What it’s about:

This major provides the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for the efficient and sustainable production of food, fuel, feed, and fiber. You will gain a broad understanding of the diversity of, and relationships among, plants, soils, and climates. You will also explore the ethical, cultural, and environmental issues facing professionals in agriculture and natural resources.

What the study of this major is like:

Agronomists work to provide consumers with a sufficient supply of food; to help producers increase profitability and efficiency; and to protect the environment. As an agronomy and crop science major, you learn how the plant and soil sciences are used in the production of abundant, high-quality food, fuel, feed, and fiber. Crop and plant sciences relate primarily to the genetics, breeding, physiology, and management of crops. Soil science covers the physics, chemistry, origin, microbiology, fertility, and management of soil. Majors also study weather and climate.

You generally begin with courses in soil science, crop production, botany or biology, geology, chemistry, English, and statistics. In addition, you study the physical and social sciences, communications, economics, and math. You’ll be encouraged to take at least one course in plant pathology, entomology, weed science, and soil fertility/plant nutrition. As you learn more about the discipline, you may develop specific interests in crop science, soil science, or climatology. You can generally double-major (or minor) in agronomy/crop science and agribusiness, agricultural journalism, animal science, environmental sciences, or extension education.

Core courses (natural sciences, math, English, and social sciences) are usually taught in a lecture/lab format. Upper-level agronomy and crop science courses focus on problem solving, real-life situations, and professional competency. Integrated into the instruction is an emphasis on teamwork, leadership, communication, critical analysis, and management skills, as well as sustainability principles and ethical values.

Your course work is often supplemented by field trips, industrial tours, or seminars on agronomy issues. Majors can participate in regional and national contests with crop and soil judging teams. You are also encouraged to seek internships and summer/part-time employment in government agencies, agricultural businesses (seed, fertilizer, and agricultural chemicals), conservation centers, pest control companies, or other areas relating to food, fuel, feed, and fiber production. You can generally earn academic credit for such work.

Colleges may vary in other emphasis on the role of science in response to world hunger and pollution. If you plan to go on to grad school, you generally need to complete and undergraduate program that stresses agronomic, biological, mathematical, and physical sciences.

Career options and trends:

Agricultural business manager*; plant breeder; seed production specialist*; environmental and natural resources manager; farm manager; government agency employee*; range management specialist; crop and soil management specialist; soil conservationist and surveyor*.

Demand for Agronomists is expected to be good. The need to provide sustainable sources of food, energy, and raw materials will grow as our global population grows, and this need will become even more pressing if the trend towards loss of arable land continues.

Agronomy is increasingly international-you should expect to travel during your career. The “green revolution” occurring in developing countries calls for expertise in seed physiology, soil science, and plant breeding, to counter the effects of pests, disease, and drought. The role of genetic engineering will increase in importance as well, and you should expect a greater emphasis on bio renewables and food management and safety practices. 

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors