Program Overview

Introduction to the Certificate in Introductory Agriculture

The Certificate in Introductory Agriculture provides a base knowledge of agriculture in the Canadian Prairie region. This certificate is an asset to experts who wish to broaden their scope of professional practice into agriculture. It is also beneficial to new and current students wanting to learn more about agriculture, individuals seeking entry-level, non-professional agriculture employment, and to educators who want to deliver science-based agriculture programs in primary and secondary schools.

Program Overview

• One-year program
• May begin directly from high school
• May study full- or part-time
• Offered online or at the USask main campus

What You Will Learn

Students will learn key competencies in the field of agriculture, diverse ways of knowing, agrology and professional practice in agriculture, the scientific principles that govern agriculture, and economic and environmental impacts of agriculture.

Featured Classes

• AGRC 111.3 Introduction to Plant and Soil Sciences: An introduction to agricultural systems with a focus on sustainability in a changing environment.
• AGRC 112.3 Animal Agriculture and Food Science: An introduction to agricultural systems and the interactions between microbial, plant, animal, and human components.
• PLSC 201.3 Field Crops of Western Canada: An introduction to the major oilseed, pulse, and cereal crops of Western Canada.

Why Study Here?

• Flexible learning that fits your life! Study in-person or online at your own pace.
• Develop professional career competencies that employers are looking to hire for.
• Learn from industry-leading researchers in agricultural science.
• Receive learning experiences that combine both the "how" and the "why" to develop critical thinking skills.

Careers

This certificate is beneficial for:

• Experts who wish to broaden their scope of professional practice into agriculture
• Educators who want to deliver science-based agriculture programs in primary and secondary schools
• Individuals seeking entry-level, non-professional agriculture employment

Tuition Estimates

| Canadian students | International students
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Tuition | $851.40 per 3 credit unit class | $4,120.50 per 3 credit unit class
Student fees | $1,308.24 per year | $1,308.24 per year

Program Options

The Certificate in Introductory Agriculture is offered by the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Adding the Certificate as a Secondary Program

The Certificate in Introductory Agriculture is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students across different academic disciplines and professional backgrounds to broaden their scope of professional practice into agriculture.

Admission Requirements

Required High School Classes

• Biology 30 or Chemistry 30 or Physics 30
• Foundations of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30

Required Grade Average

• Minimum admission average (high school): 70%
• Minimum admission average (post-secondary - 18+ transferable credits): 60%

English Proficiency

If your first language is not English, you may have to prove proficiency in English before admission.

Special (Mature) Admission

To be considered for special (mature) admission, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be 21 years of age by the first day of classes.
• You must be entering the first year of study.

Application Deadlines

New Applicants to USask

Start term | Application deadline | International deadline
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Winter
January 2026 | December 1, 2025 | N/A
Spring
May 2026 | April 1, 2026 | February 1, 2026
Fall
September 2026 | May 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026
Winter
January 2027 | December 1, 2026 | September 1, 2026

Related Programs

• Agronomy
• Crop Science
• Precision Agriculture