Viticulture, Agricultural Technology Certificate

Program Overview

The Certificate in Viticulture provides students with an excellent background in plant science along with the specific expertise and skills needed for careers in the rapidly expanding grape industry - supplying grapes for table, juice and wine making. This skill and expertise are in demand in Michigan and throughout North America and beyond. The combination of on-line viticulture courses delivered by experts from throughout the United States, hands-on experience at local vineyards, fresh markets, juice processors, packing plants and wineries and the fundamental plant science courses makes graduates in the Viticulture program in high demand. A certificate from MSU will provide an opportunity for individuals to secure additional credibility in their respective industry. MSU has the relationships with the industry and community colleges to address these needs.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of this program will have the following general skills:

A basic understanding of technical math needed for budgeting, pesticide application, and business and technical operations in viticulture.
Written and verbal communication skills needed to: prepare and deliver presentations; create narratives for budgets, strategic and maintenance plans and management goals; communicate effectively with supervisors, employees and the public.
Computer skills to develop and maintain routine technical records and plans; office applications including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; internet skills and social networking.

Students of this program will also receive extensive hands-on training and education through a required internship working with industry and specific labs and practicum in a variety of courses. This practical experience will further enhance the students ability to be prepared for the job market or to continue their education.

Career Outlook

Graduates will find employment in the following agriculture industries:

Vineyard owner
Vineyard manager
Vineyard nursery manager
Vineyard appraiser
Consultant
Viticulturist

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$588.50

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

Course Information

Core Courses

AT 202 Agricultural Regulations, Compliance and Safety (3 Credits)
AT 293 Professional Internship in Agricultural Technology (3 Credits)
CSS 126 Introduction to Weed Management (2 Credits)
ENT 110 Applied Entomology of Economic Plants (3 Credits)
HRT 231 Clerkship in Grape Harvesting and Processing (1 Credit)
HRT 232 Principles and Practices of Grape Production (3 Credits)
HRT 233 Field Practices of Viticulture (3 Credits)
HRT 234 Current Issues in Viticulture and Enology (1 Credit)
PLP 105 Fundamentals of Applied Plant Pathology (1 Credits)
PLP 105L Fundamentals of Applied Plant Pathology Lab (1 Credit)
SOIL 203 World of Soils (2 Credits)

Electives

Complete a minimum of 3 elective credits in the College of Agriculture and Natural
Resources or VESTA as approved by the program coordinator in the Institute of
Agricultural Technology.

Additional course work

Complete 22 credits of additional course work through the College of Agriculture
and Natural Resources, Northwestern Michigan College or an approved transferring
institution. All course work must be approved by the program coordinator in the
Institute of Agricultural Technology.

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

High School Diploma or successful completion of the GED or HiSET

To apply to this program:

Submit your online IAT application and $65 non-refundable application fee.
- First-time users will need to create an account to start a new application. Select the AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY application from the menu.
Send official transcript(s) for all educational institutions listed on your application for admission.
- Including high school and college.
- Electronic document delivery to the MSU Office of Admissions through email at admis@msu.edu or an electronic delivery service such as Parchment, Docufide, Naviance, or E Scrip-Safe. Schools that do not have access to these services may send official paper documents via U.S. mail to:

MSU Office of Admissions, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Rd., Room 250, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-2604.

Admission to the Institute of Agricultural Technology is based on several factors including the availability of space in your desired program of study. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Viticulture

Agricultural Technology Certificate

Hybrid

Course Delivery

48

Credit Hours

$588.50

Credit Hour

2 Years

Minimum Duration

Key Dates

Fall Semester

Application Deadline

Spring Semester

Application Deadline

Dr. Jennifer ''Jeno" Rivera

Director for the Institute of Agricultural Technology and Associate Professor

Program Overview

Program Outcomes

Career Outlook

A Top-Ranked Education

Key Dates

Fall Semester

Application Deadline

Spring Semester

Application Deadline

Key Dates

Fall Semester

Application Deadline

Spring Semester

Application Deadline

Tuition & Fees per credit

Cost of Attendance

The MSU Value Promise

Next Steps

Course Information

Core Courses

Electives

Additional course work

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

To apply to this program: