The Agronomy Minor at Penn State

A Penn State student checking hail damage in a field of clover.

Agronomists are 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 serveral 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 lab technicians, crop management consultants, extension agents, soil and water conservationists, and inspectors for various state and federal regulatory agencies.

Requirements

For the minor in Agronomy, a minimum of 18 credits is required.

Prescribed courses for Agronomy minor are as follows:

The student must also select an additional 6 credits from these courses:

The student also must select 6 credits from these supporting courses and related areas:

Procedures for Enrollment

Students may apply for admission into the Agronomy minor by completing and submitting an Application for Admission to a Minor Program form. Approval by the student’s major program adviser is required. For additional information, contact the program coordinator, Dr. Heather Karsten, 251 ASI Building, University Park, PA 16802, phone 814-863-3179 or hdk3@psu.edu.