Learners
Upskilling gives you three easy ways to boost your skills and knowledge, all from the comfort of home and on your schedule. Dive into quick, targeted courses to earn micro-credentials, take in-depth training for professional development or academic certificates, or complete your four-year degree online. Choose the path that fits your learning needs and start advancing your career today!
Questions about our learning opportunities or getting started? Contact the Upskilling team.
Micro-Credentials
Micro-Credentials offer a quick and effective way to gain new skills and knowledge in specific areas of agriculture. These short, focused courses are designed to be completed in just a few hours, making them perfect for busy professionals looking to stay ahead in the fast-evolving ag industry. These credentials are also industry recognized with organizations such as the Certified Crop Adviser program.
With Micro-Credentials, you can target critical topics such as food systems resilience, regenerative agriculture and soil health, earning digital badges that showcase your expertise to employers. Enhance your resume with practical, industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of today’s agricultural sector.
Irrigation Water Management
Learn about the importance of optimizing when and how to apply supplemental water for growing plants of all types, while maintaining community level sustainability and economic vitality.
Soil as a Reservoir
Learn how to target the root zone with water, utilizing soil as a crucial reservoir for plant growth. Uncover the significance of understanding soil characteristics in effective irriga
Irrigation Scheduling by Water Balance
Learn more about the intricacies of irrigation, discovering how to optimize water distribution to the active root zone and leverage soil characteristics for effective management, ensuring plants receive optimal moisture for growth.
Crop Water Use
Learn about the essence of reference crops, crop coefficients, and water stress coefficients, empowering precise irrigation management amidst variable conditions in agriculture.
WISE Irrigation App
Discover the universal benefits of precise irrigation across diverse plant scenarios, from field crops to home gardens. Explore a specialized irrigation app developed by public researchers, coupled with foundational principles, to optimize water usage and minimize costs.
Irrigation Water Management
Unlock the comprehensive CSU Irrigation 101-105 courses in one discounted package, delving into vital strategies for optimizing water application across diverse plant types. Learn to foster sustainability and economic vitality within communities through efficient irrigation management principles.
Get Started With a Micro-Credential
Our Micro-Credentials are managed by the national Extension Foundation. You’ll enroll on the CSU Extension Catalog site.
- Explore the site and find the short courses relevant to your interests or needs.
- Add the course to your cart.
- Click Checkout.
- If you’re new to the Extension Foundation catalog system, you’ll need to create a new account.
- Otherwise, login with your existing account information.
- Complete your transaction.
- You’ll receive an email from the Extension Foundation with next steps.
For questions about enrolling , you can contact them here or send an email to cataloghelp@extension.org.
Certificates
Our certificate programs provide an in-depth, structured learning experience designed to deepen your knowledge in key agricultural areas. These programs are ideal for individuals seeking to advance their careers, shift into new roles, or gain specialized expertise. Certificates cover comprehensive topics like water conservation, sustainable farming practices and advanced crop management. Recognized by employers and industry leaders, these certificates not only validate your skills but also connect you with a network of professionals and potential job opportunities. Start earning your certificate to stand out in the competitive ag job market.
Seed Technology Education Program
Prepare for a career as a seed analyst with online courses in seed technology. Through the STEP program, you’ll obtain a certificate and train to complete qualifying exams required to work in private and commercial industries.
Learn More about the Certificate in Seed Science and Technology
Plant Genetic Resources - Genomes, Genebanks, and Growers
This series of three 1-credit courses provides a solid introduction to the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. The series is targeted to upper-level undergraduates, beginning graduate students, and professionals undertaking continuing education.
Learn more about the Plant Genetic Resources – Genomes, Genebanks, and Growers.
Get Started With Professional Non-Credit Certificates and Courses
Our professional development courses and certificates are managed by CSU Online. You’ll need to enroll through CSU Online to start these courses.
Online Degree Completion in Soil and Crop Sciences (Bachelor’s Degree)
Finish your undergraduate degree in Soil and Crop Sciences online and open the door to advanced career opportunities in agriculture. This program is tailored for those who have started their degree but need the flexibility to complete it remotely. You’ll delve into essential subjects such as crop production, soil management, and sustainable agriculture practices. Benefit from a curriculum that blends academic rigor with practical application, all while learning from leading experts in the field. With this degree, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle pressing agricultural challenges and contribute to the future of food systems.
Get Started With Online Bachelor of Science Degree Completion
The online degree completion application process depends on your status as a new student or a transferring student.
For new students, you’ll follow the directions listed the CSU Online Soil and Crop Sciences page.
- Admission Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent
- 2.7+ high school GPA (first-year) OR 2.5+ college GPA (transfer) preferred
- First-year student course recommendations OR Transfer student mathematics requirement
- Speak with a student success coach
- Complete your CSU Online Application
- Apply for Financial Aid
Students from Northeast Community College in Nebraska can transfer college-level academic credits which are in good academic standing, subject to:
- Remedial or developmental courses are non-transferable.
- Credits are transferable regardless of how they were taken (in-person or online).
- You need to have earned a grade of “C-” or better in those courses.
- For more information, on this Northeast partnership, contact:
Robert Noonan
Northeast Agriculture Instructor
robert@northeast.edu
(402) 844-7178
Questions? Contact CSU Admissions.
Phone
(970) 491-6909
8:30 am – 4:30 pm MST
Monday through Friday
Email
First-year and transfer applicants:
admissions@colostate.edu
International Applicants:
international@colostate.edu
Opportunities for High School Students
With grant funding, Upskilling badges in Crop Wild Relatives, Food Safety, Irrigation Water Management, Soil Sensing, and Digital Communications are free to high school students for a limited time.
Interested teachers can contact the Upskilling team for more information.
Upskilling Critical Training Needs
Working with industry partners and stakeholders in rural communities, four initial badge content areas were identified as critical needs for Colorado agriculture and rural communities, as well as important skills/knowledge base for workforce development.
Irrigation Water Management
Allan Andales
Soil and Crop Sciences
The irrigation water management field offers promising job prospects due to increasing global demand for efficient water use in agriculture. With advancements in technology and a focus on sustainable practices, opportunities for skilled professionals are expanding, ensuring a growing and rewarding career in environmental stewardship and resource management.
Smart Irrigation Sensors and the Internet-Of-Things Technology
Jay Ham
Soil and Crop Sciences
The smart irrigation sensors field is thriving, driven by the need for precision agriculture and water conservation. As technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals in designing, installing, and maintaining these systems is growing, promising a dynamic and impactful career with opportunities in innovation and sustainability.
Food Safety 101
Tamla Blunt
Agricultural Biology
The food safety field offers robust job prospects, fueled by increasing global concerns over health and hygiene. With stricter regulations and a focus on preventing foodborne illnesses, opportunities for professionals in quality control, compliance, and research are expanding, ensuring a stable and fulfilling career dedicated to public health.
Meat Processing
Jennifer Martin
Animal Sciences
The meat processing industry is experiencing job growth due to rising consumer demand and advancements in processing technologies. Opportunities abound in areas like quality assurance, operations management, and product development, offering a stable and rewarding career path in a sector critical to global food supply.
