People depend on farming for economical stability and food, which is why an agronomy degree is a wise investment. Agronomists focus on plant and soil sciences, making agronomy degrees span a wide range of topics and future careers. Agronomy universities offer both traditional on-campus classes, and non-traditional learning through distance education.
Agronomy schooling consists of degrees from the two-year associate degree to a doctorate in agronomy. How far you take an agronomy educational program is dependent upon your long-term goals. When deciding on an agronomy school consider the following:
1. There are agronomy programs in both public and private universities. The main advantage of a public university is the lower tuition, but a private university may hold more prestige with future employers.
2. Agronomy colleges offer different programs of study, and not all agricultural specialties can be found at one agronomy college. Even if you have your heart set on a certain university, your educational needs may not be met at that school.
3. There are many online agronomy programs for students who must work, or who live too far away to attend a campus course.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Research agronomy schools for academics and location
The best agronomy programs offer the opportunity for both an undergraduate and graduate degree from the same university. Check and see if the university offers a bridge program to another university for a graduate degree, if they don't offer a graduate degree of their own. The location of agronomy universities is important, since universities located in a thriving agricultural community offer better job opportunities upon graduation.
I recommend: U.S. News and World Report offers a profile of America's best colleges in agronomy sciences, including cost, academics and location.
Tailor your agronomy program so that it contains field experience
Future employers like seeing that you have hands-on experience in agronomy. Field experiences helps you build up a resume, too. When choosing an agronomy university, speak to an educational coordinator about field studies. Depending on your major, you can perform fields studies in animal breeding, crop production, seeds, soil management and farming and farm management.
I recommend: Check out the
University of Minnesota for a program that offers an internship, agronomy club and field trips. You can also go abroad for internships in agronomy and horticulture, so check out the list at
GoAbroad.com.
Start an agronomy degree online from an accredited university
Starting an on-campus agronomy program isn't always a viable option for people who must work or save money before investing in advanced education. Agronomy online programs help you earn credit you can transfer to a different university. Also, graduate degrees in agronomy are available completely online. It's important that you choose only accredited online programs so your credits transfer.
I recommend: Find online programs and schools at
eLearners.com. Complete a graduate degree in agronomy via CD and online from
Iowa State University.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Ask schools what types of certificates they offer in agronomy. This is a great way to expand your agronomy schooling, without having to complete a double major.
The official source of Agronomy Schools is the Agronomy Schools page at Business.com
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