Crop Science (Agronomy)

60 Credit Associate Degree

Agronomy is the area of agriculture that focuses on the principles and practices of crop production and field management. Production management centers on the science of strategically managing land, water, plants, labor and other inputs, such as seeds, nutrients, pesticides and machinery to produce food and fiber in a sustainable and profitable manner. Practical hands-on learning opportunities are infused with theory throughout the program. Studies include the four major categories of crop management: soil and crop management, pest management, nutrient management and water management. During the program, learners will actively manage 100 acres and complete an internship work experience. Jobs in this area are generally physical and require the strength to lift and carry 50 pounds. Learners interested in this career should have a valid driver’s license to operate equipment, above average computer skills and possess good oral, reading and writing skills. In addition, professionals in this area tend to spend a great deal of their time working outdoors. Potential occupations include: Cranberry Marsh Worker, Farm Laborer, Irrigation Worker, Harvest Worker, Seasonal Elevator Worker, Seasonal Pesticide Applicator Specialist, Sales Representative, Crop Scout, Crop Research Assistant, Custom Applicator, Crop Insurance Professional, Buyer-Crop Protectants, Field Supervisor and Field Crew Member.

Approximate Cost

$10,979
Tuition: $9513 , Books: $1466

Starting Salary

$24,960–$42,120
Average, based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available

Availability

Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.

100%
Wausau
20-30%
Antigo
20-30%
Medford
20-30%
Phillips
20-30%
Spencer
20-30%
Wittenberg
20-30%
Online

* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to…

  • Integrate technology with cropping techniques
  • Apply agriculture commodities and concepts
  • Explore government regulations
  • Safely operate and set up agronomy equipment
  • Record information about crops, such as pesticide use, yields or costs
  • Prepare harvested crops for storage
  • Prepare field, plant and harvest crops
  • Identify plants, pests and weeds to determine the selection and application of pesticides and fertilizers
  • Determine and apply crop protection products

Careers

Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:

  • Field Crew Member
  • Field Supervisor
  • Buyer-Crop Protectants
  • Crop Insurance Professional
  • Custom Applicator
  • Crop Research Assistant
  • Crop Scout
  • Sales Representative
  • Seasonal Pesticide Applicator Specialist
  • Seasonal Elevator Worker
  • Harvest Worker
  • Irrigation Worker
  • Farm Laborer
  • Cranberry Marsh Worker

Courses

The Crop Science (Agronomy) Associate Degree is a 60 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

First Term

ORIENTATION TO AGRONOMY 1.00
INTRODUCTION TO SOILS 2.00
AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT SAFETY 2.00
CROP SCOUTING TECHNIQUES 3.00
ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3.00
COLLEGE MATHEMATICS 3.00

Second Term

AGRICULTURE COMMODITIES & MARKETING 3.00
PESTICIDE/FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT 3.00
ECONOMICS 3.00
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION 3.00
ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 3.00

Third Term

PRINCIPLES OF CROP PRODUCTION 3.00
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT 2.00
PLANT SCIENCE AND WEED ID 3.00

Fourth Term

INTRODUCTION TO PRECISION AGRICULTURE 3.00
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT 3.00
AGRICULTURE WATER MANAGEMENT 3.00
PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS 3.00
INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY 3.00

Fifth Term

AGRICULTURAL INTERNSHIP 3.00
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO PREPARATION 1.00
AGRICULTURE SALES & PROMOTION 2.00
GIS APPLICATIONS & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 3.00
AGRONOMY DATA TECHNOLOGY 2.00
INTRODUCTION TO DIVERSITY STUDIES 3.00
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 3.00

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

Pathways

Pathways are a series of connected programs that enable you to advance over time to better jobs and higher levels of education and training. By earning one degree, you could also be completing several courses of a related program in a pathway, bringing you one step closer to an advanced degree.

If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn significant credit towards this Crop Science (Agronomy) Associate Degree:

  • The Agronomy Certificate will provide you with 8% (5 of 60 credits) of the total credits in this Crop Science (Agronomy) Associate Degree
  • The Crop Scout Technical Diploma will provide you with 42% (25 of 60 credits) of the total credits in this Crop Science (Agronomy) Associate Degree

Transfer Information

The following transfer guides executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions are based on articulation agreements and are a guide to provide an easy way to understand how credits transfer.

School Name Degree Name
Colorado State University - Global Business Management
Colorado State University - Global Human Services
Colorado State University - Global Information Technology
Colorado State University - Global Project Management
Lakeland University Accounting
Lakeland University Business Administration
Lakeland University Communication
Lakeland University Computer Science
Lakeland University Criminal Justice
Lakeland University Food Safety and Quality
Lakeland University Hospitality Management
Lakeland University Management Information System
Lakeland University Marketing
Lakeland University Organizational Management
Lakeland University Psychology
Northern Michigan University BS in Applied Workplace Leadership
Purdue University Global BS in Business Administration
Purdue University Global BS in Health Care Administration
Rasmussen College Accelerated Business Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Business Systems Analysis
Rasmussen College Accelerated Criminal Justice - Leadership and Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Early Childhood Education Leadership
Rasmussen College Accelerated Finance
Rasmussen College Accelerated Healthcare Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Human Resources and Organizational Leadership
Rasmussen College Accelerated Human Services
Rasmussen College Accelerated Marketing-Digital Marketing
Rasmussen College Accelerated Supply Chain and Logistics Management
UW Green Bay B.A.S Organizational Leadership
UW Oshkosh BAS in Organizational Studies
UW Stevens Point Bachelor of Applied Studies in Organizational Leadership
UW Stout BS in Career, Technical Education and Training
UW Stout BS in Management

Admissions Process

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.

Fill out our application

The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee is required. Pay at the time you apply or bypass to pay in person within a week of applying.

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What’s Next?

We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be mailed to you.