So what is “AgroEcology” anyway?
While there are many definitions, AgroEcology can be described as “the science of sustainable agriculture.” The field of AgroEcology is broad and diverse, but with a general theme of using an ecological perspective, or an understanding of how organisms (including humans!) interact with their environment to balance societies’ food needs, environmental protection and resource conservation, and socio-economic and cultural concerns.
Is AgEco right for me?
Are you considering a degree in Agronomy? Plant pathology? Entomology? The Penn State AgroEcology major is an interdisciplinary, plant-science based major where students take classes in all of these fields, as well as in soil science, pest and weed management, resource conservation, business, technology and communications. Our students come from farm and non-farm backgrounds. Some are interested in production agriculture while others are focused on alternative management and the environmental impacts of agriculture. The core AgEco curriculum helps students develop a holistic approach to food production, combined with the flexibility to allow students to minor in a wide variety of areas. This combination of breadth and depth in coursework is complemented by required internships tailored to your interests and career path. To learn more about the AgroEcology curriculum and see sample course sequences for students with particular interests, check out our Course Offerings and Degree Requirements.
What do AgEco graduates do?
An AgroEcology degree will put you in high demand in the job market! Nationally, there are more jobs in the plant sciences than there are graduates to fill them. Our graduates have gone on to manage farms, work for government and non-profit agencies, seed and agrichemical companies, and are outstanding candidates for graduate school. See what AgEco graduates say about how the program prepared them for life after Penn State.
To learn more about the AgroEcology major, explore the links below, request more information, or even better, contact us and come for a visit!