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Crop Science/Biotechnology

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

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	Crop Science/Biotechnology
	Requirements and Core Courses
	Careers in Crop Science Biotechnology
	Salaries
	Scholarships and Financial Aid
	Related Fields of Study That May Interest You
	Contact Information

Crop Science/Biotechnology

Science/biotechnology, an option within the crop sciences major, is for students interested in careers as laboratory or research technicians in plant biotechnology, breeding, genetics, or physiology. • Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science in soil science with an option in science/biotechnology, minor in soil science • Available at: Pullman, Distance Degree Program (selected courses only)

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Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Science in Crop Science with an option in Science/Biotechnology Students in this program take a minimum of 120 credits in courses to meet University general education requirements, departmental core requirements, requirements specific to the science/biotechnology option, and electives. Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate. 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 & Development of World Crops 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 OPTION REQUIREMENTS MBioS 301—General Genetics MBioS 302—General Microbiology MBioS 303—Introductory Biochemistry Stat 412—Biometry CropS 445—Plant Breeding One of the following:      Bot 332—Systematics      Bot 410—Plant Anatomy      Biol 372—General Ecology Two of the following Molecular courses:      Bot 325—Plant Biotechnology      MBioS 401—Cell Biology      MBioS 420—Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics      MBioS 422—Genetic & Molecular Aspects of Plant Reproduction Lab courses—5 credits minimum from among the following:      MBioS 304—Biochemistry Techniques      MBioS 360—Cell and Molecular Lab      MBioS 378—Intro to Molecular Biology Computer Techniques      MBioS 402—General Genetics Lab      MBioS 452—Cell Biology Lab      MBioS 454—Techniques in Molecular Biology      Bot 406—Microtechnique      FSHN 462—Food Analysis

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Careers in Crop Science Biotechnology

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. Opportunities for crop scientists in the science/biotechnology option include such areas as crop physiology, plant breeding, biotechnology, and environmental quality. Research or teaching careers are also available with universities, colleges, governmental agencies, or industry. Employment is available in government and commercial agencies such as the USDA’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 (USAID) 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 salary for federal employees in agronomy in 2003 was $68,846.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Crop and soil 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 qualify for state, federal, and University-level scholarships and financial assistance. For more information contact the WSU Office of Scholarship Services.

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Related Fields of Study That May Interest You

• Crop science business and industry • Cropping systems • Environmental soil science • Precision farming • Soil management • Sustainable agriculture • Turf management

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Contact Information

Crop and Soil Sciences Department

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences Washington State University 201 Johnson Hall P.O. 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 faculty who are among the nation’s most productive and creative in the field.
• 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.
• Several of the program’s involved faculty are members of the National Academy of Science, American Society of Agronomy, and Soil Science Society of America.
• 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