Agronomy

Offering career preparation in the development and practical application of plant and soil science to produce abundant, high-quality food, feed and fiber crops. Agronomy is related to genetics, breeding, physiology, and crop and soil management. It involves aspects of soil use, including reclamation, waste disposal, waterways and construction.

Career Outlook

Based on a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture survey, there will be a shortfall of agriculture graduates necessary for future growth in agricultural productivity. Recent advances in precision agriculture and the advent of genetically engineered crops are providing new career options for agronomists. There are new opportunities for those becoming Certified Crop Advisors (CCA). The variety of jobs for agronomics is extremely diverse. Typical career occupations include extension agent, grain buyer, soil scientist-USDA, soil conservationist- USDA, tobacco market specialist, grain grader and seed analyst. Some agronomists serve as farm credit specialists with banks and farm lending agencies.

Facilities

School of Agriculture facilities include the south wing of the Oakley Applied Science Building, the E.B. Howton Agricultural Engineering building, the Equine Instructional Facility, greenhouses and three farm complexes located near campus.

The Veterinary Technology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program is located on the main farm complex in the A. Carman Animal Health Technology Center. The center houses classrooms, faculty offices, laboratories, a pharmacy, surgery suite, kennels and an x-ray room. The program is equipped with state-of-theart supplies and equipment.

Organizations

The Agronomy Club is organized to support students in agronomy through field trips and other club activities. Some of the club activities include off campus trips, guest speakers, and the sale and distribution of crop, weed, and seed identification sets. The Agronomy club also sponsors the MSU Soil Judging Team.

Curriculum 2009-2011 Catalog

University Studies Courses	45 Hours
Agriculture Core Courses AGR 099 Transitions (Freshman Orientation) (1 hour) AGR 100 Animal Science (3 hours) AGR 130 Intro to Agribusiness (3 hours) AGR 133 Field Applications for Ag (2 hours) AGR 140 Plant Science -OR- AGR 160 Horticultural Science -OR- AGR 240 Crop Science (preferred) (3 hours) AGR 170 Intro to Ag Systems Tech (3 hours) AGR 199 Contemporary Issues in Ag (3 hours) AGR 345 Soil Science (3 hours) AGR 339 Computer Applications for Ag (3 hours) AGR 399 Professional Development Seminar I (1 hour) AGR 599 Ag Senior Capstone (1 hour)	26 Hours
Agronomy Option Courses AGR 346 Soil Science Lab (1 hour) AGR 455 Soil Management (3 hours) AGR 470 Soil and Water Engineering (3 hours) AGR 471 App. To Precision Ag (3 hours) AGR 542 Plant Breeding I (3 hours) AGR 546 Pest Management (3 hours) AGR 547 Crop Management (3 hours) AGR 549 Weeds and Their Control (3 hours) AGR Elective (3 hours)	25 Hours
Students will select one emphasis
Practicum Emphasis AGR 498 Agronomy Practicum (12 hours) -AND one of the following courses- AGR 330 Principles of Agribusiness (3 hours) AGR 433 Farm Management (3 hours) AGR 543 Records Management and Reg Issues (3 hours) AGR 571 Advanced Precision Ag (3 hours)	15 Hours
Sales/Production Emphasis AGR 330 Principles of Ag Business -OR- AGR 433 Farm Management (3 hours) AGR 333 Agribusiness Records and Analysis (3 hours) AGR 336 Ag Marketing and Price Analysis -OR- AGR 337 Ag Sales and Merchandising (3 hours) AGR 543 Records Mgt and Reg Issues (3 hours) Agronomy Advisor Approved Elective (3 hours)	15 Hours
Research Emphasis AGR 328 Stats for Food and Ag (3 hours) AGR 571 Advanced Precision Ag (3 hours) BIO 300 Intro to Microbiology (4 hours) Agronomy Advisor Approved Elective (3 hours) Unrestricted Electives (9 hours)	31 Hours

Site Directory