Soil and Crop Sciences Major

Do you want to learn how to transform the land’s challenges into world-changing solutions?

At a glance

In the Soil and Crop Sciences major, you’ll focus on field crops and soils, learning the foundation sciences underlying the production and management of food, feed, and energy crops to meet human needs and protect the environment. Special emphasis is placed on production efficiency and the conservation of soil, energy, plants, and water. You’ll get broad-based coverage of natural and social sciences, communication skills, and opportunities to explore interests and leadership potential. 

Degree type	Bachelor of Science
Format	On campus
Part of	College of Agricultural Sciences
Competitive major?	No
Accelerated option?	No

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Concentrations

A concentration allows you to specialize in a certain area within your major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences that you may not otherwise get. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.

Plant Biotechnology

Crop improvement, whether through breeding or genetic engineering, is one of the most-important drivers of agricultural innovation. Students in this concentration gain a firm foundation in fundamental principles of genetics and crop breeding and explore new, rapidly evolving technologies that enable us to develop crop varieties that are more-nutritious, resilient to climate change, and disease resistant.

Soil Science and Environmental Science

This concentration applies fundamental principles and techniques in soil science to solving complex, real-world environmental sustainability challenges. Students learn how the interactions of plants, the microbiome, and the soil food web with the soil’s physical and chemical environment support life on earth, improve water quality, and impact our climate.

Sustainable Agriculture Management

Students gain a solid foundation of agronomic principles and practices to achieve economic and environmental sustainability while helping design and development the agroecosystems of tomorrow. Students build practical knowledge of farming systems and utilize advanced technologies to drive decision making in cropping system management, while maintaining or improving soil health.

Some Career Options

With a Soil and Crop Sciences degree, you’ll gain hands-on training and expert instruction that will equip you to solve current global challenges in soil, plant, and environmental sciences. The demand for professionals with a fundamental understanding of soil and crop sciences combined with technical and data skills has never been greater.