Program Overview

Master of Science in Agronomy

The Master of Science in Agronomy is a comprehensive program that focuses on the application of plant and soil science to crop production. This includes the study of plant genetics, breeding, biotechnology, molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, weed control, and crop management. The online curriculum is designed with maximum flexibility for working professionals, allowing students to complete coursework in areas specific to their career needs and interests.

Program Overview

The program stresses the ability to apply course content to related industry work. It is designed for those seeking to advance their knowledge in agronomy and its applications, preparing them for careers in research, education, extension, and industry.

Career Fields

Graduates of the Master of Science in Agronomy program can work in various career fields, including:

• Seed Industry: Managers, breeders, technicians, sales agronomists
• Crop Improvement: Consulting agronomists, crop advisers, co-op managers
• Horticulture: Nursery managers, turf & landscape specialists, golf course superintendents
• Education: Science and agriculture teachers
• Extension: Educators and specialists
• Producers: Farmers and ranchers
• Government: Specialists in regulatory agencies at all governmental levels & Communication

Options

The program offers two options:

Option A: Thesis

• Requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit, including 20-24 semester hours of regular coursework and a thesis equivalent to 6-10 semester hours.
• At least one-half of the required work, including the thesis, must be taken in one major subject.
• Eight credit hours, in addition to the thesis, must be earned in courses open exclusively to graduate students.

Option B: Non-Thesis

• Requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in courses representing a major, with minors being optional.
• Includes a masters project of 3 credit hours, which counts toward the overall 30 credit hours.
• A program of study must include no fewer than 15 credit hours in the major and 15 credit hours in courses exclusively open to graduate students.

Courses

Core Courses

• AGRO/HORT 991: Seminar Presentation and Evaluation (1 credit): Various topics in horticulture, agronomy, or related subjects, with an emphasis on techniques.
• AGRO 894: Degree Project (3 credits): Design, develop, and complete a project that requires the synthesis of course topics covered in the primary area of emphasis.

Elective Courses

• AGRO 809A: Case Studies in Plant Breeding: Disease Resistance Breeding (1 credit): Application of fundamental genetics principles to decision-making by plant breeders.
• AGRO 809B: Case Studies in Plant Breeding: Transgenic Strategies (1 credit): Application of basic science and technology by plant genetic engineering experts.
• AGRO 811: Crop Genetic Engineering (2 credits): Basic steps required to produce genetically engineered crops.
• AGRO 812: Crop & Weed Genetics (2 credits): Application of classical and molecular genetic principles to explain variation in plant families and populations.
• AGRO 815: Applied Plant Breeding and Genetics (3 credits): Developed for advanced undergraduate students or non-major graduate students, focusing on the application of genetics to plant improvement.
• AGRO 821: Learning Biotechnology (3 credits): Investigation of biotechnology and its application in solving problems, connecting biotechnology to basic science concepts.
• AGRO 828: Scientific Illustration (3 credits): Introduction to scientific illustration, honing skills in art and observation for the preparation of scientifically accurate illustrations.
• AGRO 831: Spatial Variability in Soils (2 credits): Basic concepts of soil variability, its causes, and impact on soil management for crop production.
• AGRO 832: Learning Plant Science (3 credits): The biology of plants grown for food, fiber, fuel, and fun, connecting applied plant science to basic science concepts.
• AGRO 846: Forage Quality (3 credits): Study of forage quality and its importance in agricultural production.
• AGRO 851: Grassland Plant Identification (2 credits): Study of plants with ecological and/or agricultural importance in the Great Plains.
• AGRO/HORT 822: Integrated Weed Management (1 credit): Principles and application of integrated weed management, including noxious and invasive weed species.

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the program, applicants must:

1. Hold a bachelor's degree, preferably in agronomy or a closely related field.
2. Have a GPA of 3.00 or above on a 4.0 scale.
3. Meet specific coursework requirements for either Option A (Thesis) or Option B (Non-Thesis).
4. Submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores if English is not their native language, with minimum scores as follows: 79 on Internet-based TOEFL, 600 on paper-based TOEFL, 6.5 on IELTS, or 120 on Duolingo.
5. Provide 3 letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with their work ethic or scholastic ability.
6. Submit a personal statement describing professional goals, career aspirations, background experiences, and how the program will assist in meeting these goals.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: May 15
• Spring Semester: October 1
• Summer Semester: February 15

Service and Support

The University of NebraskaLincoln offers various services to support students, including access to the same student services available to on-campus students, academic advising, and career services. The program is designed to provide flexibility, allowing students to combine disciplines, choose electives, and complete coursework at times that work best for them. The university has a long history of offering distance education and provides a quality learning experience through interactions with faculty and students via email, discussion forums, and chat groups.