2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog Department of Agriculture

125 Ropp Agriculture Building
Campus Box 5020

(309) 438-5654
Agriculture.IllinoisState.edu

Chairperson: Dr. Fanson Kidwaro

Admission/Retention Requirements

For information on minimum requirements for admission and the application and selection process, visit the University's Academics website or contact the academic department.

Course Finder

Honors in Agriculture

The Honors Program seeks to facilitate customized learning for Honors students in their disciplines by offering the opportunity for students to engage in Honors education and to have Honors Learning Experiences in upper division courses. Honors students may choose to focus their Honors Learning in their major and pursue the Honors in the Major designation, which is awarded at graduation. Learn more about Honors in the Major.

Agriculture

Degree Offered: B.S.

Major in Agriculture

In meeting program requirements in the Department of Agriculture, the student should note that the courses are considered in areas, as follows:

Students in the Agriculture major must complete one of the following sequences.

Agribusiness Sequence

The Agribusiness sequence includes courses in agriculture, agribusiness, economics and business. Graduates find career opportunities in sales, finance, grain and livestock marketing, farm management, food industry management and the commodity futures industry. Students graduating in this sequence with the combination of business, science and applied agriculture courses are sought after and valuable employees in the agricultural industry.

View Agribusiness Sequence Course Requirements

Agriculture Communication and Leadership Sequence

The Agriculture Communication and Leadership sequence combines a broad background in agriculture and elements of education and leadership training with coursework and experiences in the field of communication to prepare students for a wide variety of opportunities in the agricultural press, corporate communications, extension education, and a variety of non-formal education careers.

View Agriculture Communication and Leadership Sequence Course Requirements

Agronomy Management Sequence

The Agronomy Management sequence emphasizes a broad knowledge of agricultural production, science, and agribusiness management. Graduates are employed by companies as crop consultants, for sales and marketing of equipment, and by companies specializing in agronomic products including seed, fertilizer, and pesticides. Additionally, career opportunities are available with local, state, and federal governmental agencies, including such organizations as Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Extension Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

View Agronomy Management Sequence Course Requirements

Animal Industry Management Sequence

Students in the Animal Industry Management sequence generally seek a curriculum balanced between animal science and agricultural business. This program is suggested for students seeking careers in animal production, animal product sales, and agribusinesses with an animal emphasis.

View Animal Industry Management Sequence Course Requirements

Animal Science Sequence

Students completing the Animal Science sequence generally seek a strong science-based curriculum. This program is suggested for students working toward careers in veterinary medicine, animal research, and technical expertise for businesses specializing in genetics, reproduction, nutrition or pharmaceuticals. Students interested in graduate school should consider enrolling in this sequence.

View Animal Science Sequence Course Requirements

Crop and Soil Science Sequence

The Crop and Soil Science sequence emphasizes the scientific aspects of agronomy including improving plant production, quality, and profit by utilizing plant genetics and breeding and improving the soil physical, chemical and microbial characteristics to enhance crop production.

View Crop and Soil Science Sequence Course Requirements

Food Industry Management Sequence

The Food Industry Management sequence prepares students for careers in management in food industry. Food Industry Management graduates work as sales representatives, commodity merchandisers, market analysts, supply chain managers for retail food companies, agricultural business organizations, market research firms, government agencies, and financial institutions.

View Food Industry Management Sequence Course Requirements

Horticulture and Landscape Management Sequence

The Horticulture and Landscape Management sequence includes courses in horticultural management and business operations. Graduates of the Horticulture and Landscape Management sequence are employed nationwide in the landscape design/build/maintenance, turf grass, greenhouse and nursery industries.

View Horticulture and Landscape Management Sequence Course Requirements

Pre-Veterinary Medicine Sequence

This sequence prepares students for entry into schools or colleges of Veterinary Medicine. The program of study includes Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math courses. Graduates of Veterinary Medicine with a DVM may find career opportunities in clinical practice, with government agencies and in private industry.

View Pre-Veterinary Medicine Sequence Course Requirements

Agriculture Teacher Education Sequence

Agriculture is a thriving industry. From companies providing input supplies to the fast-paced distribution and retail food industry, the demand for entry level workers is strong. Providing high quality entry level workers begins in the classroom. Those classrooms need quality teachers. Whether your career goals lie in the classroom or elsewhere, consider agricultural education.

Clinical Experiences in Teacher Education

View Agriculture Teacher Education Sequence Course Requirements

Minor in Agriculture

Agriculture is a versatile minor which blends well with an array of majors throughout Illinois State. Agriculture minors can customize their courses, taking classes on diverse topics or concentrating on specific areas including Animal Science, Agribusiness, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and several others. Agriculture courses will prepare students to enter one of the world's leading industries and a strong job market. Adding an Agriculture minor will increase an individual's marketability in fields that strive to improve the world we live in.

24 total hours required

  • AGR 109
  • Electives in AGR to satisfy the 24 total credit hours required (2 courses must be at the 100-level)