Agronomy – Master’s

Grow your expertise, cultivate the future

You’re ready to step up and gain the specialized knowledge to elevate your career. Take that step with Iowa State’s online master of science in agronomy, designed specifically for professionals like you, whether you’re aiming for a promotion or transitioning to a new role. This program equips you with the skills and abilities to solve real-world problems in agriculture.

You’ll connect with industry leaders, enhance your communication skills, and gain the expertise needed to drive the next wave of innovation in agriculture. With a flexible schedule that lets you study while continuing full-time work, you can complete the degree at your own pace, typically in three to five years, and get the expertise needed to lead in your field. Apply now.

Hear from a student

In the News

Father, agronomist, and graduate; Jordan Hauck’s path
to success through online education with Iowa State Online

Learning Goals

• Crop science principles: Understand the scientific principles of crop management and physiology, plant improvement, soil management and fertility, integrated pest management, and the interaction of these principles.
• Research evaluation: Critically evaluate research in terms of design, content, potential application, and limitations concerning agronomic systems.
• Real-world application: Apply agronomic knowledge to real-world problems using scientific principles.
• Goal facilitation: Understand group dynamics and facilitate the accomplishment of individual and collective goals.
• Effective communication: Communicate successfully with scientists, farmers, other professionals, and the public.

Sample Program

At a Glance

Total Credits: 37

Time to Complete: 3 to 5 years

Format: Online with one on-campus practicum

Enroll: January, August or May

Cost Per Credit: $748*

*Tuition and fee rates subject to change

Recommended Application Deadlines

January – apply by October 1
May – apply by April 1
August – apply by April 1

Contact Information

Brenda Kutz
MS Agronomy Program
1126D Agronomy Hall
(515) 294-2999
msagron@iastate.edu

Dr. Mary Wiedenhoeft
Director of Graduate Education
515-294-3274
mwiedenh@iastate.edu

Iowa State Online
515-294-3916
iowastateonline@iastate.edu

Related Online Programs

Diverse Career Paths:

A master’s degree in agronomy gives agronomists, soil and plant scientists, and technologists the skills to advance. A degree from Iowa State provides opportunities for advancement in both public and private settings.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

• 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• Academic Records/Transcripts
• Minimum 2.8 GPA (as required by the program)
• Proof of English Proficiency

Program Specific Requirements:

• Application.
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation

International Student Requirements:

• Financial Statement

Specific requirement details can be found on the the Graduate College website and Department of Agronomy website.

Learn from the best in the field

Our faculty consistently contribute to research that ensures a more sustainable, resilient, and productive global agricultural system. Their work is essential for addressing the growing demand for food while addressing environmental and socio-economic issues.

Here’s what some of our faculty are working on:

• Sotirios Archontoulis seeks to understand how combinations of crops, tillage and fertilizer, diverse soils, and water affect cropping systems’ productivity and environmental performance to improve agricultural sustainability and overall yield.
• Mike Castellano is focused on developing tools to use data for making better nitrogen fertilizer management decisions that will affect farmers’ operations and the environment for years to come.
• Mark Licht, an Extension cropping systems specialist, is focused on how to holistically manage Iowa cropping systems to achieve productivity, profitability, and environmental goals.
• Arti Singh, using AI image recognition technology trained on millions of insect images, is part of a team that has developed an app that accurately identifies agricultural pests. This tool can aid farmers in making informed pest management decisions and has broader implications for agricultural productivity and environmental protection.