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Crop Science

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

	QUICK JUMP
	Crop Science
	Requirements and Core Courses
	Careers in Crop Science
	Salaries
	Scholarships and Financial Aid
	Graduate Programs in Crop and Soil Sciences
	Contact Information

Crop Science

Crop science is the study of the world's major food, feed, turf and fiber crops, and their environment. It is a broad discipline encompassing breeding, genetics, production, and management. Program emphasis is on developing and applying new technology to ensure a safe and abundant food supply and a sustainable agroecosystem. • Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science, minor • Available at: Pullman

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Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Science in Crop Science DEPARTMENTAL CORE REQUIREMENTS Bot 320—Introductory Plant Physiology Chem 106—Principles of Chemistry II or      Chem 102—Chemistry Related to Life Sciences Chem 240—Elementary Organic Chemistry CropS 101—Introductory Field Crop Science CropS 201—Growth and Development of World Crop Plants CropS 305—Ecology and Management of Weeds CropS 411—Crop Environment Interactions CropS 412—Seminar CropS 498—Professional Internship or      CropS 499—Special Problems or      UH 450—Honors Thesis Math 107—Elementary Functions Pl P 429—General Plant Pathology SoilS 201—Soil: A Living System OPTIONS • Cropping Systems The cropping systems option is for students interested in crop production, plant/soil/pest management, and environmental quality in cropping systems. • Business and Industry The business and industry option is for students interested in careers as company managers, loan/finance officers, marketing specialists, farmers, corporate farm managers, production specialists, consultants, international agriculturists, and agribusinesspeople. • Turf Management The turf management option prepares students who wish to specialize in golf course supervision, grounds maintenance, sod production, and similar recreation positions involving turfgrass management techniques and personnel relations. • Crop Science/Biotechnology The crop science/biotechnology option is for students interested in careers as laboratory or research technicians in plant biotechnology, breeding, genetics, or physiology. NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for option course lists and course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the catalog to graduate.

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Careers in Crop Science

• Agronomic or environmental consultants • Biotechnologists • Crop advisors • Farm managers • Corporate or academic researchers • Turfgrass/golf course managers • Soil surveyors • Soil conservationists • Land-use managers • Soil fertility specialists • Research technologists • Global information systems specialists Crop scientists (or agronomists) are involved in improving food, feed, and fiber production. They study metabolic and developmental processes of crop plants and seeds, develop improved crop varieties through plant breeding and biotechnology, design sustainable crop production and management systems that conserve natural resources while enhancing crop yields, and investigate the impact of cropping systems on agricultural and nonagricultural ecosystems. Employment is available in government and commercial agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Cooperative Extension; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Washington State Department of Ecology, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Natural Resources; and in food processing companies, insurance agencies, and commercial concerns dealing with farm products, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals and seeds. Opportunities also exist for further study and employment in international agriculture such as through the U.S. Agency for International Development and The World Bank, international research institutes, church-run agricultural development organizations, and the U.S. Peace Corps. Teaching, research, and extension careers are available in community colleges and universities for graduates with advanced degrees.

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Salaries

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2005 for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences averaged $31,226 a year; and in other agricultural sciences, $33,850 a year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Standards reports that the median annual earnings of agricultural scientists and food scientists were $48,670 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,770 and $65,990. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,460. Washington state agricultural technician positions have a salary range between $26,600 and $42,900 in 2005. The average federal salary for employees in agronomy in 2003 was $68,846.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Crop science students may be eligible for scholarships from the Department of Crop and Soil Science, as well as scholarships from the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Students may also be eligible for state, federal, and University-level scholarships and financial assistance. For more information, visit the WSU Office of Scholarship Services Web site.

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Graduate Programs in Crop and Soil Sciences

For information about requirements, courses, and faculty research, visit the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Web site. Students must meet course requirements outlined in the General Catalog to graduate.

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Contact Information

Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences Washington State University 201 Johnson Hall PO Box 646420 Pullman, WA 99164-6420 Fax: 509-335-8674

hillary@cahnrs.wsu.edu

509-335-2615

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Strengths of the Program

• WSU provides the state’s only four-year program in crop and soil sciences.
• Develop skills that can help solve environmental and food problems or create enjoyable living conditions.
• Study under professors who are among the nation’s most productive and creative in the field.
• Several faculty members belong to the National Academy of Science, American Society of Agronomy, and Soil Science Society of America.
• Pursue research in such areas as organic crop production systems, plant breeding, biotechnology, groundwater contamination prevention, and turf and golf course management.
• Work with faculty on research funded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• Receive top-quality classroom, field, and laboratory experiences required for well-paying careers in industry, government, and farming.
• You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.

Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us