Agronomy
Add value to your business. Market food, feed, fibre, and fuel. Sew the seeds of success. Unleash your inner entrepreneur. Create a field of dreams. These are just a few of the opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Agronomy from the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Agronomy?
Agronomy applies scientific and economic principles to the study of how the earth’s limited land and water resources can best be utilized. Areas of study include conservation and efficient use of natural resources, maintenance of environmental quality, and sustainable production of food, feed, fibre, and fuel.
Agronomy is one of the most diverse specializations in the B.S.A. program. Students incorporate courses from several disciplines and learn to approach agronomic issues from several different perspectives. Graduates acquire an understanding of the biological, ecological, and economic principles of crop production and soil management, as well as an appreciation of the short and long term effects of agricultural production on the environment.
I’m so excited to be involved in Agronomy at the U of S. The classes are small and friendly; the professors are at the forefront of innovative research; and the topics are well-rounded incorporating soil science, plant science, and business. In addition, with climate change and an ever-increasing global population becoming critical issues in today’s world, employment prospects following a degree in Agronomy are wide, diverse, and exciting!—Claire Kincaid
Career Opportunities
A growing demand for scientists and professionals in the agricultural industry means a wide variety of career choices for graduates specializing in agronomy.
As agricultural enterprise grows more diverse, technologically advanced and consumer driven, the industry needs a growing number of qualified workers. The wide-ranging subject matter of agronomy will prepare students for a career in nearly any sector of the industry.
Students with agronomy training are actively recruited in the job market, finding positions locally, nationally and internationally in areas such as business management, international development, environmental management, marketing, and communications with government agencies, agricultural chemical, grain handling, seed production and distribution, and consulting firms. A number of agribusiness firms have identified the B.S.A. program at the U of S as the preferred program to hire from.
The U of S Advantage
The U of S provides a learning environment with an innovative, hands-on approach to education, offered in world-class teaching facilities. In this unique environment students will learn from top notch faculty, some who are teacher-scholars conducting world-class research and others who are teacher practitioners running their own agribusiness part-time. The College of Agriculture and Bioresources has many exciting course offerings that allow students to get their hands dirty during their studies. Take part in classes that involve more than pen and paper note-taking sessions through field trips and class projects that tackle real world issues.
The College of Agriculture & Bioresources offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small class sizes and supportive atmosphere allow students to get to know their instructors and fellow students and to build a network of personal and business contacts. In addition to outstanding technical instruction, students will also receive essential leadership and professional training including computer skills, business writing skills, and public speaking experience.
During their studies, students can take advantage of a number of scholarships and bursaries available exclusively to students in the College of Agriculture & Bioresources.
Choose your Program
After a first year of general courses, students have the option of specializing in Agronomy. Beginning in the second year, students take a concentration of courses related to their major, and a variety of required and elective courses. Students can enhance their studies by participating in study abroad options or an experiential learning internship to develop job skills.
Some of the subjects students will study include ecological factors affecting production of field crops, adapting crops and management practices to the environment, soil and water conservation, how soils influence crop production, and grain and livestock marketing systems.
In combination with a major in Agronomy, students may complete a program minor in a related area, such as agribusiness, entrepreneurship, or soil science. A minor is a great way to broaden your career options.
A Major in Agronomy
Students specializing in Agronomy can earn the following degree:
In combination with a major program, students may also complete a program minor in a related area. Minors are a great way to broaden career options.
A Stepping Stone. . .
Students completing a two-year Diploma in Agronomy can complete a B.S.A. with an additional two years of university study.
A B.S.A. degree in Agronomy is a highly useful and marketable background for studies in other areas such as business, communications, marketing, politics, education, journalism, or law.
Graduates from this highly-regarded degree program have excellent prospects as Master's students at the U of S and other top universities across North America and internationally. Master's graduates can also choose to pursue a Ph.D. leading to a career as a research scientist.
Agronomy is a great option for students in that it really gives a wide perspective on the production end of the industry. Students learn the whole system, from photosynthesis to cash flow, and discuss topics as diverse as biotechnology and organic agriculture.—Steve Shirtliffe
Outstanding Students & Faculty
Laboratory & Research Facilities
Agronomy students are housed in the state-of-the-art Agriculture building, a prominent feature of the beautiful U of S campus. Here, students have access to outstanding laboratories, and multi-media and study facilities, including:
- a state-of-the-art 11,000 square foot greenhouse facility
- one of Canada's leading mass spectrometry facilities
- 120 hectares of crop research land adjacent to the U of S campus
- nearly 1,000 hectares of crop research land within a 20 kilometre radius of Saskatoon
- the W.P. Fraser Herbarium, which houses one of Canada’s largest collections of native plants
- an atomic force microscopy lab
- a laser microscopy and digital imaging lab
- a gas chromatography lab
- a stable isotope lab
- soil microbiology labs
- North America's largest Controlled Environment Facility
Getting Involved!
One of the best ways to make the most of your college career is to get involved - and the Agriculture Students’ Association (ASA) is just the way to do it!. The ASA is one of the most active and spirited student bodies on campus with activities including everything from debates, to speaker nights, professional development days, Telemiracle fundraisers, and social nights with professors.
In addition, option clubs such as the Horticulture Club, Agricultural Economics & Business Club, and Students in Free Enterprise offer students incredible opportunities to share their interests, plan activities beyond the classroom, and have fun!
You can also sign up for a Learning Community (LC) and be pre-registered in three of your classes. LCs are a great way to meet people with similar interests, get advice from student-leaders who know the ropes, and make a smoother transition into the University of Saskatchewan.
Contact US!
We would like to hear from you! For more information about this program and the University of Saskatchewan, including course requirements and program details, contact:
Recruitment & Admissions
University of Saskatchewan
105 Administration Place
Saskatoon SK S7N 5A2
Canada
Tel: 306-966-5788
E-mail: admission@usask.ca
Website: explore.usask.ca
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
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