Agronomy, B.S.

Creating a Healthier, More PRODUCTIVE, MORE Resilient Agriculture FOR WISCONSIN AND THE WORLD.

That is the challenge taken up by the faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Agronomy.

We generate and apply knowledge about the plants that feed and benefit humankind. Agronomic crops are typically grown for grain to feed people and livestock, or are processed into products. Feed crops are grown specifically to meet the nutritional needs of livestock. Forage crops are grown for their stems, leaves, and other edible plant parts.

We find and implement solutions to problems and opportunities concerning efficiency and sustainability of crop production and in safe and environmentally sound ways.

We generate knowledge on the genetics, genomics, biochemistry, and physiology of plants.

We study the interactions among cropping systems, climate, and the environment. We emphasize sustainable agriculture, whether precision, traditional or organic, in order to reduce the impact on the environment and the inhabitants of our planet.

We work to ensure that agricultural systems and products in Wisconsin and the world are able to meet rapidly-changing needs and those of future generations.

Undergraduates in the Department of Agronomy earn a bachelor of science degree to prepare them for everything from pursuit of a graduate degree to careers in science, education, agriculture, agribusiness, and environment and conservation.

1. Articulate the role of biological processes, management systems, environmental influences, and economic and social factors on world food, feed, and fiber production. Specific topics that all students should have knowledge of include: photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, genetic inheritance, and management and uses of primary U.S. crop species.
2. Develop a global perspective and appreciate the interdependencies among individuals and their workplaces, communities, environments, and the planet; and an understanding of the role of science in society.
3. Communicate effectively through writing and speaking, and will be able to identify and critically evaluate available sources of information.
4. Demonstrate the ability to critically and creatively analyze problems and evaluate systems.

All undergraduate students at UW–Madison must complete the university-wide General Education Requirements, which are designed to convey the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. These requirements provide for breadth across the humanities and arts, social studies, and natural sciences; competence in communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills necessary for success in college and beyond; and investigation of the issues raised by living in a culturally diverse society. This core is intended to provide students with intellectual and practical skills, basic knowledge of human cultures and the physical world, strategies for understanding these topics, and tools intended to contribute to their sense of personal and social responsibility. General Education complements the work students do in their majors and degrees. Together, these requirements help students learn what they need to know not just for making a living, but also for making a life.

Completing the General Education Requirements is an important part of achieving these competencies, and to do so, students choose from many courses in communication, ethnic studies, quantitative reasoning, and breadth of study across disciplines in the natural sciences, humanities, literature, and arts, and social and behavioral sciences.

Completing the General Education Requirements is an important part of achieving these competencies, and to do so, students choose from many courses in communication, ethnic studies, quantitative reasoning, and breadth of study across disciplines in the natural sciences, humanities, literature, and arts, and social and behavioral sciences.

Each school and college may choose to allow General Education courses to count toward other degree and/or major requirements. Students should always check with their advisors to discuss any additional degree requirements and determine if students are required to take specific General Education courses or to complete the requirements in a particular order. Students should review their Degree Audit (DARS) report to see how they are progressing toward fulfilling the General Education requirements. Please refer to.

The Department of Agronomy is faculty-advised, meaning that faculty members take on the responsibility of guiding and advising undergraduates through graduation. Students and faculty are matched as closely as possible by interest. All new freshmen and transfer students are temporarily advised by the student services coordinator until the advising relationship between professor and student is established. If you would like to have a conversation about joining the Department of Agronomy, please contact [email protected].

An Agronomy degree is an open door to careers in many related fields such as biotechnology, plant genetics, crop management, agricultural financial management, farming, seed sales, crop consulting, Certified Crop Advising, Certified Professional Agronomy, agribusiness, extension agronomy, agricultural education, government work, and international agronomy.

Genetics

The fastest growing sector of agriculture is plant breeding, genetics, and genomics. Plant scientists are working at the field, plant, cellular, and molecular level to create cultivars that are hardier, disease resistant, nutritious, and affordable. The industry's growth is currently outstripping the rate of graduation; graduates can take their pick of interesting, fulfilling careers in the public and private sectors.

Biofuels

The biofuel industry is also experiencing rapid growth, with research and development being focused on sugar-based biofuels, cellulosic biofuels, and biodiesels, made from plants as varied as switchgrass, sugar cane, corn, and wood pulp. These energy crops are harvested and processed into alternatives to fossil fuels.

Agribusiness 

In agribusiness, agronomists take data and translate it into real world applications. They sell tools for crop production, provide agricultural loans, consult on crops, manage businesses, and much more. They are often responsible for translating technical research data into applications. Numerous agronomy graduates are also involved in the sale of agricultural products, which are vital to today’s economy. Other successful agronomists serve as crop advisers, farm managers, consultants, bank loan specialists, managers, and much more.

Research/Education and Extension

Agronomic educators specialize in teaching and working with high school and college students. They also teach and advise students who chose advanced studies for a master’s degree and/or Ph.D. They are extensively involved in research, publishing findings on a regular basis and making scientific advances.

Extension agronomists usually work for a state, local, or national government; they consult with farmers and others to help find answers to their specific problems and help farmers translate research results into usable management practices. Government-employed agronomists also work with farmers and ranchers to plan for soil and water conservation so crops and land can be managed efficiently and with minimal impact to the environment.