Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences supports undergraduate programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science interdisciplinary degrees in Integrated Plant Sciences and Agricultural and Food Systems.  Students are encouraged to participate as part-time employees in research programs and seek professional internships for experiential learning experiences. Departmental and college scholarships are available based on ability, need, and interest. Students gain professional and social contacts with the faculty and other students through student clubs and other activities.  Students planning to transfer to Washington State University should take courses that meet general university and Integrated Plant Sciences or Agricultural and Food Systems core requirements.

Undergraduate minors in Agriculture Technology & Production Management, Precision Agriculture, Crop Science, Soil Science, Geospatial Analysis, and Agricultural and Food Systems, as well as an undergraduate Certificate in Organic Agriculture, are also available.

We offer graduate programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Crop Science, Master of Science in Soil Science, Doctor of Philosophy (Crop Science), and Doctor of Philosophy (Soil Science). A graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture is also available.

INTEGRATED PLANT SCIENCES

The science of plant life from molecule to market is the focus of the new Integrated Plant Sciences (IPS) Degree program. Delivered collaboratively by departments within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, the IPS degree provides students with an exciting depth and breadth of knowledge that crosses a variety of plant science disciplines, including crop and soil sciences, horticulture, entomology, and plant pathology. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Plant Sciences may choose among six majors. Information regarding the IPS majors, including student learning outcomes, is available under the Integrated Plant Sciences catalog section and http://ips.wsu.edu.

Agricultural Biotechnology

The Agricultural Biotechnology major in IPS is a designed for students interested in careers that include laboratory or research technicians in plant biotechnology, breeding, genetics, entomology, plant pathology, molecular biology, and physiology, as well as for students preparing for advanced degrees in these areas. The program emphasizes the development and application of new technology to ensure a safe and abundant food and fiber supply. Students may find employment in industry, government, or university laboratories.

Field Crop Management

The Field Crop Management major in IPS is ideal for students interested in agronomy, crop production, and plant, soil, and pest management. Crop scientists (or agronomists) are involved in improving food, feed, and fiber production. Graduates qualify for careers in agribusiness, corporate and technical farm management, professional consulting, research, and sales positions.  

Turfgrass Management

The Turfgrass Management major in IPS is geared toward students interested in pursuing careers as golf course managers, athletic field managers, or personnel managers in those venues. Students will take courses in turf management, turf production, plant pathology, entomology, soil fertility, and plant breeding to learn how to maintain healthy turfgrass systems. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience at the Palouse Ridge Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golfing facility at the Pullman campus.

AGRICULTURAL FOOD SYSTEMS

The Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS) program is an exciting, college-wide, interdisciplinary program that offers a Bachelor of Science degree with five majors. Information regarding the AFS majors, including student learning outcomes, is available in the Agricultural and Food Systems catalog section and http://afs.wsu.edu.

Agricultural Education

Combining the best of both agriculture and teaching, the Agricultural Education major in AFS prepares students to educate the next generation of agricultural leaders and consumers. Highly sought after by employers, they teach high school and middle school agricultural science classes, as well as serve as FFA advisors, adult education instructors, community outreach coordinators, university extension agents, and agricultural industry representatives.

Agricultural Technology and Production Management

Students in the Agricultural Technology and Production Management hands-on major in AFS gain a science-based overview of agriculture and food systems, with an emphasis on the practical application of technology to agricultural production systems. The program combines students’ inherent creativity and interest in physical and biological sciences, technology, mathematics, business, and related subjects with their desire to develop innovative solutions to a variety of agricultural problems.

Organic and Sustainable Agriculture

Significantly different than conventional agriculture, organic food production is one of the fastest growing segments of agriculture, with retail sales generally increasing by 4 to 20 percent annually since 1991. Washington State has been a leader in this burgeoning new industry. This revolutionary new major is the first of its kind to be offered in the United States. Students in the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture major in AFS take a diverse array of courses in the natural, environmental, economic, and social sciences, as well as a number of courses focused on organic production practices.

PREPARATION FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS IN CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES

Preparation for graduate study requires the selection of courses that will benefit later work toward a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Normally, preparation for an advanced degree in crop science includes course work with a strong emphasis in plant sciences, biochemistry, computer science, genetics, and statistics.  Preparation for an advanced degree in soil science includes course work in chemistry, physical sciences, statistics, and soil science.