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Soil and Crop Sciences – Sustainable Agricultural Management (B.S.)

95%
of online undergraduate students would choose CSU again
91%
of ag. science graduates had either a job offer or secured plans for employment/further education
$52K
Avg. starting salary of recent CSU grads
5,000+
students participate in undergraduate research opportunities every year
Degree Overview Open Accordion

Gain the applied knowledge and skills to develop and manage modern, sustainable agricultural systems.

Learn to design the agroecosystems of tomorrow

Growing food more sustainably requires a commitment to innovation. To continue feeding our expanding population, the agriculture industry faces complex challenges, from drought to soil degradation to global climate change.

CSU’s online Soil and Crop Sciences bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Sustainable Agricultural Management will help you build knowledge in:

  • Agronomy and soil science
  • Agricultural science and cropping systems
  • Applied entomology and pest management
  • Ecological and environmental sustainability

Build practical knowledge in modern agricultural processes and systems. Discover how to leverage technology and data to drive strategic decision-making in cropping system management while maintaining (or improving) soil health.

Gain the skills to become a capable agronomist

Students in this program will learn how to:

  1. Design, evaluate, and manage complex agroecosystems
  2. Synthesize information from field and lab observations
  3. Identify, formulate, and solve complex agronomy problems
  4. Apply principles of soil and plant functionality across varying environments
  5. Collaborate and lead diverse teams to set goals and expectations
  6. Communicate professionally to a variety of stakeholders and audiences
Explore Careers Open Accordion

After completing this program, you will be prepared for a career in the agriculture industry. Job opportunities for students with a Soil and Crop Sciences degree may include:

  • Soil scientist
  • Field research agronomist
  • Crop science R&D specialist
  • Agronomy and soil science consultant
  • Regenerative agriculture specialist
  • State agricultural extension agent

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, soil and plant scientists earn an average annual salary of $76,410.

Industry Profile


Industries with the highest levels of employment in Soil and Plant Scientists:

Industry Employment (1) Percent of industry employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage (2)
Scientific Research and Development Services 2,570 0.30 $43.21 $89,870
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services 2,510 0.14 (8) (8)
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools 2,150 0.07 $29.82 $62,020
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) 1,190 0.06 $43.37 $90,210
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4241, 4247, and 4249 only) 1,150 0.21 $38.06 $79,170

Industries with the highest concentration of employment in Soil and Plant Scientists:

Industry Employment (1) Percent of industry employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage (2)
Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers 460 0.66 $35.12 $73,050
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions 510 0.33 $26.99 $56,140
Scientific Research and Development Services 2,570 0.30 $43.21 $89,870
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4241, 4247, and 4249 only) 1,150 0.21 $38.06 $79,170
Support Activities for Crop Production 540 0.16 $ 38.84 $ 80,790

(1) Estimates for detailed occupations do not sum to the totals because the totals include occupations not shown separately. Estimates do not include self-employed workers.
(2) Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the hourly mean wage by a "year-round, full-time" hours figure of 2,080 hours; for those occupations where there is not an hourly wage published, the annual wage has been directly calculated from the reported survey data.
(3) The relative standard error (RSE) is a measure of the reliability of a survey statistic. The smaller the relative standard error, the more precise the estimate.
(7) The value is less than .005 percent of industry employment.
(8) Estimate not released.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Curriculum Open Accordion

Requirements to Graduate:

A minimum of 120 credits are required to complete this degree. This includes

  • 42 upper-division (300-400 level) credits
  • 30 upper-division credits completed through Colorado State University

The number of courses needed for completion of the program depends on:

  • The number of transfer credits awarded
  • Fulfillment of All-University Core Curriculum
  • Degree coursework requirements

Curriculum

The curriculum listed below is intended to inform prospective students about the overall theme of the program and should not be used as an example program of study. Students need to consult their advisor to develop a degree completion plan based on the credits transferred into this program. You have the option to use the Transferology™ website to conduct a self-review of your potential transfer courses. This tool will assist you in seeing how your previous college coursework may transfer to CSU.

Note: This program has 2+2 partnerships with institutions such as Northeast Community College, Nebraska. If you completed your Associates degree from any of the partner schools, give us a call to walk through available options.


FRESHMAN YEAR COURSES

Total Credits: 30


SOPHOMORE YEAR COURSES

Select one course from the following:

Select one course from the following:

Total Credits: 30


JUNIOR YEAR COURSES

Total Credits: 30


SENIOR YEAR COURSES

  • AB 451 – Integrated Pest Management (3 cr.)
  • BSPM 302 – Applied and General Entomology (2 cr.)
  • BSPM 303A – Entomology Laboratory: General (2 cr.)
  • SOCR 371 – Climate-Smart Irrigation Management (1 cr.)
  • SOCR 425 – Internet of Ag Things--Sensors and Data Lab (2 cr.)
  • SOCR 492 – Preparing for Impact--Your Career Journey AUCC-4A,4C (1 cr.)

Choose one of the following: (3 - 4 cr.)

Select one course from the following: (1 cr.)

  • SOCR 486 – Practicum AUCC-4C
  • SOCR 487 – Internship

Total Credits: 30


Note: You will select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.

All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) – 25 additional credits

Students are strongly encouraged to select AUCC courses in consultation with their academic advisor. This program has particular recommendations for satisfying some areas of AUCC.


Technical Electives

Program Total Credits: 120

Faculty Open Accordion

Every day, researchers, faculty, and students at CSU work on the critical scientific and technological solutions needed to build more sustainable food systems. The CSU community is actively engaged in developing strategies to reverse climate change, including integrating complex soil regeneration systems, developing more resilient crops, and advancing water conservation strategies with data collection and analytics.

Learn more about CSU’s Soil and Crop Sciences Department within the College of Agricultural Science and meet the dedicated team working to advance this important field.


How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester June 1
Spring semester November 1
Summer semester May 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

Planning to transfer credits from another college or university? Please review our FAQ page, then complete a Tentative Transfer Evaluation Form to see how your prior credits may transfer.

1 Review Admission Requirements

Refer to admissions.colostate.edu/apply/ for details about who we look for in our individual review process

2 Talk with a Student Success Coach

Call or email our student success team to find out if the program is a good fit for your goals. Our coaches are available Monday-Friday to help you find the right program and navigate the application process.

Student Success Coach: Kristina Reda
Phone: (970) 491-1813
Email: mailto:kristina.reda@colostate.edu

3 Complete Online Application

Complete Colorado State University's online undergraduate application and pay any associated nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online) or waiver (if eligible).

  • Select "Soil and Crop Sciences/ Sustainable Agricultural Management — online degree program" when choosing major.

Online applications must be submitted before 5 p.m. (Mountain Time) on the deadline date. If you miss the application deadline, you may still register for courses to begin your program of study as a non-degree student. Students seeking Federal financial aid must be admitted prior to enrolling.

4 Apply for Financial Aid (Optional)

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Use FAFSA code 001350. Additional financial aid information is also available.

5 Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and may take up to six weeks during high volume application periods.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Kristina Reda
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Online
Credits
120
Tuition
$476 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Soil and Crop Sciences – Sustainable Agricultural Management Concentration
Time Frame
Varies based on intensity of study and previous coursework
Admission Reqs.

Application Dates

Fall semester
June 1*
Spring semester
November 1*
Summer semester
May 1*
*Note: Application dates may vary depending on student status. Learn more.

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