The department offers the following areas of specialization within the field of crop and soil sciences:  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

Applicants for admission to the master's degree program should have a bachelor's degree in crop and soil sciences or in a related field such as botany or chemistry.  Applicants should also have substantial academic background in the physical sciences (including chemistry and physics), in the biological sciences (including botany), and in mathematics.  The completion of an undergraduate crop and soil sciences major with an agricultural science specialization would be considered ideal.  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.

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.  In addition to courses in the major, a minor or study in areas related to crop and soil sciences is required.  Students are encouraged to select such courses as botany, biochemistry, chemistry, geology, plant pathology, and statistics.  The student is required to complete satisfactorily one semester of teaching.