Crop Science Major
Clothe. Feed. Nurture.
In a complex world with ever increasing population, improving the quantity, quality and safety of food and fiber production is vital. Increasing awareness of the impact of farming on the environment, plus the recognized health benefits from eating foods such as vegetables, calls us to employ the best and most sustainable methods of production. Study these important issues and methods when in the Crop Science major.
In the Crop Science major, you learn about the management of irrigation, types of farming equipment and newest production techniques, the timing of planting and harvesting, insect pest management, fertilization methods, postharvest handling, and marketing techniques.
You look for new ways to improve crop yield and quality with less labor, control pests and weeds more safely and effectively, and conserve precious soil and water. You study innovative and developing fields like postharvest technology, plant biotechnology, integrated pest management and precision farming.
The work you do plays an important role in maintaining a safe, profitable and sustainable food supply, both nationally and internationally. You use the principles of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and other sciences to solve problems in agriculture and test new agricultural methods. By employing biotechnology, you learn to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seed, and increase plants' natural resistance to pests, diseases and environmental extremes.
You can become a plant geneticist, a seed technologist, a rice specialist, a plant physiologist, a greenhouse manager, an agronomist or a crop protection specialist. Be the director of a research and extension center, supervising staff and laboratories. Lead agricultural and natural resource programs for the state or federal government. Provide scientific and technical leadership for the Agricultural Research Service, an academic institution, or a major corporation. Advance production research for corn and soybeans, tomatoes, leeks or lettuce. Become a 21st century researcher, field biologist or field information specialist -- and play an increasingly important role in world crop production.