This study addresses the ambiguity surrounding the third mission of universities, which stems from a lack of a unified definition. It provides a comprehensive investigation of this mission within agricultural faculties by employing a systematic review of 150 articles, culminating in the selection of 32 final articles for qualitative analysis. The findings identify six primary approaches to the third mission, extracting their key components and corresponding activities. These approaches are then compared based on 16 distinct features. By clarifying the factors that influence the selection of each approach, this research offers a clear picture of the third mission and the outcomes associated of each path. The results show that the most suitable approach for implementing this mission must be holistic and tailored to the specific conditions of each country and society. Ultimately, by providing a transparent view of the third mission, the study’s findings can guide policymakers in selecting the appropriate approach for this critical mission.