Michigan State University's agronomy program is offered through its Department of Plants, Soil, and Microbial Sciences. Students may choose to earn a two-year certificate in agricultural industries or turf management, or they can follow a four-year degree plan. Students of agronomy sciences take classes that include the biology, chemistry and physics of soils, agricultural industry issues and sustainable agriculture and food systems. Students may take advantage of the school's numerous research and internship possibilities.
Agronomy students at Colorado State University major in soil and crop sciences and have the option to double major in agricultural business or agricultural education. Students may specialize their initial majors by pursuing one of the department's seven concentrations that include agronomic production and management, applied information technology, soil ecology, international soil and crop science, plant biotechnology, plant genetics and breeding, and soil restoration and conservation. Students may study abroad with one of the college's international partners.
The University of Florida's' agronomy department emphasizes teaching, research and extension work. Undergraduate courses include plants that feed the world, principles of plant science, and global agroecosystems. Students complete specialized research in plant breeding, plant physiology and nutrition and weed science. Its Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants is a teaching and extension facility that works to manage aquatic weed species without damaging the environment. The university also boasts the first on-line graduate study of agroecology.
Oklahoma State University seeks to prepare agronomy students to tackle issues that directly affect the world's food supply and sources of fuel. Research opportunities include studying the effects of animal waste on the Southern Great Plains and bioenergy production. The university's research has helped Oklahoma farmers maximize wheat production. International agricultural internships are available through the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, which places students in one of 90 overseas offices.
Soil science students at the University of Wisconsin at Madison investigate the practical application of science for land use and environmental protection. The school boasts an active extension department that delivers presentations on soil fertility and plant production to farmers and the general population. Degree plans allow for specialization in turf and grounds, field crops and soil informatics. The Badger Turf and Grounds Club and the Soils Club allow students to network and gain new skills.