The program uses an ecosystems approach to agriculture that considers an ecological web encompassing the soil environment, agronomic and horticultural plants, and diverse interacting forms of life including microbes, insects, and other animals.
Students focusing more on the soil science aspects of agroecology are advised through the Department of Ecosystem Science & Management while those focused more on crop production and horticulture are advised through the Department of Plant Sciences. If you have a strong interest in environmental sciences or natural resource management, you may pursue the B.S. in agroecology with a special option offered through the Haub School of Environmental and Natural Resources.
The agroecology core curriculum is comprised of freshman through senior level courses that illustrate the dynamic and complex interactions of plants, soils, insects and plant pests in the agricultural environment. After an introduction to agroecology, you will study in greater detail the components that make up the ecological web of agricultural ecosystems in courses such as: soil science, agronomic, plant biology, ecology of plant protection, and horticultural science. These courses, along with related course work in natural sciences, form the foundation for the agroecology curriculum.
To build on that foundation, you have a broad choice of advanced classes in the following disciplines:
- Crop Science
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
- Soil Science
- Weed Science
Academic training is enhanced with experiential learning through research apprenticeships, summer internships and special agroecology capstone courses. Special emphasis is given to development of critical thinking and communication skills, problem solving and practical application of science.
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