Agricultural Science · California

Agricultural Science colleges in California

CampusPin lists 175 U.S. colleges in California that offer Agricultural Science programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Agricultural Science studies how crops, livestock, and soils are produced and improved, for students who want to apply biology and chemistry to farming and food systems.

Schools in California that offer Agricultural Science

Agricultural Science programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 175 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

175

Public / private

22 / 28

Universities / 2-year

39 / 11

Cities represented

37

In-state tuition range

$1,124–$56,724

Median in-state tuition

$12,497

Lowest published in-state tuition

Antelope Valley Community College District

$1,124

Most selective

California Institute of the Arts

26% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

26,664 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Agricultural Science program

  • Plant and crop science, including cultivation, breeding, and yield management
  • Animal science and husbandry covering nutrition, health, and reproduction
  • Soil science, fertility, and soil and water conservation methods
  • Pest, weed, and disease management using integrated and chemical approaches
  • Agricultural chemistry and laboratory analysis of soil, plant, and feed samples
  • Field and greenhouse research methods, experimental plots, and data collection
  • Agricultural economics, farm operations, and agribusiness management
  • Sustainable production, resource stewardship, and environmental impact
  • Use of agricultural technology such as precision-agriculture tools and field sensors

Where a Agricultural Science degree can lead

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Food Scientist
  • Soil Scientist
  • Crop Consultant
  • Agronomist
  • Agricultural Extension Specialist

Typical pay: Early-career wages vary by employer, region, and experience (BLS, 2024 food scientists and technologists median $85,310).

Agricultural Science is the study of how food, fiber, and other crops and livestock are grown, raised, and improved using the principles of biology, chemistry, and earth science. Students learn the fundamentals of plant cultivation, animal husbandry, and soil behavior, then apply them to real production questions: how to manage soil fertility and conservation, how to protect crops from pests and disease, how to breed and feed animals, and how to run farming, ranching, and agribusiness operations efficiently and sustainably. The major is broad and practical rather than narrowly research-focused, which distinguishes it from more specialized crop- or biology-only tracks and from agricultural engineering, where the emphasis shifts toward designing machinery, irrigation systems, and structures rather than managing the living and soil systems themselves.

Most agricultural scientist roles begin with a bachelor's degree, and programs combine classroom science with field plots, greenhouse work, animal facilities, and laboratory analysis of soil, water, plants, and feed. Many programs include a research project, internship, or supervised practicum on a working farm, station, or extension office so students gain hands-on production and data-collection experience. Some technical positions, especially in food safety, pesticide handling, or specialized laboratory work, may require state licensure or certification, which students should verify for their state and intended role; programmatic accreditation can also vary, so confirm a program's standing directly. Graduates work for farms and ranches, seed, crop-input, and food-processing companies, cooperative extension and government agencies, research stations, and consulting firms that advise producers on crops, soils, and operations.

In federal data for the closely related occupation of food scientists and technologists, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $85,310 and projects employment to grow about 6.5% from 2024 to 2034; a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for that occupation. National figures are occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages or graduate outcomes.

Agricultural Science in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Agricultural Science schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 175+ Agricultural Science programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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