Agroecology (Minor)

To see more about what you will learn in this program, visit the Learning Outcomes website!

The minor in Agroecology is open to all undergraduate students at NC State University. It is designed for students majoring in the biological sciences, agronomy, horticulture and animal sciences, but will be of interest to a wide array of students as agriculture has broad implications in the life sciences, economics, and sociology. Agroecology instruction provides students a fundamental understanding of agriculture and its interaction with natural and social systems. Students selecting the Agroecology minor will gain an understanding of modern production agriculture from an ecological and sociological perspective, obtain new skills in analyzing agricultural systems, and the knowledge to design a plan for change. This knowledge will improve a student’s ability to work with agricultural professionals to implement a system that meets ecological and social needs while remaining profitable for farmers.

Admissions

Admission to the minor requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Students should contact the Crop and Soil Sciences Undergraduate Programs Office to inquire about adding the minor no later than the registration period for the student’s final semester at NC State. A minor advisor will be assigned to all students interested in completing the Agroecology minor. Students enrolled in the minor must consult with their minor advisors during each registration period.

Certification

The minor should be declared as soon as the student makes the decision to pursue a minor. Minor coursework must be completed no later than the semester in which the student expects to graduate from his or her degree program. Paperwork to declare the minor should be completed no later than the registration period for the student’s final semester at NC State. Students should contact the Crop and Soil Sciences Undergraduate Programs Office for certification of the minor.

Contact

Dr. Michelle Schroeder-Moreno
Professor and Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Director
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
2406 Williams Hall
Campus Box 7620
919-515-2755
Email: msschroe@ncsu.edu

SIS Code: 11AGECM

Plan Requirements

A minimum of 17 hours is required for the minor in Agroecology. Students are required to complete 11 credits of required courses and a minimum of 6 credits of restricted elective courses. A minimum grade of ‘C-‘ or better is required in each course selected. No courses for the minor may be taken using the S/U option.

Required Courses
PB/AEC 360Ecology4
CS 230Introduction to Agroecology3
CS 430Advanced Agroecology4
Elective Courses
Select one course from at least two of the following groups:6
Group 1: Ecology and Agricultural Production
Introduction to Animal Science
Water Management
Plant Life
Plants and Civilization
Plant Biology
Crop Science
Crop Ecology
Integrated Pest Management
Basic Entomology
Honey Bee Biology and Management
General Entomology
Conservation of Natural Resources
Forest Ecology
Introduction to Permaculture
Natural Resource Measurements
Conservation of Biological Diversity
Soil Science
Soil Science Laboratory
Group 2: Social Science
History of Agriculture
Environmental Ethics
Sociology of Agriculture and Rural Society
Environmental Sociology
Group 3: Economics
Environmental Law & Economic Policy
Introduction to Resource and Environmental Economics
U.S. Agricultural Policy
Total Hours17