Undergraduate Programs

Agronomy incorporates the basic sciences (such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology and microbiology) into an applied science, which is the foundation for most agriculture. Soil science involves issues related to crop production and also to environmental aspects of soil management.

The Agronomy and Soils Department offers the following curriculum tracks that allow students to tailor classes to fit specific interests:

In the Production option, students study food, feed, fiber, oil, forage, and bioenergy crop production. Courses prepare graduates for careers with public agencies such as State Cooperative Extension Systems and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Our graduates are also hired by agri-life companies and farm-advisory agencies such as soil testing laboratories and other private consultants.

The popular Turf Management option focuses on turfgrass production and maintenance for golf courses, sport field, home lawns and business turf. With a required Internship as a part of the Option, Turfgrass Management students graduate prepared for careers in turfgrass management on golf courses, sod farms and athletic fields. This academically rigorous option also prepares students for graduate school or careers as Extension staff, sales professionals or a technical industry scientists.

The Science option provides students a scientific base that can include courses in soil morphology, chemistry and microbiology. This option prepares graduates for careers as researchers with agri-life corporations or state and federal agricultural research agencies, and is usually chosen by students who intend to pursue graduate degrees in any branch of the life sciences.

The Soil, Water and Land Use option provides students the opportunity to concentrate their studies in soil and water sciences. Soil and related resources are the foundation for land use planning and management in both rural and urban settings, and this option is designed to provide the academic background for pursuing a career in soil science. This option prepares students for jobs in the consulting industry, state and federal regulatory agencies, and research.

An interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in Environmental Science is offered in collaboration with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the College of Sciences and Mathematics. At present, he department of civil engineering administers the degree.

Last Updated: Jan. 26, , 2012