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Master of Science (MS) in Agronomy Overview
Program description
The MS Agronomy Program is a professional degree program, which requires more credits of coursework than research. This is different from a traditional on-campus Agronomy program, which emphasizes research. The program was designed for professionals working in industry, government, business, teaching, and other professions.
The courses in the MS Agronomy Program were designed specifically for distance students, using the technological capabilities of the computer and the internet. Students will find many learning activities within the course materials to aid in content comprehension (study questions, drag & drops, short videos, “Try this”, calculations, etc.). For the most part, students will not find lecture videos of their instructor, but will be able to interact with their instructor in the form of online Office Hours using video conference software.
Master of Science (MS) of Agronomy Overview
Program description
The MS Agronomy Program is a professional degree program, which requires more credits of coursework than research. This is different from a traditional on-campus Agronomy program, which emphasizes research. The program was designed for professionals working in industry, government, business, teaching, and other professions.
The courses in the MS Agronomy Program were designed specifically for distance students, using the technological capabilities of the computer and the internet. Students will find many learning activities within the course materials to aid in content comprehension (study questions, drag & drops, short videos, “Try this”, calculations, etc.). For the most part, students will not find lecture videos of their instructor, but will be able to interact with their instructor in the form of online Office Hours using video conference software.
What to expect
1.
Students will gain a diverse background in all aspects of Agronomy, including subject matter in crops, soils, climate, statistics, and pest management. The curriculum is organized so that students progress in phases:
- Phase 1 provides advanced knowledge of agronomy
- Phase 2 develops management skills
- Phase 3 integrates both knowledge and management to develop analytical and problem-solving skills
2.
Students will become better communicators thru:
- Discussion boards
- Presentations/term projects
- Agronomic consultations/peer review
- Creative component project
MS Agronomy Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
- Understand the scientific principles underlying crop management and physiology, plant improvement, climatology, soil management and fertility, integrated pest management, and the interaction of these principles
- Critically evaluate research in terms of design, content, potential application, and limitations with respect to agronomic systems
- Apply agronomic knowledge to real-world problems via application of scientific principles
- Understand moral, ethical, and legal perspectives of agricultural activities
- Understand group dynamics and facilitate the accomplishment of individual and collective goals
- Communicate effectively with scientists, professionals, farmers, other professionals, and the general public for the purposes of learning and informing
MS Agronomy Curriculum
The MS Agronomy Program is a total of 37 credits, distributed as follows:
For more information about each course, including course descriptions, prerequisites, and credits, please click on its name below.
Course | Credits | Semester Offered |
|---|---|---|
AGRON 5010: Crop Growth and Development | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5020: Chemistry, Physics, and Biology of Soils | 3 | Fall, (Spring in odd years) |
AGRON 5030: Climate and Crop Growth 3 Summer | 3 | Summer |
AGRON 5110: Crop Improvement | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5120: Soil – Plant Environment | 3 | Spring |
AGRON 5130: Data Science for Agricultural Professionals | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5310: Crop Management and Ecology | 3 | Fall |
AGRON 5320: Soil Management | 3 | Fall |
AGRON 5440: Host-Pest Interaction | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5910: Agronomic Systems Analysis | 3 | Spring |
AGRON 5920: Current Issues in Agronomy | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5940: Agronomy MS Practicum | 1 | Summer |
AGRON 5990M: Creative Component – seminar | 1 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5990M: Creative Component – final oral examination | 2 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
All MS Agronomy courses are required for degree completion. The program does not offer specializations or course substitutions.
FAQs MS Agronomy
Yes, at least once to attend AGRON 5940: Agronomy MS Practicum, which is held every year in mid-July from Tuesday-Thursday. Students should plan to attend when they are halfway through the program. Students are expected to cover the costs of travel and accommodation to the practicum. Many meals during the week are provided.
Yes, since the first 18 credits of the MS in Agronomy is the same credits for the Graduate Certificate, you may also earn the Graduate Certificate. Since the admission requirements for the MS degree are the same as the Certificate, no extra qualifications are necessary. Please contact msagron@iastate.edu for more information.