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Program Description
Agronomy is concerned with the principles and practices of field crop production and the conservation of soils and land resources. Areas of emphasis include crop production and protection, plant breeding, forage management, nutrient management, and soil conservation and fertility. Education in this minor emphasizes the principles of plant and soil management and the basic sciences upon which these principles are grounded. A minor in agronomy can complement several majors, and will enhance career opportunities in farm management and the agricultural industry. Employment possibilities include:
- farm chemical and fertilizer store managers,
- sales representatives,
- field and laboratory technicians,
- crop management consultants,
- extension agents,
- soil and water conservationists, and
- inspectors for various state and federal regulatory agencies.
What is Agronomy?
Agronomy is the science of field crop production and the conservation and management of soil and land resources. The Agronomy minor is designed to provide students with an overview and an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of agronomy. Students will gain an understanding of plant and soil science as it relates to forage crop production and management, nutrient management and soil conservation, and fertility. The Agronomy minor complements several majors across the university and will enhance career opportunities in the agricultural industry.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AGRONOMY
You Might Like This Program If...
You are interested in plant science, ecology, resource protection, and growing crops for fuel, feed and fiber.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 18 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| AGRO 28 | Principles of Crop Management | 3 |
| SOILS 101 | Introductory Soil Science  | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Physiology of Agricultural Crops | ||
| Forage Crop Management | ||
| Field Crop Management | ||
| Principles of Weed Management | ||
| Soil Nutrient Behavior and Management | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 5-6 credits in consultation with an adviser | 5-6 | |
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Heather Karsten
Associate Professor of Crop Production/Ecology
251 Agricutlural Sciences and Industries Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3179
hdk3@psu.edu
Career Paths
The minor will prepare students for careers related to farm management, plant science research, soil and water resource conservation, cooperative extension, crop protection and management, or for positions with regulatory agencies within the agricultural sector.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES WITH A MINOR IN AGRONOMY
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE
101 Tyson Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-2571
hdk3@psu.edu