Agronomy - Diploma in Agriculture
Add value to your business. Produce food, feed, fibre and fuel profitably. Sew the seeds of success. Unleash your inner entrepreneur. Create a field of dreams. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose the Agronomy specialization in the Diploma in Agriculture program at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Agronomy?
Using a framework of scientific and economic principles, agronomy examines how to use natural resources efficiently, sustainably and profitably to produce food, feed, fibre and fuel. Agronomy takes a multi-faceted approach to production issues, combining knowledge from crop science, soil science and agricultural economics.
The Agronomy specialization in the Diploma in Agriculture program is an intensive, two-year program that offers a practical, well-rounded foundation in crop production, soil management and economics. Graduates of this program leave with a combination of training in basic life sciences, business management, effective leadership and communication, environmental stewardship, computer literacy and critical thinking.
I knew as soon as I transferred into this program that it was a fit for me. It has helped me figure out where I want to be in a few years and put me on the right path.
I enjoy the practical emphasis of my Agronomy courses, and I love having the option of adding in courses from other areas that interest me, like animal science.—Jody Clemens,
First-year Student
Career Opportunities
A Diploma in Agriculture in Agronomy gives students the skills to start up their own business, to lead the family business or to be part of an industry team. Major employment prospects include positions as research technicians, soil conservationists, credit advisors, agribusiness operators or managers, sales representatives, machinery service representatives and extension technicians.
As agricultural enterprise grows more diverse, technologically advanced and consumer-driven, the industry needs a growing number and variety of qualified workers. The wide-ranging subject matter of agronomy will prepare students for a career in nearly any sector of the industry.
The U of S Advantage
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 build life-long personal and business contacts and associates.
In this unique environment, students learn from top-notch faculty, some who are teacher-scholars, teacher-practitioners and world-class researchers. Some run their own agribusinesses part-time. As well, the College’s strong ties with industry and reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means that many businesses turn here first when recruiting.
In addition to outstanding technical instruction, students receive essential leadership and professional training, including computer skills, business writing skills and public speaking experience.
Students can also take advantage of a number of scholarships and bursaries available exclusively to diploma students at the College of Agriculture & Bioresources. Another way to offset tuition costs and gain valuable employment experience is through the work experience option offered to diploma students.
Choose Your Program!
The Diploma in Agriculture specializing in Agronomy is administered by the College of Agriculture & Bioresources. Major courses are offered through the departments of Agricultural Economics, Plant Sciences and Soil Science.
Students choose to major in Agronomy during their first term of the diploma program. The Agronomy option combines a broad core of subject matter with specialized courses in agronomy. Students may also opt to include a work experience component in their program that includes a supervised work term with an employer in the agribusiness sector.
Agronomy course content includes:
- A comprehensive introduction to cropping options in Western Canada
- Identification and management of crop pests
- Major principles of soil fertility and conservation
- Essential business and leadership skills including public speaking, writing and computer training
- Machine and technology management
- Basic marketing and economic principles
A Stepping Stone...
A Diploma in Agriculture, specializing in Agronomy, can lead in many directions. In the short term, it will prepare students to pursue their Crop Production Certification (CPA). Graduates are also eligible for a professional designation from the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists.
In the long term, an Agronomy specialization in the Diploma in Agriculture program is an excellent launching pad for additional university studies or for other professional development. If students wish to continue to study agricultural science, their diploma courses will give them a head start on a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A.) degree. An understanding of agronomy also forms a useful and unique background that will give students an edge in other careers such as commerce, environmental law, scientific journalism, marketing or international development.
What I like about Agronomy is the range of knowledge it includes. I know when I leave here I’ll have a solid foundation to pursue a career in any area of the industry. I couldn’t imagine a more encouraging learning environment than I’ve found at the College.—Doug Rekimowich,
Second-year Student
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 laboratory, multi-media and study facilities and exceptional student resources, such as the CIBC Centre for Agricultural Entrepreneurship.
Other highlights include:
- advanced computing facilities equipped with GIS software
- North America’s largest indoor controlled environment facility
- a newly expanded, 2200 square metre greenhouse complex
- a herbarium housing one of Western Canada’s largest collections of native plants
- 120 hectares of crop research land adjacent to the U of S campus
- nearly 1000 hectares of crop research land within a 20 kilometre radius of the campus
Getting Involved!
As members of the College of Agriculture & Bioresources, students can participate in one of the most active and recognized student bodies on campus. Liven up your student experience by joining in one of the many university-based athletic, academic or social clubs. Whether you’re a rodeo enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, a fierce debater or a amateur water polo player, you’ll find something here that matches your interests.
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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