Agronomy

Man crouched in a field looking a leaves
New methods of conservation. Improved soil health. New approaches to bioenergy. Improved water quality. Advanced genetic traits. The end goal is producing food, fuel and fiber in a more efficient and economical way for the benefit of people and the environment around the world.
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Summary

The Master of Science in Agronomy is a professional degree. This means the program was designed specifically for you, the online learner. The MS in Agronomy is designed for professionals working in industry and government.

To aid in content comprehension, you will interact with the course materials in several different ways (study questions, drag and drops, short videos, “Try this”, calculations, etc.). Instead of lecture videos, you will interact with their instructor in the form of online Office Hours using the Zoom interface.

Typically, you will complete one lesson per week, with assignments, discussions, and reflections due once a week. Students will be required to travel to campus once. This visit will be halfway through the program to attend the practicum (3-4 days), held during July. Students have the option to present their creative component for the final oral exam in-person or virtually.

What to expect

Gain a diverse background in all aspects of agronomy. This includes subject matter in crops, soils, climate, statistics and pest management. The curriculum is organized so you progress in phases:

  • Phase 1 provides more advanced knowledge of agronomy
  • Phase 2 develops management skills
  • Phase 3 integrates both knowledge and management to develop analytical and problem-solving skills

Become a better communicator through a variety of exercises:

  • discussion boards
  • presentations/term projects
  • agronomic consultations/peer review
  • creative component project

MS Agronomy is distance education ONLY. There is NO on-campus equivalent. MS Agronomy students can earn Agronomy Graduate Certificate after completion of 6 specific courses as they work towards the full MS degree. Students interested in on-campus Agronomy majors must choose Crop Production & Physiology, Soil Science, Ag Meteorology or Plant Breeding.

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Certificate

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 5.3 years (Methods)

Brenda Kutz

msagron@iastate.edu
515-294-2999
MS Agronomy Admissions
716 Farmhouse Lane
2101 Agronomy Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Learning Goals

  • Understand the scientific principles underlying crop management and physiology, plant improvement, soil management and fertility, integrated pest management, and the interaction of these principles.
  • Critically evaluate research in terms of design, content, potential application, and limitations with respect to agronomic systems.
  • Apply agronomic knowledge to real-world problems via application of scientific principles.
  • Understand group dynamics and facilitate the accomplishment of individual and collective goals.
  • Communicate effectively with scientists, professionals, farmers, other professionals, and the general public for the purposes of learning and informing.
  • Communicate electronically and utilize various internet information services.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

April 1 for fall admission, October 1 for spring admission, However, if you meet all the course prerequisites and have a GPA of 3.2 or above, you can be admitted at any time.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions