (4)
- CSES 6960 – Special Problems (Variable)
- CSES 7100 – Aginformatics: Computational Thinking for Agri. (3)
- CSES 7540 – Principles of Plant Nutrition (3)
- CSES 7800 – Deep Learning for Environmental Sciences (3)
- CSES 7950 – Seminar (1)
- CSES 7990 – Research and Thesis (Variable)
- CSES 8580 – Fate & Transp of Chem in Soils (3)
- CSES 5/6000 – Environmental Quality (3)
- CSES 5/6030 – Advanced Crop Science (3)
- CSES 5/6060 – Soil Microbiology Lecture (3)
- CSES5/6160 – Advanced Turfgrass Management (3)
- CSES 5/6310 – Drone Policy and Compliance (3)
- CSES 5/6500 – Forage Production & Utilization (3)
- CSES 5/6800 – Climate, Water, and Life (3)
- CSES 5/6403 – Bioengery and the Environment (3)
Entomology & Plant Pathology Online Courses
- ENTM 2000 – Pests, Pathology, Parasites & People (3)
- ENTM 2040 – Introduction to Entomology (3)
- ENTM 6660 – Figure Fundamentals: Scientific Illustration (3)
Horticulture Online Courses
- HORT 3000 – Growth and Development of Horticulture Plants (3)
- HORT 5/6150 – Retail Garden Center Management (3)
- HORT 6130 – Sustainable Vegetable Crop Production (3)
- HORT 6240 – Public Garden Management (3)
News
Contact
KNOW BEFORE APPLYING…
MINIMUM BACKGROUND COURSES
There are no background course requirements to be admitted into our online degree programs. However, in order to succeed it is suggested students have general background courses in the subjects listed below, and students lacking these courses may be required to take these courses prior to or following admission into their program.
NOTE: A student’s graduate committee may require additional courses.
NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Auburn Agriculture Online master’s students are not required to come to campus. However, they are expected to interact on a regular basis with their major professor and graduate committee, and to participate in other ways in the department such as in seminars as well as online classes.
TIME REQUIRED
Although a Master’s degree in Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences may take a full time student up to two years to complete, distance education students who do not take a full load will require more time. Those with scholastic deficiencies of any sort may also require additional time. Also, for those doing a Master of Science degree, research is unpredictable and frequently requires more time than anticipated.
Graduate Degrees
Thesis & Non-Thesis
We offer both thesis and non-thesis master’s degrees for the Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences program. These graduate programs are designed for working professionals and may be earned completely online.
FAQ
Have a question about one of our distance education programs? You’ll probably find the answer here. If not, feel free to reach out to us any time agonlinehelp@auburn.edu.
What online graduate courses do you offer?
Auburn Ag Online offers online graduate degrees and graduate certificates in the College of Agriculture. Options include degree-seeking admission, graduate certificate admission, and non-degree seeking enrollment.
What is the difference between the Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.)?
The M.S. is a thesis/research-based degree. The M.Ag. is a non-thesis option that replaces the thesis with an applied/special project or professional report (program requirements vary by area).
How many credit hours are required?
The master’s program is a 30-hour graduate degree. The graduate certificate option is 15 hours.
Do I have to come to campus?
No campus visits are required for Auburn Agriculture Online master’s students. A small number of courses may require a short, scheduled in-person lab experience (this applies only to a limited set of courses).
When can I start?
Courses are offered in fall, spring, and summer. You start at the beginning of a term and should be ready to engage within the first few days of the semester.
Are courses self-paced or scheduled?
Courses are asynchronous in Canvas, so you can log in and work around your schedule—while still meeting weekly/module deadlines and completing the course within the semester.
How are lectures, labs, and field experiences handled online?
Lectures are typically delivered via streaming video. Labs may use recorded demonstrations, simulations, or other online methods; where hands-on experience is essential, a short in-person requirement may be used in limited cases.
How do exams work? Are they proctored?
Many courses require proctored exams. Proctoring may be in-person or remote, depending on the course and instructor, and is coordinated through Canvas/course guidance.
Do I need the GRE?
For Crop, Soil and Environmental Science (MS, MAg), GRE submission is optional (scores are accepted but not required).
What do I need to apply (master’s or certificate)?
Applications are submitted through the Graduate School and typically include transcripts, three references, and a one-page statement of purpose describing your goals. Some applicants may be asked for additional documentation.
When should I apply?
As a general planning target, application materials should be received at least 45 days before the first day of class for the intended semester (international applicants are often encouraged to submit earlier).
Do I need an agriculture background to be admitted?
There are no mandatory background course requirements for admission into these online degree programs; however, prior coursework in relevant areas is recommended for success, and your graduate committee may require additional coursework if needed.
Can I take classes without committing to a degree (non-degree seeking)?
Yes. You can enroll as a Graduate Non-Degree Seeking (NDS) student. If you later move into a degree program, you may be able to apply up to 12 hours taken prior to degree-seeking admission (subject to Graduate School/program rules).
Can I transfer graduate credit from another university?
Potentially. Graduate transfer credit policies vary by program, but may be no more than 50% of the total program hours and must be approved through the appropriate graduate process.
How do advising and faculty support work online?
Degree-seeking students work with a faculty advisor/major professor who helps guide coursework and (for thesis/project options) supervises progress toward culminating requirements.
Who can help me with logistics (registration, access, tech issues)?
For course access and technical help, ACES-IT support is available. For program and application logistics, Auburn Ag Online staff can assist.