What is a Degree in Agronomy?

<p>If you're interested in pursuing an agronomy degree, you'll find many options, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Agronomy may be available as a concentration within a broader program in plant and soil science. These programs provide you with training in plant science, entomology and agribusiness. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutDegreesInAgronomy">Important Facts About Degrees in Agronomy</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> High school education or GED equivalent; formal degree required for advanced positions</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Yes</td></tr> <tr><td>Common Courses </td><td> Issues in agriculture, International agriculture, Principles of soil science, Organic chemistry, Crop and weed genetics, Integrated weed management, Plant nutrition</td></tr> <tr><td>Continuing Education </td><td> Professional specializations, licenses and certifications require specific training and education</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---AssociateOfAppliedScienceInAgronomy">Associate of Applied Science in Agronomy</h3> <p>If you're looking for a 2-year course of study in agronomy, you will find a handful of community colleges that offer associate's degree programs. Many of these programs include courses on plant science, farm management, marketing, crop chemicals and farm safety. Many schools offering such programs are in areas where agriculture is an important part of the local economy, and they therefore provide access to farms, so that you can build hands-on skills while working toward your degree. </p> <h3 id="section---BachelorOfScienceInAgronomy">Bachelor of Science in Agronomy</h3> <p>Bachelor's degree programs in agronomy are designed to provide you with the tools to succeed in a career in the chemical, pesticide, fertilizer industries. Depending on their policies, schools may also require students to choose a specific concentration, such as agronomic science or crop production. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceOrDoctorOfPhilosophyPh.D.InAgronomy">Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agronomy</h3> <p>If you already have an undergraduate degree in agronomy, and you're interested in graduate study, you'll find that master's degree and doctoral degree programs emphasize independent research in a specific area of interest. As a master's degree or Ph.D. candidate, you'll take advanced courses in crop physiology, plant breeding, and forage sciences, among other topics. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerInformation">Career Information</h3> <p>A degree in agronomy can lead to a wide range of professions, and many jobs for agronomists are based in research, management, academia and consulting. Some specific job titles include crop research technician, soil testing technician and seed analyst. </p> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), agricultural and food science technicians, who typically need an associate's degree, are expected to have a 9% increase in available jobs from 2021-2031, while soil and plant scientists, who are required to hold at least a bachelor's degree, are forecast to experience 9% employment growth. Also listed by the BLS, in 2022, technicians in this field earned a median salary of $44,700, and scientists brought home a median of $74,160.</p>