Plans of Study
Your undergraduate program will blend courses and experiences in your major with preparation in the life and physical sciences, written and oral communication, social sciences and humanities, multicultural awareness, and international understanding. Professional work experiences, leadership development, participation in student organizations, study abroad, and directed research can add to your professional development.
Baccalaureate Programs
Agronomic Business and Marketing prepares students to meet the high demand for professionals in technical sales and marketing or professional field agronomy with strength in business. Students have the flexibility to tailor plans of study to meet their individualized interests and needs by combining strengths in business, marketing, and agronomy. The unique advantage of this option is the primary strength generated in cropping system management amplified by strength in agri-business management.
Crop and Soil Management is for students interested in applying basic agronomic information to practical situations or problems. This is an ideal option for students who plan to become a professional crops/soils manager as an agronomist, farm manager, soil conservationist, or a related profession. Those interested in crop management frequently select cropping systems, crop physiology, plant breeding, and forage management courses.
International Agronomy is designed for students interested in the agronomic aspects of international agricultural development. The program prepares students for opportunities in world agriculture through careers with social action agencies, government and/or private industry. Students in this major build a strong foundation in science to go along with their study of international trade, culture, religion, language, food security, and agricultural development.
Many graduates pursue careers with the National Weather Service, the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service, the Environmental Research Laboratories, and the Department of Defense. Graduates also pursue careers with private meteorological or environmental consulting firms that provide weather information and apply atmospheric sciences to air pollution control, energy distribution, marketing, transportation, weather modification, and agriculture. Graduates also work for insurance and commodities industries that employ meteorologists who are educated in statistics, agriculture, and world climates.
Applied meteorologists apply weather and climate information to problems facing agriculture and commerce. Students acquire the skills and tools necessary to improve the health, safety, and productivity of today’s world. Graduates work on many environmental problems such as air quality, renewable energy sources, climate change and the impacts of climate change.
The option involves extensive coursework in meteorology, physics, and mathematics, as well as first-hand experience in applying basic concepts to real world situations. Internship programs are available with private industry, the National Weather Service, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In addition there are regular opportunities to work in University laboratories and the State Climate Office.
Crop science provides an education in the basic sciences, with applications in crop plant management and crop improvement. Opportunities are numerous and encompass a broad range in science, business, and education. Students are especially qualified for graduate study in plant nutrition, environmental science, crop physiology and ecology, biotechnology and plant genetics, and plant breeding.
Plant genetics, breeding, and biotechnology students are interested in agricultural biotechnology, genetic engineering, and research in genetic mechanisms that control crop growth and development. Students prepare for many research opportunities in industry and acquire the necessary background for graduate studies. Students also learn the fundamentals of genetics and practical plant breeding as well as the latest developments in genetic engineering, environmentally sound crop production practices, development of varieties appropriate for the agriculture of developing countries, and strategies for developing plant lines adapted to environmental stresses. Opportunities exist for training both in laboratory and field practices important to modern genetics research. A professional internship involving practical aspects of the option is required.
The Soil and Water Sciences option provides a strong science education, while preparing students to apply this knowledge in many technical phases of soil, water resources and environmental management. Opportunities are numerous and encompass a broad range in science, management, and education with diverse applications addressing agricultural water use, food security, soil and water quality and secure water supplies. Students are especially qualified for graduate study in hydrology, water resources, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil microbiology, environmental science, soil mineralogy and genesis, and ecology.
Minors