A 2-year course in practical and theoretical agriculture is established in the Thompson school of applied science of the university of New Hampshire, to which students shall be admitted who can pass such fair and reasonable examination in reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, English grammar, and the geography and history of the United States as may be approved by the trustees. In this course students are not required to take higher mathematics or any foreign language. In addition, they may take any other exercises or studies for which they are qualified and which are provided by the Thompson school of applied sciences or the university of New Hampshire in other courses. Those who successfully complete said 2-year program of instruction in the Thompson school of applied science shall receive an appropriate associate degree as authorized by the trustees.