Agronomy and Crop Science

Overview

Agronomy and crop science programs include topics such as:

• Horticulture
• Plant science
• Pest management
• Soil preparation
• Planting and harvesting
• Water management

In agronomy and crop science programs, students may be able to specialize in crop production.

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in agronomy and crop science. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in agronomy and crop science. Many programs offer a major in agriculture with a concentration in agronomy. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in agronomy and crop science. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Agricultural and Extension Education Services
• Agricultural Engineering
• Agricultural Production Operations
• Agriculture, General
• Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
• Entomology
• Food Science
• Horticultural Science
• Horticulture Operations
• Pest Management
• Plant Pathology
• Plant Physiology
• Plant Science
• Soil Science
• Viticulture and Enology

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Agricultural Engineers
• Agricultural Scientists
• Conservation Scientists
• Farmers and Farm Managers
• Food Scientists
• Golf Course Superintendents

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Agricultural Inspectors
• Agricultural Worker Supervisors
• Environmental Scientists
• Farm and Home Management Advisors
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• General and Operations Managers
• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Science Technicians

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Agriculture Science
• Algebra
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Biochemistry, Biology, or Chemistry
• Undergraduate degree or significant course work in an agriculture-related field
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Agricultural Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Crop Science
• Entomology
• Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Herbicides
• Horticulture
• Hydrology
• Ornamental Plants
• Plant Pathology
• Plant Science
• Soil Science
• Statistics
• Water Resources
• Weed Science

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in agronomy and crop sciences typically includes:

• Required courses
• Thesis (master’s degree)
• Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

With a degree in agronomy and crop science, you can become a farmer, work as a researcher for a large agribusiness, or work for the US Department of Agriculture. In addition, you can work as an educator for an extension service or work in agricultural marketing or economics.

Internships or supervised work experience may lead to employment or better job prospects and recommendations.

You can focus on a particular crop or plant in some programs. For instance, programs located in Iowa may concentrate on corn production.

For information about farm occupations, opportunities, and 4-H activities, contact your local county extension service office.

Schools

East Side Area

Walla Walla Community College

• Agricultural Systems
• Integrated Agricultural Systems

Washington State University - Pullman

• Agricultural and Food Systems--Agriculture and Food Security
• Agricultural and Food Systems--Organic Agriculture Systems
• Crop Science
• Integrated Plant Sciences--Agricultural Biotechnology
• Integrated Plant Sciences--Fruit & Vegetable Management

King-Snohomish Area

Washington State University - Pullman (Everett)

• Agricultural and Food Systems--Organic Agriculture Systems

Tri-Cities Area

Columbia Basin College

• Agriculture--Crop & Soil Science

West Side Area

Evergreen State College, The

• Agriculture and Food Science

Yakima Area

Yakima Valley College

• Agriculture--Vineyard Technology