Curriculum in Agronomy
Students majoring in agronomy study crop, soil, and environmental sciences under one of five options: agroecology; agronomy management and business; plant breeding; research and development; or soil and environmental science. A minimum of 15 credits in agronomy courses must be earned at Iowa State.
| Core Requirements |
| Cr. |
Degree Requirements |
| 12.5 |
Interpersonal and public communication skills |
|
Engl 150, 250; Lib 160; Sp Cm 212 or AgEdS 311; Engl 302, or 309, or 314 |
| 6-14 |
Mathematical sciences |
|
Math 140 or 150 or 165/166 or 181/182, depending on option; and Stat 104 |
| 15-25 |
Physical sciences |
|
Chem 163/163L, or 177/177L and 178/178L; and 231/231L or
BBMB 221 or Chem 331/331L and 332/332L; and Phys 106 or 111 or 221 depending on option |
| 11-26 |
Biological sciences |
|
Biol 211, 211L, 212, 212L; other courses by option |
| 15 |
Humanities, ethics, and social science |
|
3 cr. each in ethics, U.S. diversity, international perspectives, humanities, and social sciences from approved lists
|
| 21.5-31.5 |
Agronomic sciences |
|
Agron 105, 110, 114, 154, 210, 230, 310, 410; other courses by option. |
Options
Agroecology
The Agroecology option provides the scientific foundation for understanding and managing agricultural systems with ecological and environmental perspectives. Students may pursue graduate study or careers in sustainable agriculture. More information is available from an agronomy adviser or www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/agro_ecol.aspx.
Agronomy Management and Business
The Agronomy Management and Business option is designed for those individuals who seek employment as agronomists working in agribusinesses such as cooperatives, seed companies, herbicide and fertilizer dealers, or crop consulting firms. More information is available from an agronomy adviser or www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/mgt_bus.aspx.
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
The Plant Breeding and Biotechnology option is a science-oriented option recommended for those who would like to work in plant breeding or plant biotechnology. More information is available from an agronomy adviser or www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/plantbreeding.aspx.
Research and Development
The Research and Development is recommended for individuals who plan to work toward a graduate degree, or anyone who would like a strong science orientation in their degree program. More information is available from an agronomy adviser or www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/res_dev.aspx.
Soil and Environmental Science
The Soil and Environmental Science option is designed for those individuals interested in careers in environmental science, soil science, or natural resource managment. More information is available from an agronomy adviser or www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/soil_env.sci.aspx.
| Typical Program for the First Year |
| Cr. |
Fall |
| 0.5 |
Orientation in Agronomy: Agron 110 |
| 3 |
Principles of Agronomy: Agron 114 |
| 3 |
Introduction to Meteorology: Agron 206 |
| 5 |
General Chemistry: Chem 163 and 163L |
| 3 |
Critical Thinking and Communication: Engl 150 |
| Cr. |
Spring |
| 3 |
Fundamentals of Soil Science: Agron 154 |
| 4 |
Principles of Biology I and Lab: Biol 211/211L |
| 3 |
Mathematics and Statisitics: Stat 104 |
| 0.5 |
Library Instruction: Lib 160 |
| 3 |
Principles of Microeconomics: Econ 101 |
|
|
