2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Agronomy (B.S.)



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Program Coordinator/Contact

David Wright, Department Head
Brent Turnipseed, Assistant Department Head
Hani Ghosheh, Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Berg Agricultural Hall 244
605-688-5123 (Department Head, SAG 244)
605-688-4450 (Teaching Office, SNP 247)

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, seeds, 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, sales, 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 major, students will:

  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic Agronomy principles and practices.
  • Demonstrate the ability to think creatively and to apply critical thinking skills when evaluating and analyzing information. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
  • Demonstrate the ability to learn, develop, and apply skills for the application of existing and emerging knowledge and technologies in Agronomy.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply scientific principles, quantitative skills, and other problem solving skills in Agronomy. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
  • Demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical and sustainable practices in the agronomic fields. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (written, listening and oral) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.

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, Food and Environmental Sciences

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Requirements


Bachelor of Science Requirements: 11

Students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences must complete a minimum of 11 credits from the approved list of Group 1  courses. Some departments require specific courses from the list, whereas others leave the selection entirely to the student and the advisor.

System General Education Requirements and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  Please review major requirements and the Group 1 list to determine if additional courses are required.

Major Requirements


Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Electives


Take at least two credits from each of the three areas listed.  Credits: 13

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 125


Notes


Cannot be used to solely meet area requirements.
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.

Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

System General Education Requirements 31-34 Credit Hours
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Requirements* 11 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 58-64 Credit Hours
Plant Science Electives 13 Credit Hours
Electives** 14-23 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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