Agronomy Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

David Wright, Department Head
Brent Turnipseed, Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Berg Agricultural Hall 244
605-688-5123

Program Information

The Agronomy minor provides training in plant, soil, and pest management.  This program can complement a variety of majors, enhancing agricultural related career opportunities in numerous sectors of the economy. Employment possibilities include 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 seed production; and for work with government agencies, such as the Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, Agricultural Research Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Agronomy minor, students will:

• achieve a fundamental understanding of basic agronomy principles and practices;
• gain an understanding of the scope, activities, and nomenclature in the field of agronomy;
• demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (written, listening, and oral) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences;
• be an advocate for agronomy and agriculture in society; and
• be a lifelong learner.

Academic Requirements

Students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and a grade of C or higher in the courses used to satisfy the Agronomy Minor.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

• Students seeking Soil Science Certification should contact their advisor and refer to the Soil Science Society of America website.
• Students seeking Certification as a professional agronomist should contact their advisor and refer to the Certified Crop Advisor website.
• Students seeking Seed Analyst Certification should contact their advisor and refer to the Association of Official Seed Analysts and Society of Commercial Seed Technologists website.

Course Delivery Format

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