Agronomy degree approved

OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s agriculture program was bolstered recently when the Illinois Community College Board approved its application for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Agronomy.

“This further expands the agriculture opportunities already available at IVCC,” said program coordinator and instructor Willard Mott. “Addition of the AAS in Agronomy further empowers students of all ages and backgrounds to accomplish their career goals.”

Agronomy majors hone their expertise in crop and soil science, pest management and precision ag technology, Mott said.

“This is another big step forward for our agriculture program” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran. Last summer, the ICCB certified IVCC’s AAS in Agricultural Business Management.

The two year, 60-credit agronomy program beginning this fall will prepare students for immediate employment in a steadily expanding sector. Agronomy graduates work in production, research, education, communication and sales. Average salaries range between $25,000 and $65,000 with an industry average of $44,000.

“This program will provide students the knowledge they need to quickly get good jobs,” said Corcoran.

The new curriculum includes courses such as: Intro to Field Crop Science, Intro to Ag Mechanics, Intro to Ag Industry, Intro to Ag Business Management, Intro to Ag Economics, Intro to Precision Ag, Soil Fertility and Fertilizers, Intro to Soil Science, Ag Sales, Crop Pest Management, Crop Production and Management, an internship and other courses.

For students interested in a four-year ag degree, IVCC also offers a two-year seamless transfer to each of the four state universities with ag programs: the University of Illinois, Illinois State, Western Illinois and Southern Illinois.

For more information, contact Mott at 815-224-0413 or Willard_mott@ivcc.edu.