University Catalog 2024-2025

Agroecology (Minor)

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. 

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.

Contact Person

Undergraduate Programs Office
Crop & Soil Sciences Department
2234 Williams Hall
Campus Box 7620
919-515-5820
cropsoil-undergraduate-office@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.

Students majoring in Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (11ASFSBS), Crop and Soil Sciences (11CSSCBS), and Natural Resources - Soil, Water and Land Use (11NATRLBS) are not eligible to enroll in this minor. 

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