Careers in agronomy provide rewarding challenges in a global spectrum of activities. Agronomists are prepared for positions in research, production, consulting, management, business, education, government, development, and international assistance. Demand for agronomy graduates remains high with most graduates placed prior to graduation.
Recent graduates have accepted positions serving a broad range of agronomic interests. Nearly sixty percent of Agronomy graduates go directly to industry positions immediately upon graduation. Examples of those positions include: district sales manager for seed companies, crop consultants for independent and large companies, commodity traders, soil scientists, environmental consultants, fertilizer and chemical salespersons, grain elevator managers, precision agriculture specialists, agriculture loan officers, production specialists, research technicians, and large farm managers.
A variety of positions are available with governmental agencies, such as Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Services Agency, Bureau of Land Management, and the Cooperative Extension Service.
Advanced degrees are sought by nearly thirty percent of Agronomy graduates. Areas of interest are as diverse as the students seeking the degrees. In addition to Master’s degrees in plant breeding and genetics, soil science, weed science, soil conservation, and range management, agronomy students have also pursued advanced degrees in agricultural economics, plant pathology, and business administration. A number of agronomy graduates continue their education with a Ph.D. and pursue careers in research and teaching with universities or federal agencies.
For those returning to traditional agriculture, the production option offers flexibility in agronomy courses selected to meet the needs of the individual student and their future farming operation.
Careers in agronomy continue to increase, and the demand for graduates remains high. Close association with employers of agronomy graduates is a high priority for the Department, thus enhancing placement rates for graduates.