Academic Programs

2-Year Certificate Programs

There are three 18-month certificate programs in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences which are designed to provide technical expertise in the areas of agribusiness, golf course superintendent, and sports or commercial turf management. Agricultural Industries program trains students to work in agribusinesses, including the feed, grain, and crop production industries. Golf Turf Management program provides training which is directed toward preparing the student for a career as a golf course superintendent. Sports and Commercial Turf Management program trains students interested in specializing in a career in the sports or commercial turf management area. A certificate is granted at the completion of the program requirements.

Undergraduate Programs

The undergraduate curriculum of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is designed to train young men and women as professional crop scientists, soil scientists, turfgrass scientists and environmentalists; and prepare them to apply scientific principles of crop and soil management for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, turfgrass management, government agencies, and related areas. Students who plan to continue their studies are encouraged to select additional course work which will strengthen their preparation. There are four options for students in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Agronomic Sciences, Turfgrass Management, and Advanced Study.

Graduate Programs

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences offers graduate programs leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. A student in the department may pursue studies related to plant genetics and breeding, molecular biology of plants and microorganisms, physiology and management of crops, weed control, turfgrass management, soil genesis and classification, soil biochemistry, soil microbiology, soil physics, soil chemistry, soil fertility, soil management, ecological, environmental and pollution aspects of soils, hazardous waste treatment, sustainable agriculture systems, agriculture statistics, biometry, and nitrogen biotechnology studies. Depending on specialty area and previous preparation, taking supporting courses selected among botany, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, genetics, geology, plant pathology and statistics may be necessary to fulfill academic requirements.