Academic Programs Catalog

The Crop and Soil Sciences major is based upon the continuously expanding knowledge base of the biological and physical sciences and the utilization of those sciences to produce food and fiber of high quality on a competitive basis to promote sustainability, and to obtain increased nutrient–use efficiency, proper land use, increased plant adaptation to environmental and other stresses, decreased soil erosion, and decreased environmental pollution. Crop and soil scientists utilize the principles of genetics, plant breeding, crop physiology, weed science, turfgrass science, soil physics, soil fertility, soil genesis and classification, and soil chemistry.

Majors complete a common core of courses and one concentration: Agronomic Sciences, Turfgrass Management or Advanced Study.

1. Agronomic Sciences is designed to prepare students to work as agronomists. These scientists have career opportunities in agricultural business and in government agencies such as departments of agriculture and/or natural resources, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Extension Service. They also work and consult pest management specialists and managers of grower organizations and with land appraisal firms, agencies involved with environmental issues, and in international agriculture.
2. Turfgrass Management is designed to prepare students for the rapidly expanding area of urban agriculture. Graduates have career opportunities in the industries involved with management of golf courses, athletic fields, lawns and park and grounds management.
3. Advanced Study is specifically designed for those students who plan to pursue graduate studies. Although students who complete the other concentrations may pursue graduate study, this concentration requires the completion of advanced levels of mathematics and advanced courses in the basic science.

Students may qualify to teach agriscience in high school under a plan of study cooperatively developed by the student’s faculty advisor and the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Crop and Soil Sciences.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Crop and Soil Sciences major is met by completing two courses as specified below:
   
   Agronomic Sciences:  Both of the following courses:  Crop and Soil Sciences 313 and 492.  Those courses are referenced in items 3. a., and 3. b. below.
   
   Turfgrass Management:  Both of the following courses:  Crop and Soil Sciences 313 and 492.  Those courses are referenced in items 3. a., and 3. b. below.
   
   Advanced Study:  Both of the following courses:  Crop and Soil Sciences 313 and 492.  Those courses are referenced in items 3. a., and 3. b. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the Agronomic Sciences or Turfgrass Management concentrations of the Crop and Soil Sciences major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses:  Plant Biology 105 and 106 and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161.  The completion of Plant Biology 106 and Chemistry 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement.  Plant Biology 105 and 106 and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 3. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the Advanced Study concentration of the Crop and Soil Sciences major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses: Plant Biology 105 and Chemistry 151, 152, and 161. The completion of Chemistry 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement. Plant Biology 105  and Chemistry 151, 152, and 161 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 3. below.
   
   The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.  For students who select the Advanced Study concentration, the completion of Mathematics 124 and 126 satisfies the College's mathematics requirement.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses (9 credits):
   	CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I				1
   	CSS	110	Computer Applications in Agronomy				2
   	CSS	210	Fundamentals of Soil Science				3
   	CSS	313	Data Interpretation and Writing in the Agronomic Sciences (W)				2
   	CSS	492	Professional Development Seminar II				1
   b.	One of the following three concentrations (67 to 70 credits):
   	Agronomic Sciences (63 or 64 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (55 credits):
   		CEM	141	General Chemistry			4
   		CEM	143	Survey of Organic Chemistry			4
   		CSS	101	Introduction to Crop Science			3
   		CSS	101L	Introduction to Crop Science Laboratory			1
   		CSS	192	Professional Development Seminar I			1
   		CSS	226L	Weed Science Laboratory			1
   		CSS	326	Weed Science			2
   		CSS	330	Soil Chemistry			2
   		CSS	340	Applied Soil Physics			2
   		CSS	350	Introduction to Plant Genetics			3
   		CSS	360	Soil Biology			3
   		CSS	470	Soil Resources			3
   		CSS	480	Soil Fertility and Management			3
   		CSS	488	Agricultural Cropping Systems: Integration and Problem Solving			3
   		CSS	493	Professional Internship in Crop and Soil Sciences			3
   		ENT	404	Fundamentals of Entomology			4
   		MTH	116	College Algebra and Trigonometry			5
   		PLB	105	Plant Biology			3
   		PLB	106	Plant Biology Laboratory			1
   		PLP	405	Plant Pathology			4
   	(2)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		HRT	361	Applied Plant Physiology			3
   		PLB	301	Introductory Plant Physiology			3
   	(3)	One of the following courses (2 or 3 credits):
   		CSS	222	New Horizons in Biotechnology			2
   		CSS	441	Plant Breeding and Biotechnology			3
   		CSS	451	Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics			3
   	(4)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		EC	201	Introduction to Microeconomics			3
   		EC	202	Introduction to Macroeconomics			3
   	(5)	Two of the following courses (4 to 6 credits):
   		CSS	135	Crop Scouting and Investigation			3
   		CSS	151	Seed and Grain Quality			2
   		CSS	201	Forage Crops			3
   		CSS	212	Advanced Crop Production			2
   	Turfgrass Management (67 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (64 credits):
   		CEM	141	General Chemistry			4
   		CEM	143	Survey of Organic Chemistry			4
   		CSS	178	Turf Irrigation			3
   		CSS	181	Pesticide and Fertilizer Application Technology			3
   		CSS	226L	Weed Science Laboratory			1
   		CSS	232	Turfgrass Management			4
   		CSS	262	Turfgrass Management Seminar			1
   		CSS	267	Performance Turf Design and Construction			2
   		CSS	269	Turfgrass Strategies: Integration and Synthesis			2
   		CSS	272	Turfgrass Soil Fertility			2
   		CSS	282	Turfgrass Physiology			2
   		CSS	326	Weed Science			2
   		CSS	330	Soil Chemistry			2
   		CSS	340	Applied Soil Physics			2
   		CSS	350	Introduction to Plant Genetics			3
   		CSS	360	Soil Biology			3
   		CSS	470	Soil Resources			3
   		CSS	493	Professional Internship in Crop and Soil Sciences			3
   		EC	201	Introduction to Microeconomics			3
   		ENT	264	Turfgrass Entomology			3
   		MTH	116	College Algebra and Trigonometry			5
   		PLB	105	Plant Biology			3
   		PLB	106	Plant Biology Laboratory			1
   		PLP	266	Turf Pathology			3
   	(2)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		HRT	361	Applied Plant Physiology			3
   		PLB	301	Introductory Plant Physiology			3
   	Advanced Study (74 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (62 credits):
   		BMB	401	Comprehensive Biochemistry			4
   		CEM	151	General and Descriptive Chemistry			4
   		CEM	152	Principles of Chemistry			3
   		CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I			3
   		CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II			3
   		CSS	101	Introduction to Crop Science			3
   		CSS	101L	Introduction to Crop Science Laboratory			1
   		CSS	192	Professional Development Seminar I			1
   		CSS	226L	Weed Science Laboratory			1
   		CSS	326	Weed Science			2
   		CSS	330	Soil Chemistry			2
   		CSS	340	Applied Soil Physics			2
   		CSS	350	Introduction to Plant Genetics			3
   		CSS	360	Soil Biology			3
   		CSS	470	Soil Resources			3
   		CSS	480	Soil Fertility and Management			3
   		CSS	488	Agricultural Cropping Systems: Integration and Problem Solving			3
   		CSS	499	Undergraduate Research			3
   		ENT	404	Fundamentals of Entomology			4
   		MTH	132	Calculus I			3
   		PLB	105	Plant Biology			3
   		PLB	106	Plant Biology Laboratory			1
   		PLP	405	Plant Pathology			4
   	(2)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		HRT	361	Applied Plant Physiology			3
   		PLB	301	Introductory Plant Physiology			3
   	(3)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		CSS	441	Plant Breeding and Biotechnology			3
   		CSS	451	Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics			3
   	(4)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		EC	201	Introduction to Microeconomics			3
   		EC	202	Introduction to Macroeconomics			3
   	(5)	The following course:
   		STT	421	Statistics I			3

The Bachelor of Science degree in Cropping Systems Science is designed to prepare students for career opportunities as agronomists and cropping system scientists, as farmers and consultants, in private and public businesses, and with government agencies. Cropping systems science involves the application of biological, chemical, and physical science principles to produce plants grown for human food, animal feed, biofuel, and fiber to meet global demand. The use of biotechnology, digital technologies and precision agriculture are important aspects of agricultural food systems today. Cropping systems scientists, agronomists, and farmers strive to improve soil health and develop cropping sequences and management techniques to improve the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of farms. Conserving soil and water and maintaining long-term farm field productivity and resilience depends largely on the management of cropping systems. This major provides students with the opportunity to understand the challenges and opportunities to integrate scientific innovations with the practice of crop production. Students take courses in crop production, physiology, genetics, precision agriculture, pest management, soil science, meteorology, and professional development courses to prepare for careers in cropping systems science. 

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Cropping Systems Science

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Cropping Systems Science.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Cropping Systems Science major is met by completing CROP 313 and CROP 492. Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the Cropping Systems Science major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses:  Plant Biology 105 and 106 combined; and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161.  The completion of Plant Biology 106 and Chemistry 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement.  Plant Biology 105 and 106 combined and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 3. below.
   
   The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	One of the following courses (3 or 5 credits):
   	MTH	103	College Algebra						3
   	MTH	116	College Algebra and Trigonometry						5
   b.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	STT	200	Statistical Methods						3
   	STT	201	Statistical Methods						4
   	STT	224	Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists						3
   	STT	421	Statistics I						3
   c.	One of the following courses (4 credits):
   	CEM	143	Survey of Organic Chemistry						4
   	CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I						4
   d.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	EC	201	Introduction to Microeconomics						3
   	EC	202	Introduction to Macroeconomics						3
   e.	All of the following courses (45 credits):
   	CEM	141	General Chemistry						4
   	CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I						1
   	CROP	101	Introduction to Crop Science						3
   	CROP	101L	Introduction to Crop Science Laboratory						1
   	CROP	110	Computer Applications in Agronomy						2
   	CROP	192	Professional Development Seminar I						1
   	CROP	212	Advanced Crop Production						2
   	CROP	226L	Weed Science Laboratory						1
   	CROP	313	Data Interpretation and Writing in the Agronomic Sciences (W)						2
   	CROP	326	Weed Science						2
   	CROP	350	Introduction to Plant Genetics						3
   	CROP	488	Agricultural Cropping Systems: Integration and Problem Solving						3
   	CROP	492	Professional Development Seminar II (W)						1
   	ENT	404	Fundamentals of Entomology						4
   	PLB	105	Plant Biology						3
   	PLB	106	Plant Biology Laboratory						1
   	PLP	405	Plant Pathology						4
   	SOIL	210	Fundamentals of Soil Science						3
   	SOIL	480	Soil Fertility and Management						4
   f.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	HRT	361	Applied Plant Physiology						3
   	PLB	301	Introductory Plant Physiology						3
   g.	Complete 8 credits from the following courses: (8 credits):
   	SOIL	330	Soil Chemistry						2
   	SOIL	340	Applied Soil Physics						2
   	SOIL	360	Soil Biology						3
   	SOIL	470	Soil Resources						3
   h.	Two of the following courses: (4 to 6 credits):
   	AFRE	130	Farm Management I						3
   	CROP	124	Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems						2
   	CROP	135	Crop Scouting and Investigation						3
   	CROP	151	Seed and Grain Quality						2
   	CROP	201	Forage Crops						3
   	CROP	292	Leadership Development in Agriculture						2
   i.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	GEO	103	Introduction to Climate Change Studies						3
   	GEO	203	Introduction to Meteorology						3
   	GEO	402	Agricultural Climatology						3
   j.	One of the following, either i. or ii. (3 or 4 credits):
   	(i)	GEO	221	Introduction to Geographic Information					3
   	(ii)	BE	221	Introduction to Smart Agriculture					1
   		BE	321	Principles of Precision Agriculture					3
   k.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	CROP	420	Cover Crops in Agroecosystems						3
   	CROP	431	International Agricultural Systems						3
   	CROP	441	Plant Breeding and Biotechnology						3
   	CROP	442	Agricultural Ecology						3
   	CROP	451	Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics						3
   	CROP	460	Plant-Microbe Interactions						3
   	CROP	467	Bioenergy Feedstock Production						3
   	CROP	485	Physiology in Plant Nutrition						3
   	GEO	409	Global Climate Change and Variability						3
   	GEO	410	Geography of Food and Agriculture						3
   l.	One of the following experiential courses (3 credits):
   	CROP	493	Professional Internship in Crop and Soil Sciences						3
   	CROP	499	Undergraduate Research						3

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Soil and Water Science is designed to prepare students for career opportunities assoil scientists, ecosystem ecologists, environmental restorationists, watershed managers, and consultants, in private and public businesses, and with government agencies.

Soil and water science involves the application of biological, chemical, and physical science principles to protect soil and water quality as landscapes are used to meet human needs for recreation, waste disposal, food production and others. Protecting and restoring soil and water resources is necessary for building sustainable communities. The major provides students with the opportunity to recognize the challenges and opportunities to integrate scientific innovations in land management. Students take courses in soil science, water resource management, ecology, biology, geology, meteorology, and professional development to prepare for careers where expertise in soil and water science is required. 

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Soil and Water Science

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Soil and Water Science.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Cropping Systems Science major is met by completing CROP 313 and CROP 492. Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the Environmental Soil and Water Science major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences by completing items 3.a., 3.b., and 3.c. below. The completion of Biological Sciences 171 or 172 and Chemistry 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement. Completion of items 3.a., 3.b., and 3.c below will be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major.
   
   The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses (38 credits):
   	BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology						3
   	BS	162	Organismal and Population Biology						3
   	CEM	141	General Chemistry						4
   	CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I						1
   	CROP	110	Computer Applications in Agronomy						2
   	CROP	192	Professional Development Seminar I						1
   	CROP	313	Data Interpretation and Writing in the Agronomic Sciences (W)						2
   	CROP	492	Professional Development Seminar II (W)						1
   	GLG	201	Introduction to Earth and Planetary Sciences						4
   	SOIL	210	Fundamentals of Soil Science						3
   	SOIL	330	Soil Chemistry						2
   	SOIL	340	Applied Soil Physics						2
   	SOIL	360	Soil Biology						3
   	SOIL	470	Soil Resources						3
   	SOIL	480	Soil Fertility and Management						4
   b.	One of the following biology laboratory courses (2 credits)
   	BS	171	Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory						2
   	BS	172	Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory						2
   c.	One of the following organic chemistry courses (4 credits)
   	CEM	143	Survey of Organic Chemistry						4
   	CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I						4
   d.	One of the following plant courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	CROP	101	Introduction to Crop Science						3
   	FOR	202	Introduction to Forestry						3
   	FOR	204	Forest Vegetation						3
   	GEO	201	Introduction to Plant Geography						3
   	HRT	203	Introduction to Horticulture						3
   	PLB	105	Plant Biology						3
   	PLB	203	Biology of Plants						4
   	PLB	218	Plants of Michigan						3
   e.	One of the following ecology courses (3 credits):
   	CROP	326	Weed Science						2
   	and
   	CROP	226L	Weed Science Laboratory						1
   	FOR	340	Forest Ecology						3
   	IBIO	355	Ecology						3
   	PLB	441	Plant Ecology						3
   f.	Two of the following water courses (6 or 7 credits)
   	CSUS	453	Watershed Planning and Management						3
   	GEO	406	Geomorphology of River and Coastal Systems						3
   	GLG	411	Hydrogeology						3
   	GLG	421	Environmental Geochemistry						4
   	SOIL	455	Environmental Pollutants in Soil and Water						3
   g.	One of the following climate or weather courses (3 credits)
   	GEO	103	Introduction to Climate Change Studies						3
   	GEO	203	Introduction to Meteorology						3
   	GEO	402	Agricultural Climatology						3
   	GEO	409	Global Climate Change and Variability						3
   	IBIO	357	Global Change Biology (W)						3
   h.	One of the following math courses (3 credits)
   	MTH	103	College Algebra						3
   	MTH	124	Survey of Calculus I						3
   	MTH	132	Calculus I						3
   i.	One of the following statistics courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	STT	200	Statistical Methods						3
   	STT	201	Statistical Methods						4
   	STT	224	Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists						3
   	STT	421	Statistics I						3
   j.	One of the following policy courses (3 credits):
   	CSUS	320	Environmental Planning and Management						3
   	CSUS	354	Water Resources Management						3
   	CSUS	464	Environmental and Natural Resource Policy in Michigan						3
   	FOR	466	Natural Resource Policy						3
   	GEO	211	Environmental Policy and Practice						3
   l.	One of the following specialization courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	CROP	460	Plant-Microbe Interactions						3
   	GLG	422	Field Methods in Environmental Science						3
   	GLG	435	Geomicrobiology (W)						4
   	GLG	446	Sustainable Food Systems						3
   	MGI	425	Microbial Ecology						3
   	PLB	443	Restoration Ecology						3
   m.	One of the following experiential courses (3 credits):
   	CROP	493	Professional Internship in Crop and Soil Sciences						3
   	SOIL	499	Undergraduate Research						3
   	Complete 3 credits in an Education Abroad, International Internship, International Research Experience, or Study Away with approval by the advisor for the major.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Turfgrass Science and Management is designed to prepare students for career opportunities as golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, lawn care professionals, grounds managers for private and public businesses, green industry salespersons and managers, and positions within governmental and institutional entities.

Turfgrass Science and Management involves the application of biological, chemical, and physical science principles to establish and care for turfgrasses that are used to provide biological, structural, functional, and aesthetic benefits. This major provides students the opportunity to understand the challenges and opportunities to integrate scientific innovations with the science and art of turfgrass management. 

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Turfgrass Science and Management

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Turfgrass Science and Management.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Cropping Systems Science major is met by completing TURF 402. That course is referenced in item 3. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the Environmental Soil and Water Science major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses: Plant Biology 105 and 106 combined; and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161. The completion of Plant Biology 106 and Chemistry 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement. Plant Biology 105 and 106 combined and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 3. below.
   
   The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits):
   	MTH	103	College Algebra						3
   	MTH	116	College Algebra and Trigonometry						5
   b.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	STT	200	Statistical Methods						3
   	STT	201	Statistical Methods						4
   	STT	224	Introduction to Probability and Statistics						3
   	STT	421	Statistics I						3
   c.	One of the following courses (4 credits):
   	CEM	143	Survey of Organic Chemistry						4
   	CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I						4
   d.	All of the following courses (58 credits):
   	CEM	141	General Chemistry						4
   	CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I						1
   	COM	100	Human Communication						3
   	CROP	110	Computer Applications in Agronomy						2
   	CROP	226L	Weed Science Lab						1
   	CROP	326	Weed Science						2
   	ENT	264	Turfgrass Entomology						3
   	PLB	105	Plant Biology						3
   	PLB	106	Plant Biology Lab						1
   	PLP	266	Turf Pathology						3
   	SOIL	210	Fundamentals of Soil Science						3
   	TURF	178	Turf Irrigation						3
   	TURF	181	Pesticide and Fertilizer Application Technology						3
   	TURF	202	World of Turf						2
   	TURF	212	Turfgrass Biology						3
   	TURF	232	Turf Cultural Practices						2
   	TURF	262	Turf Management Seminar I						1
   	TURF	267	Performance Turf Design and Construction						2
   	TURF	269	Turf Management Strategies						2
   	TURF	272	Turf Soil Fertility						2
   	TURF	282	Turfgrass Physiology						2
   	TURF	402	Turf in the Environment and Society (W)						3
   	TURF	462	Turf Management Seminar II						1
   	TURF	469	Advanced Turf Management Strategies						1
   	TURF	472	Advanced Turf Soil Fertility						1
   	TURF	482	Advanced Turfgrass Physiology						1
   	TURF	493	Professional Internship in Turfgrass Science and Management						3
   e.	One of the following courses: (3 credits):
   	CROP	350	Introduction to Plant Genetics						3
   	CROP	441	Plant Breeding and Biotechnology						3
   f.	One of the following courses: (3 credits):
   	GEO	103	Introduction to Climate Change Studies						3
   	GEO	203	Introduction to Meteorology						3
   	GEO	402	Agricultural Climatology						3
   g.	Two of the following courses: (5 or 6 credits):
   	ACC	230	Survey of Accounting Concepts						3
   	HB	425	Golf Operations and Management						3
   	MGT	325	Management Skills and Processes						3
   	TURF	171	Operations Budgeting for Golf Course Managers						2
   h.	A minimum of 3 credits from the following courses:
   	CROP	451	Biotechnology Applications in Plant Breeding and Genetics						3
   	CROP	460	Plant-Microbe Interactions						3
   	CROP	485	Physiology in Plant Nutrition						3
   	CSUS	354	Water Resources Management						3
   	ENT	404	Fundamentals of Entomology						4
   	ENT	477	Pesticides in Pest Management						3
   	GLG	411	Hydrogeology						3
   	MGI	425	Microbial Ecology						3
   	PLP	405	Plant Pathology						4
   	PLP	407	Diseases and Insects of Forest and Shade Trees						4
   	SOIL	330	Soil Chemistry						2
   	SOIL	340	Applied Soil Physics						2
   	SOIL	360	Soil Biology						3
   	SOIL	455	Environmental Pollutants in Soil and Water						3
   	SOIL	470	Soil Resources						3

The Minor in Agronomy, which is administered by the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is designed to serve students with majors in fields other than Crop and Soil Sciences who are interested in agronomy and who plan to pursue careers in agriculture for which a basic familiarity with the science of cropping systems is important. The minor will provide an opportunity for students to gain a fundamental understanding of the science of food production, including crop management, soil management, and plant breeding and biotechnology.

This minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Science Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences or the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Soil Science. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and have their program of study approved in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Minor in Agronomy

Complete a minimum of 16 credits from the following:

This minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs and is designed for students who have an interest in applied development in international agriculture and natural resources. It seeks to increase student understanding of global agriculture, particular agriculture-related problems and issues in developing and developed nations, and issues related to sustainability and stewardship of the Earth. Students who complete this minor will gain knowledge and experience relevant for careers in international agriculture, international development, and related fields.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and James Madison College in cooperation with the Departments of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Animal Science, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, and Fisheries and Wildlife, and the College of Social Science in cooperation with the Department of Geography participate in the Minor in Applied Development in International Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences is the primary administrative unit.

The student’s program of study for the minor must be approved by the advisor of the Minor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences  or James Madison College in advance and in writing. With the approval of the department that administers the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Requirements for the Minor in Applied Development in International Agriculture and Natural Resources

The student must meet the requirements specified below:

The Minor in Environmental Soil Science is intended to serve students and professionals who plan to pursue careers in soil science, soil health, or related agricultural, natural resource, and environmental sciences with a focus on the sustainable management of soils to produce food, fiber, and other products while conserving or regenerating natural and managed ecosystems.
 
The requirements meet the soil science course work requirements for Federal and state employment as soil scientists, as well as the course work requirements necessary to become a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS).
 
At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student's program.
 
With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, 6 credits of course work that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree.
 
Students who are interested in enrolling should contact an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.
 
Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Soil Science

Complete all of the following courses (15 credits):

The Minor in Plant Pathology provides the principles and methods in plant pathology.

The minor is available as an elective to all students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University.  The minor is administered by the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student's program.

Students who plan to complete the program should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.

Requirements for the Minor in Plant Pathology

Students must complete 15 credits from the following:

The Minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems is designed to foster active learning about agriculture and food systems for undergraduate students from different disciplinary backgrounds. Contemporary agriculture and food systems issues will be considered in biological, ecological, social, and economic contexts.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The student must complete 15 credits from the following:

The Minor in Turfgrass Management, administered by the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is designed to serve students that plan to work in the landscape, recreational, or the sports management industry. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of maintaining a turfgrass-playing surface or the turfgrass within a lawn or landscape.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences to have their program of study approved in advance.

Requirements for the Minor in Turfgrass Management

Complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following: 

Crop and soil science graduate students may study in one or more emphasis areas, including plant breeding and genetics; crop physiology, ecology, and management; weed science;  turfgrass management; soil genesis and classification; soil microbiology and biochemistry; soil physics; soil chemistry; soil biophysics; soil fertility; and environmental and pollution aspects of soil science, including the study of waste disposal on land. Graduate programs of study are designed to reflect the individual needs and interests of students.

Master of Science

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission may be granted to students who have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, a 3.00 grade-point average, and appropriate training in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. Provisional admission may be granted to students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission. Students with deficiencies in their backgrounds will be required to complete collateral courses in addition to the courses that are required for the master's degree. Collateral course work does not count towards the degree requirements.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences

The student may elect either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30  credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B. The student's program of study is planned in consultation with the guidance committee, which includes the major professor.

Students are encouraged to take courses that provide a broad background in biological and physical sciences in addition to training in specialized areas. The doctoral program aims to provide a high quality crop and soil science experience to equip students with the skills necessary for research, teaching, and extension, or other agriculture-related positions that require the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission may be granted to students who have a master's degree or its equivalent, a 3.00 grade-point average, and appropriate training in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. Outstanding students without a master's degree may be accepted. Provisional admission may be granted to students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission. Students with deficiencies in their backgrounds will be required to complete collateral courses in addition to the courses that are required for the master's degree. Collateral course work does not count towards the degree requirements.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences

All doctoral students must plan their degree program in consultation with the guidance committee and their major professor and must meet the requirements specified below:

The Master of Science Degree in Global Plant Breeding provides opportunities for working professionals to obtain new knowledge in laws and regulations, design thinking and leadership, and global seed systems.
 
In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.
 
Admission
 
The student must:

1. have earned a bachelor’s degree with a grade-point average of 3.0;
2. provide all undergraduate transcripts;
3. provide three letters of recommendation;
4. provide a personal statement describing the applicants interest and experience in plant breeding and their personal career goals;
5. provide a resume or test scores from a standardized graduate or professional school test such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, DAT, or LSAT, which may be waived if the applicant has a previously conferred graduate or professional degree;
6. provide test scores from an English proficiency examination if from non-English speaking country;
7. have completed at least one college level introductory course in Advanced Mathematics, Biology, and Genetics;
8. have completed 15 undergraduate credit hours in plant science course work.

The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology–crop and soil sciences. The requirements for admission and the requirements for the degree are specified in the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Programs in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology.

Plant pathology graduate students may study in one or more emphasis areas, including phytobacteriology, mycology, virology, epidemiology, host parasite interactions, soil microbiology, disease management and molecular biology. Commodity-oriented strategic research areas in which the above emphasis areas may be studied include vegetable crops, fruit crops, nursery, landscape and ornamentals, field crops, turf crops, and forest and tree pathology. Students are encouraged to take courses which provide a broad background in biological and physical sciences in addition to training in specialized areas.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission may be granted to those students who have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, a 3.00 grade point average, and appropriate training in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics.

Provisional admission may be granted to those students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission. Students with deficiencies in their backgrounds will be required to complete collateral courses in addition to the courses that are required for the master's degree. Collateral course work does not count towards the degree requirements.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Plant Pathology
The student may elect either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30  credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B. The student's program of study is planned in consultation with the guidance committee, which includes the major professor.

The objective of this program is to provide a high quality plant pathology graduate experience to equip students with the skills necessary for research, teaching and extension, or other agriculture-related positions that require the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission may be granted to those students having a master’s degree or its equivalent, a 3.00 grade point average, and appropriate training in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. Outstanding students without a master’s degree may be accepted.

Provisional admission may be granted to those students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Plant Pathology

All doctoral students in plant pathology must meet the requirements specified below:

The Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems is designed to foster an understanding of biogeochemical, socioeconomic, and policy concepts using experiential learning within the individual’s program of study as a venue for multidisciplinary work. For global perspectives, students are encouraged to participate in either a study abroad course with ecological food and farming systems content, or in a course with international focus.

The specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s or doctoral degree. The students program of study must be approved by the advisor for the specialization in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The student must complete 9 credits from the following: