2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Agronomy Major


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Program Coordinator/Contact
David Wright, Department Head
Brent Turnipseed, Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator
Department of Plant Science
Agricultural Hall 219
605-688-5123
E-mail: david.wright@sdstate.edu
E-mail: brent.turnipseed@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/ps
Click here for additional information. 

Program Information
The Agronomy major provides broad training in the plant and soil sciences and in crop production technology. The integrated program is designed to provide students with an understanding and knowledge base in crops, soils, weeds, entomology, plant pathology, breeding and genetics, precision agriculture, natural resource management, and the interaction of production systems. This major is recommended for students interested in cropping systems, natural/agricultural resource management, or the agribusiness areas of crops, soils, and pest management. Individuals can prepare for careers in crop consulting, crop/plant research, and with private industry managing agricultural inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers; developing improved seed traits, plant sciences, genomics, and producing seed; and for work with government agencies, such as the Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, Agricultural Research Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Course Delivery Format
The program coursework is available on campus, in classroom and laboratory settings, as well as field-based settings.

Requirements for Agronomy Major: 125 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

System General Education Requirements*: 31-34


Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5


  • Goal #1 First Year Seminar:   Credits: 2
  • Goal #2 Cultural Awareness and Social and Environmental Responsibility:   Credits: 3

Major Requirements: 53-59


Agronomy Core Requirements:

Other Major Requirements:

Natural Resources Stewardship Elective: 3-4
Select one of the following coursesA:

Precision Ag Elective: 2-3
Select one of the following coursesA:

Plant Science Electives: 13


Take at least two credits from each of the three areas listed.

Elective Credits: 14-20


Total Required Credits: 125


Notes:


1    Cannot be used to solely meet area requirements.

2    Can only be used to meet requirements in one section

A    Agronomy Major Core Curriculum: A student must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and a grade of C or higher in the courses used to satisfy the Agronomy core curriculum in order to graduate with a major in Agronomy.

Curriculum Notes


* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

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