Program Overview

Introduction to the B.S. in Agronomy

The B.S. in Agronomy degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in agronomy, with a focus on experiential learning. The program revolves around practical experience, which is fundamental to success in agricultural and related industries.

Degree Requirements

The Agronomy major is administered through the School of Agricultural Sciences. Students will choose a track from one of two specializations offered within the Agronomy program. The undergraduate major can be accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

• Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
• University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
• Requirements for Major: 3841 credit hours
• Other required courses: 637 credit hours
• Other general electives: 335 credit hours

Specializations

The program offers two separate degree specializations: Crop Production and Management, and Soil Science. Both of these curricular areas are further divided into available General and Science tracks.

• Crop Production & Mgmt.
  • General
  • Science
• Soil Science
  • General
  • Science

Agronomy majors receive one-on-one guidance from their faculty advisor to customize courses of study that meet their specific employment and educational goals.

Minors

The School of Agricultural Sciences also offers two minors:

• Crop Breeding, Genetics & Biotechnology
• Crop, Soil & Environmental Management

These minors are often pursued by students enrolled in related SIU bachelor's programs to create a more robust degree and gain a competitive edge in their careers.

Living Learning Community

The Living Learning Community (LLC) is a program that supports the personal development and academic success of residents. Through LLCs, students can live with others who share similar majors or interests and benefit from additional interaction with faculty and staff outside the classroom.

Student Organizations

The School of Agriculture hosts over 30 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), including general interest clubs, local Greek chapters, honor societies, and competitive teams. These organizations provide ideal opportunities for students to meet like-minded individuals, build on what they've learned in their courses, and hone special skills.

Scholarships & Funding

As a publicly supported institution, Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers exceptional value. The tuition rate paid as a freshman locks in for four years. The university has also eliminated out-of-state tuition for undergraduate students. Additionally, nearly 80 percent of SIU students receive financial aid, and counselors are available to walk students through the application process and help them receive any aid for which they qualify.

Capstone Option

The SIU Capstone Option is designed for qualified students who want to earn their bachelor's degrees quickly. If a student already holds an associate's degree or equivalent certification in an approved field, the Capstone Option can reduce University Core Curriculum requirement hours and shorten the time to degree completion.

Careers in Agronomy

Agronomy graduates can find themselves directing regional conservation, investigating soil pathogens, researching botanical genetics, assessing ground and water quality, teaching and evaluating sustainability practices, advising environmental watchdog groups, and more, across a vast array of professional settings and occupations. Career examples include:

General CESM

• Landscape Designer
• Commercial greenhouse manager
• Research Scientist
• Nursery or garden center manager
• Golf course manager
• Conservation advocate
• Conservation lobbyist
• Extension services representative
• Resources coordinator
• Volunteer services coordinator

Crop Production & Management

• Crop scientist
• Crop production planning manager
• Seed production planning manager
• Crop manager
• Crop consultant
• Independent grower/farm owner
• Field or Lab researcher
• Crop analyst
• Crop Farm manager
• Crop nutrients risk consultant
• Integrated pest management specialist

Soil Science

• Soil scientist
• Soil conservationist
• Soil ecologist
• State soil and water quality specialist
• Wetland specialist
• Environmental technician
• Land-use specialist
• Natural resource manager
• Soil chemist/physicist/microbiologist
• Conservation planner
• County conservationist