Agroecology (AGECO)
Program Coordinator
Dr. Paul Backman
814-865-6687
agroecology.psu.edu
Ag Sciences aren't just about agriculture. It's about nature and science, environment and research, engineering and leadership, business, and much more. Ag Sciences are for students who want an active learning experience--a place to grow and learn among the best. Agroecology is positioning its graduates to play key roles in sustaining our farms and our ecosystems in the twenty-first century.
Penn State's Agroecology major is designed to provide you with the breadth of experience and training you need to become a leader in the agricultural sciences. Along with a solid conceptual framework in ecology and agriculture, the Agroecology major provides opportunities to acquire skills in managing and communicating information, solving problems, and working as part of a team. Agricultural professionals know that an integrated approach combining plant science, soil science, pest management, and other knowledge leads to a better understanding of how complex ecosystems work. And that leads to better decisions about managing these systems.
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Collaborative program between the Departments of Crop and Soil Sciences, Entomology, Horticulture and Plant Pathology that allows students to customize their areas of emphasis through course selections and minors.
Why Choose Agroecology?
You should consider majoring in Agroecology if you:
- Are interested in collecting and using information from a wide range of scientific disciplines to solve complex problems as part of a team.
- Are concerned about the environment, invasive species, climate change and the growing needs for the production of high quality food to meet society's needs.
- Are interested in precision agricultural technologies, biotechnology, and increased environmental awareness.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Agroecology graduates can obtain a broad-based education that prepares them for many careers in agriculture and related areas. Career opportunities include agronomic and horticultural crop specialists with local, national, and international businesses and organizations; sales and marketing careers for seed and other agricultural supply industries; positions in environmental and regulatory organizations; educational organizations such as cooperative extension; and positions in the management and operation of agronomic and horticultural crop production farms. Agroecology graduates also may choose to enter graduate programs in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, or other plant science areas.
Integrated Crops Management Option
Consider this option when you are interested in joining the professional workforce after receiving your degree. This option emphasizes the principles of plant and soil management, invasive species management and detection, utilizing the basic sciences on which these principles are based.
This curriculum combines agriculture, crops, and pest management studies with an understanding of ecosystems that will prepare the student for positions in a rapidly changing world.
Plant Science Option
This curriculum is particularly developed for those students who anticipate enrollment in graduate school. It is designed to provide advanced skills in mathematics, chemistry, physics, etc. that will qualify graduates for the best graduate programs.
Career Opportunities for Agroecology Science Graduates
Agroecology graduates can obtain a broad-based education that prepares them for many careers in agriculture and related areas. Career opportunities include agronomic and horticultural crop specialists with local, national, and international businesses and organizations; sales and marketing careers for seed and other agricultural supply industries; positions in environmental and regulatory organizations; educational organizations such as cooperative extension; and positions in the management and operation of agronomic and horticultural crop production farms. Agroecology graduates also may choose to enter graduate programs in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, plant biotechnology, plant breeding, plant pathology, or other plant science areas.
Supporting Courses (PDF)
Recommended Academic Plan
Integrated Crop Management Option (PDF)
Plant Science Option (PDF)