Grow the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
Interested in soil science, crop production, and sustainable farming? The Agronomy Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes delivers a robust foundation in plant science, soils, chemistry, and agricultural economics. This Associate in Science (AS) degree provides a solid foundation in plant science, soils, chemistry, and agricultural economics, preparing you for a smooth transfer to Iowa’s Regent Universities and other four-year institutions.
Whether you’re planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, plant science, or environmental management, our Agronomy Transfer Major program sets you on the right path. You’ll explore the science behind soil fertility, sustainable crop production, and the economics of modern agriculture. Through hands-on lab work and interactive coursework, you’ll develop practical skills that translate directly to real-world agricultural careers.
Engaging Curriculum with Real-World Applications
Key areas of study include:
- Principles of Agronomy – Understand plant growth, development, and crop production.
- Soil Science – Explore soil health, fertility, and conservation techniques.
- Chemistry & Economics – Analyze agricultural markets and environmental science.
Advance Sustainable Agriculture
Agronomy professionals are in demand nationwide. Careers in this field include crop consulting, soil science, precision agriculture, and environmental resource management—with excellent job outlooks and strong earning potential. Learn more about career options through the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook – Agronomy Careers. Start today—connect with an enrollment coach!
Find Your It!
Grow Your Career in Agronomy and Sustainable Agriculture
Grow the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
A career in agronomy means supporting global food systems, promoting environmental health, and advancing sustainable farming practices. The Agronomy Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes Community College offers a strong foundation in plant science, soils, chemistry, and agricultural economics—ideal for students passionate about shaping the future of agriculture.
A Degree with Purpose
Earn an Associate in Science (AS) degree designed for seamless transfer to Iowa’s public universities—such as Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa—or other four-year institutions. This program prepares you for advanced study in agronomy, plant science, or environmental management, leading to impactful careers in agriculture and sustainability.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Science (64 credits)
Campus
All Campuses & Online
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
AGA 114 – Principles of Agronomy
Covers the basic principles of crop production, including classification, soil-plant interrelationships and growth process in response to environment.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
MAT 120 – College Algebra
Operation of real and complex numbers; factoring; exponents; quadratic equations; inequalities; matrices; rational functions; logarithmic functions; and graphing or functions .
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
MAT 121 – College Algebra
Topics include linear functions and inequalities; quadratics; conics; polynomials and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; linear systems; matrices and determinants. Additional topics may include sequences, series, permutations, combinations and probability.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 156 or MAT 157
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
Choose MAT 120 or MAT 121
HUMANITIES: 3 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 CREDITS
Term 2
AGA 154 – Fundamentals of Soil Science
An introduction to basic soil formation, classification, physical properties, water, organic matter, pH, and fertility.
CHM 151 – College Chemistry I
The first of two general survey courses introducing the student to general, organic and biological chemistry. Topics covered are chemical calculations, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, periodic relations, gas laws, solid state, solutions, and acids and bases. Lecture and laboratory.
CHM 166 – General Chemistry I
The properties of matter in terms of modern chemical principles. The topics covered are measurements, stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical reactions, periodic relationships, gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum theory, solutions and equilibrium and inter-and intra-molecular forces. Problem solving in each of the areas is included. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: High school chemistry and mathematics
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
MAT 156 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
Choose CHM 151 or CHM 166
Choose MAT 156 or MAT 157
ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
Term 3
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
ECN 130 – Principles of Microeconomics
Reviews the organization and workings of modern economic systems; the role of markets, prices and competition in the promotion of economic welfare, alternative systems and international trade.
Term 4
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
SPC 122 – Interpersonal Communications
Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Science (AS) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Sciences:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Sciences:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Agriculture Production Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Andrea Japenga Academic Advisor 712-852-5241 | ajapenga@iowalakes.edu |