The field of agronomy encompasses the sciences related to crops and soils.  It includes crop production, crop breeding, seed production and certification, weed science, range and pasture management, soil management and irrigation, and soil conservation.  The agronomy degree program is designed for students who are interested in plants and soils as they relate to economic crop production and environmental protection. 

Program Options

The Agronomy major has six options -  Crop Production, Integrated Crop Management, Business, Research Careers, Soil Science, and Agroecology .  These options prepare students for diverse agricultural career opportunities after graduation.    

Career Opportunities

A wide variety of career paths is available in this rapidly-changing field. The breadth of your education will prepare you to pursue careers which are just now evolving or will evolve in the future.   With a degree in agronomy , careers are possible as an:

• Agricultural Communicator
• Crop Consultant
• Crop Insurance Adjuster
• Educator
• Elevator or Co-op Manager
• Farmer or Rancher
• Farm Credit Banker
• Farmer Manager
• Field or Lab Researcher
• Plant Breeder
• Seed, Fertilizer, or Chemical Sales or Technical Representative
• Soil or Water Conservationist 

Internships

Internships are key components of a student's academic experience.  They allow students to explore different areas of agronomy, make connections with future employers, and experience professional work environments.  One internship is required for graduation.  Agronomy internships are available across Nebraska and the United States.  Our students have had internship experiences with:

• Monsanto
• Syngenta
• Pioneer
• Local co-ops
• Plus many more 

Scholarships

Several departmental scholarships are available for students in the Agronomy major each year, including those listed below.  In addition, there are opportunities for students to receive outside scholarships from businesses and organizations.

• Nebraska Seedsmen Scholarship
• OA Vogel Agronomy Scholarship
• Ralph A Elliott Memorial Scholarship
• Donald & Blanche Hanway Scholarship
• Dr. Robert A Olson Memorial Scholarship
• Agronomy Freshman Scholarship
• HJ Kroese Production Scholarship
• Dale W and Marian Brainard Smith Scholarship
• Dick Monson Agronomy Scholarship
• Stock Seed Farms - Dr. Newell Scholarship
• Keith & Alvina Strough Scholarship
• Henry M Beachell Scholarship
• Dr. Maurice L & Katherine A Peterson Scholarship
• Girardin Family Scholarship
• Dennis Thompson - Crop Improvement Scholarshp
• NICCA Scholarship
• Charles adn Alma Marshall Scholarship
• Franklin D Keim Scholarship
• Martin Massengale Outstanding Senior Scholarship
• Golden Harvest Seeds/Jim Emanuel Scholarship
• David T Lewis Scholarship
• Rosalind Morris Scholarship

Learn More

For more information about this major, contact Anne Streich (402) 472-1640 or astreich2@unl.edu.