About the Agroecology Minor
The agroecology minor is a 20-credit-hour program that exposes students to sustainable
agriculture principles and practices. All students take one introductory course and
choose their remaining courses from a list of approved options. This allows students
to pick the courses they’re most interested in! Course topics include plant pathology,
sustainable agriculture, insect ecology, soil microbiology and more!
The minor in agroecology is NOT for plant production & protection majors.
If you're interested in majoring in agroecology, our Bachelor of Science in Plant Production and Protection has an agroecology and evolution concentration you can pursue!
UW has a thriving Department of Plant Sciences that offers a variety of enriching programs. Among these programs is the Bachelor of Science in Plant Production and Protection. The bachelor's degree includes concentrations in agronomy, horticulture, integrated
pest management and agroecology and evolution.
The department also offers four popular plant science minors for those who don’t pursue
the major.
Minors
- Agronomy
- Agroecology
- Horticulture
- Plant Protection
What can you do with an agroecology minor?
Agroecology grads are ready for a variety of careers in conservation, ecology, regenerative agriculture and organic agriculture. Thanks to the customizable nature of the minor and our students’ varying interests, our grads apply their education in a range of environments, from crop fields to greenhouses to golf courses.
Here is just a small sampling of jobs and careers in agroecology:
- Agroecologist
- Scientist
- Project coordinator
- Instructor
- Research technician
- Ecologist
- Land manager
- Conservation specialist
- Extension educator
- Resource specialist
Agroecologists study and apply ecological principles to agricultural systems. Their goal is to create farming methods that are more sustainable, resilient and environmentally friendly. Instead of focusing only on maximizing short-term crop yields, agroecologists consider how soil health, biodiversity, climate, water resources and community well-being all interact within a farming system.
While UW doesn't have an agroecology major, we encourage students to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Plant Production and Protection. This program provides a well-rounded education and has an agroecology and evolution concentration.
Studying agroecology in Wyoming offers hands-on experience across diverse ecosystems, from plains to mountains, making it an ideal natural laboratory for sustainable agriculture. The University of Wyoming provides strong academic programs in plant sciences with a focus on agroecology, access to cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities to work on climate-resilient farming projects. Students benefit from community engagement, real-world internships, strong career outcomes and generous scholarships, making Wyoming a great place to launch a career in sustainable food systems.
Explore ACRES Student Farm
Get involved on UW's campus by joining ACRES (Agricultural Community Resources for Everyday Sustainability) Student Farm. ACRES uses sustainable farming principles and serves as a hub for education, research and community engagement. ACRES offers hands-on opportunities through internships, volunteer work and programs like campus composting. The farm welcomes students from all majors and community members alike, fostering collaboration and awareness around local food systems and environmental stewardship.
“Every day on the job, I lean on the training I received from my Agroecology studies more than any other discipline. As an agronomist and a scientist, it is critical to see the farm as an ecological system in order to diagnose problems and propose realistic solutions."
- Daniel Adamson | B.S. in Agroecology (2015) & M.S. in Agronomy (2017)
