Program Overview

Program Overview

The Soil and Crop Sciences – Sustainable Agricultural Management (B.S.) program at Colorado State University Online is designed to provide students with the applied knowledge and skills to develop and manage modern, sustainable agricultural systems. This program focuses on building practical knowledge in modern agricultural processes and systems, as well as leveraging technology and data to drive strategic decision-making in cropping system management while maintaining (or improving) soil health.

Program Details

• Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Soil and Crop Sciences – Sustainable Agricultural Management Concentration
• Time Frame: Varies based on intensity of study and previous coursework
• Admission Requirements:
  • Some previous college credit required
  • High school graduation or equivalent
  • Freshman course recommendations OR Transfer mathematics requirement
  • 2.7+ high school GPA (freshmen) OR 2.5+ college GPA (transfer) preferred
• Tuition: $490 per credit
• Credits: 120 credits required to complete the degree, including:
  • 42 upper-division (300-400 level) credits
  • 30 upper-division credits completed through Colorado State University

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable agricultural management. The program includes courses in:

• Agronomy and soil science
• Agricultural science and cropping systems
• Applied entomology and pest management
• Ecological and environmental sustainability
• Students will learn how to design, evaluate, and manage complex agroecosystems, synthesize information from field and lab observations, identify, formulate, and solve complex agronomy problems, and apply principles of soil and plant functionality across varying environments.

Course Requirements

• Freshman Year Courses:
  • AREC 202 - Agricultural and Resource Economics (GT-SS1) AUCC-3C (3 cr.)
  • BZ 120 - Principles of Plant Biology (GT-SC1) AUCC-3A (4 cr.)
  • CHEM 107 - Fundamentals of Chemistry (GT-SC2) AUCC-3A (4 cr.)
  • CHEM 108 - Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory (GT-SC1) AUCC-3A (1 cr.)
  • CO 150 - College Composition (GT-CO2) AUCC-1A (3 cr.)
  • MATH 117 - College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1) AUCC-1B (1 cr.)
  • MATH 118 - College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1) AUCC-1B (1 cr.)
  • MATH 124 - Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1) AUCC-1B (1 cr.)
  • SOCR 100 - General Crops (4 cr.)
  • SOCR 193 - Pathways to Success (1 cr.)
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - AUCC-1C (3 cr.)
  • Arts and Humanities - AUCC-3B (3 cr.)
  • General Elective - AUCC-3B (1 cr.)
• Sophomore Year Courses:
  • LAND 220/LIFE 220 - Fundamentals of Ecology (GT-SC2) AUCC-3A (3 cr.)
  • NR 319 - Introduction to Geospatial Science (4 cr.)
  • SOCR 210 - Microbiome Roles in a Sustainable Earth (GT-SC2) AUCC-3A (3 cr.)
  • SOCR 221 - Cropping Systems Field Experience (1 cr.)
  • SOCR 240 - Introductory Soil Science (4 cr.)
  • Select one course from the following: BSPM 201 - Weed Management and Control (3 cr.) or BSPM 308 - Ecology and Management of Weeds (3 cr.)
  • Select one course from the following: STAT 201 - General Statistics (GT-MA1) AUCC-1B (3 cr.) or STAT 301 - Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods (3 cr.)
  • Arts and Humanities - AUCC-3B (3 cr.)
  • Historical Perspectives - AUCC-3D (3 cr.)
  • General Elective (3 cr.)
• Junior Year Courses:
  • BZ 440 - Plant Physiology (3 cr.)
  • SOCR 330 - Principles of Genetics (3 cr.)
  • SOCR 350 - Soil Fertility Management (3 cr.)
  • SOCR 351 - Soil Fertility Laboratory (1 cr.)
  • SOCR 370 - Climate-Smart Irrigation Principles (2 cr.)
  • SOCR 405/ESS 405 - Global Agriculture and Environmental Change (3 cr.)
  • Advanced Writing (3 cr.)
  • Technical Electives (4 - 6 cr.)
  • Upper-Division Electives (6 -8 cr.)
• Senior Year Courses:
  • AB 451 - Integrated Pest Management (3 cr.)
  • BSPM 302 - Applied and General Entomology (2 cr.)
  • BSPM 303A - Entomology Laboratory: General (2 cr.)
  • SOCR 371 - Climate-Smart Irrigation Management (1 cr.)
  • SOCR 425 - Internet of Ag Things--Sensors and Data Lab (2 cr.)
  • SOCR 492 - Preparing for Impact--Your Career Journey AUCC-4A,4C (1 cr.)
  • Choose one of the following: SOCR 421 - Agroecosystem Management AUCC-4A,4B,4C or SOCR 460/HORT 460 - Plant Breeding and Biotechnology AUCC-4A,4B,4C
  • Select one course from the following: SOCR 486 - Practicum AUCC-4C or SOCR 487 - Internship

Faculty

The faculty at Colorado State University are dedicated to advancing the field of sustainable agricultural management. Researchers, faculty, and students work together to develop critical scientific and technological solutions needed to build more sustainable food systems.

Career Opportunities

After completing this program, students will be prepared for a career in the agriculture industry. Job opportunities may include:

• Soil scientist
• Field research agronomist
• Crop science R&D specialist
• Agronomy and soil science consultant
• Regenerative agriculture specialist
• State agricultural extension agent

Application Dates

• Fall semester: June 1
• Spring semester: November 1
• Summer semester: May 1