Agronomy

Department Code
AGRON
Interdepartmental Program
No
Unearth the secrets of Earth's essential resource with Iowa State University's Soil Science graduate program. Designed for aspiring soil scientists and environmental researchers, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends rigorous academic training with hands-on field experience.
students of soil science

Courses and hands-on experience provide the advanced techniques that will enable you to address environmental and agricultural problems facing our global community. If you’re interested in our graduate program, browse our scientist’s areas of expertise and current research projects. If a subject or project interests you, reach out to that researcher. For on-campus graduate students, a faculty member must agree to be your major professor before admission into the program. Those participating in the online distance program will be expected to find a major professor by the 2nd or 3rd semester. Our graduate students are mentored by their major professor, as well as their Program of Study committee which includes a small group of faculty members, one of which must be in a different field of study.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Soil Chemistry (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Fertility (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Management (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Morphology and Genesis (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Physics (M.S., Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 3.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.3 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of soil components and soil processes.
  • Identify critical issues in fundamental and applied soil science and to formulate scientific approaches to those issues.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of soil science to solve problems in nonacademic contexts and in collaboration with professionals in other disciplines.
  • Demonstrate professional communication skills, using effective strategies both when writing technical reports, research proposals, journal articles, or popular press articles and when giving oral or poster presentations to scientific or lay audiences.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the soil as a fundamental natural resource, deserving of wise use and protection.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues that pertain to soil science and science in general.
  • Maintain, in collaboration with the faculty, an environment of discovery, professional pride, collaboration, and mutual support.
515-294-4161

Kevin Desjean

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
Soil Science Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Continual review, no deadlines for admission or assistantships. Faculty commitment required prior to admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

 

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
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
millerba@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kdesjean@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Master the art and science of enhancing crop genetics with Iowa State University's Plant Breeding graduate program. Designed for aspiring plant breeders and agricultural scientists, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates cutting-edge research with practical application.
Plant Pathology

Courses and hands-on experience provide the advanced techniques that will enable you to address environmental and agricultural problems facing our global community. If you’re interested in our graduate program, browse our scientist’s areas of expertise and current research projects. If a subject or project interests you, reach out to that researcher. For on-campus graduate students, a faculty member must agree to be your major professor before admission into the program. Those participating in the online distance program will be expected to find a major professor by the 2nd or 3rd semester. Our graduate students are mentored by their major professor, as well as their Program of Study committee which includes a small group of faculty members, one of which must be in a different field of study.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Predictive Plant Phenomics (Ph.D.)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study, i.e., plant breeding.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct original research via appropriate data acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and appropriate use of display items (tables, figures, and other appropriate types of presentation), electronic or other forms of media.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-4161

Brenda Kutz (distance students) & Kevin Desjean (campus based students)

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
Plant Breeding Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
Student Services
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Continual review for distance Plant Breeding program. Continual review for campus based Plant Breeding program, no deadlines for admission or assistantships. Faculty commitment required prior to admission in campus based program.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

 

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
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Degree Specialization
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
mgsalas@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kdesjean@iastate.edu
bkutz@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Courses and hands-on experience provide the advanced techniques that will enable you to address environmental and agricultural problems facing our global community. If you’re interested in our graduate program, browse our scientist’s areas of expertise and current research projects. If a subject or project interests you, reach out to that researcher.
Aline Sartor Chicowski

The graduate program in Crop Production and Physiology equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to address pressing challenges in global food production, promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices for the future.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Seed Science (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Weed Science (M.S., Ph.D.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Forages
  • Grain Crops
  • Seed Science
  • Weed Science

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.2 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.3 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of basic and applied knowledge pertaining the physiology and production of agronomic crops.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to better understanding crop production and physiology.
  • Develop skills for the appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results and integrate them into the existing knowledge of the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings in traditional and non-traditional forms such as in-person presentations, scientific publications, outreach publications, social media, blogs, video, and webinars.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams and independently, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-4161

Kevin Desjean

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
Crop Production and Physiology Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Continual review, no deadlines for admission or assistantships. Faculty commitment required prior to admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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
Program Interest Area
Program Emphasis Areas
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No

Related Programs

Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
femiguez@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kdesjean@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
With the rise of interest in organic crops, this online certificate will help you understand the genetic improvement of organic crops. This online certificate program will allow you to take a closer look at how you might create cultivars that are adapted to the organic system.
Jose Gonzalez

The online certification in breeding for organic crops enables you to develop crop-breeding strategies for the organic market. The curriculum integrates knowledge in organic crop production with fundamental concepts in genetics and decision making in plant breeding. This program is designed for organic farmers, undergraduates in agronomy-related programs, and individuals working in agricultural-related areas. Program credits may also be transferred to meet some online master’s in plant breeding requirements.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate

 

Program Degrees Offered
515-294-5356

Thomas Lubberstedt

thomasl@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Rolling.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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:

  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

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
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Certificate Director
singhak@iastate.edu
Program Staff
bkutz@iastate.edu
thomasl@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
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.
Man crouched in a field looking a leaves

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)
Program Degrees Offered

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.
515-294-2999

Brenda Kutz

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

Program Homepage Program Handbook

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

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
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
mwiedenh@iastate.edu
Program Staff
bkutz@iastate.edu
kdesjean@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
krlamkey@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Agronomy is the science and technology of producing plants that serve humans, using practices essential for maintaining and improving life. We commonly use the term crops to refer to these types of plants. Crops can be used for food, feed for livestock, fiber, fuel, and fossil-fuel alternative bioproducts. Agricultural meteorology is one aspect of agronomy.
People in field working with heavy equipment

The Agricultural Meteorology major integrates knowledge from a variety of scientific disciplines in order to determine how cropping systems are affected by weather and climate, and how cropping systems themselves affect weather and climate.


Degrees Offered: 

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 3.6 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.7 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Summarize scholarly work in an area of study, as demonstrated by a literature review in a creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
  • Construct hypotheses and/or objectives that advance disciplinary knowledge, as demonstrated by hypotheses and/or objectives proposed in a creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
  • Conduct quantitative research, as demonstrated by work described in a creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
  • Interpret research results and integrate them into existing disciplinary knowledge, as demonstrated by analyses and conclusions in a creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally, visually (through the use of images and/or figures), and in writing, as demonstrated by oral presentations, and by the creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
515-294-4161

Kevin Desjean

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
Agricultural Meteorology Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Continual review, no deadlines for admission or assistantships; faculty may offer assistantships (they will contact you directly if they have an interest in working with you); we deny admission without a faculty commitment.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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:

  • Publications list if applicable
  • Resume and Publications list should be uploaded as PDFs into the online application system.
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

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
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
bkh@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kdesjean@iastate.edu
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