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Agronomy – Master’s

Agronomy

New methods of conservation. Improved soil health. Innovative approaches to bioenergy. Improved water quality. Advanced genetic traits. Produce food, fuel, and fiber more efficiently and economically for the betterment of people and the environment worldwide through this online agronomy master’s program.

Summary

Grow your knowledge.

An online master’s degree in agronomy provides specialized knowledge, research opportunities, development of communications and problem-solving skills, and networking opportunities for career advancement in the field.

The online master of science in agronomy at Iowa State is a professional degree. This means the program was designed specifically for working professionals learning online. Students in this program are working in industry, government, business, teaching and other professions. Most students enroll in one or two courses per semester as they work full-time. The degree can be completed in three to five years.

Earn your master’s degree online in agronomy

Learning goals:

  • Understand the scientific principles of 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 concerning agronomic systems.

  • Apply agronomic knowledge to real-world problems using scientific principles.

  • Understand group dynamics and facilitate the accomplishment of individual and collective goals.

  • Communicate successfully with scientists, farmers, other professionals, and the public.

Hear from a student

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

Applications are Open

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

Online Program Details

On Campus Programs

Related Online Programs

Online Agronomy Certificate

In the News

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

“The coursework met all of my expectations. The professors were flexible and willing to work with their students. They really understood the fact we were working full time, have families, have lives, some students lived in a different time zone, and life happens.”

Lauren Botine, MS Agronomy, ‘22

Industry Facts:

  • Good to Excellent

    The five-year job market outlook for professionals with a master’s degree in agronomy is good to excellent, according to AgCareers.com.

  • 6%

    The U.S. job growth outlook for agronomists is expected to be twice the average rate, reaching 6% through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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.

Sectors:

  • Agricultural marketing and retail sales
  • Engineering and manufacturing new equipment and chemical technologies
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools
  • State and local government
  • Private enterprise
  • Land and conservation
  • Management
  • Scientific research and development in new management systems and technologies
  • Food production and processing
  • Farming

Specializations:

  • Crop productivity and management, plant breeding, and plant nutrition
  • Sustainable development
  • Natural resource conservation
  • Education, training, outreach, and technical assistance

Admission Requirements

4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)

Academic Records/Transcripts

Minimum 2.8 GPA (as required by the program)

Proof of English Proficiency

For specific requirement details, visit the Graduate College website and

 

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.