OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Are you interested in how the plants we eat grow, and how to grow them bigger, better, safer and more efficiently? Would you like to understand the composition of soil and how it relates to plant or crop growth? Would you like to know more about conserving our soil and water? Do you enjoy the sciences? Would you like to solve problems concerning agriculture? Are you interested in how to make crops more resistant to pests and drought? Are you concerned about our environment? Interested in international agriculture? If you answered yes to any of the above, you may want to consider a major in Soil and Crop Sciences.
Soil and Crop Science, the study of field crops and soils, is the foundation science underlying the production and management of food, feed, and fiber crops to meet human needs and to protect the environment. The work these scientists do is of great importance worldwide due to the rapidly increasing population, the demand on land for food supplies, and the demand for environmental quality to enhance human comfort and well-being. Special emphasis is placed on improved production efficiency and the conservation of soil, chemicals, energy, and water. The curriculum offers broad-based coverage of the basic natural and social sciences, communication skills and opportunity to explore interests and leadership potential. There are seven concentrations that permit specialization in subjects that require education in technical areas but continue to provide flexibility for students to develop broad-based interests. A student may major in Soil and Crop Sciences without declaring a specific concentration. Emphasis is on providing the student maximum flexibility in tailoring the curriculum to meet individual needs. A seed science option within one of the concentrations and a second major program with agricultural business is also available.
Undergraduate Concentrations
Agronomic Production Management
Students prepare for careers in production agriculture or agribusiness by combining basic science, business and economics with technical soil and crop science courses and experiences. The use of new tools such as precision agriculture and biotechnology are an integral part of the learning experience. Career areas include agronomic business managers in seed, chemical, and fertilizer companies, agricultural cooperatives and agricultural consultant services.
Seed Science Option
Students seeking careers in the dynamic science of seeds follow course work in the Agronomic Production Management curriculum with additional emphasis placed on specialized seed science courses. The commercial seed industry, along with public agencies, provides career opportunities in the development, production, conditioning, testing, marketing, and distribution of seeds.
Applied Information Technology
Students are educated in utilizing advanced information technology to better make decisions in crop production, soil and environmental management, and to meet technological opportunities in industry (consulting/GIS/GPS/remote sensing). Students will take coursework in computer science, data management, business, crop science, and soil science to utilize advanced information technology to examine agro-ecosystem management zones. This understanding will lead to improved environmental stewardship and profitability. Career opportunities exist with equipment companies, consulting firms, state and federal agencies, and agricultural data management firms.
Environmental Soil Science
Students learn how to apply the basic sciences to the prevention and remediation of environmental problems in soils associated with human activities such as mining, industrial hazardous waste production, ecosystem disturbances, and agricultural production. The curriculum is rigorous and includes inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, microbiology, mathematics and statistics. Specialization courses in the application of the basic sciences to soils are also required, including a synthesis course where case studies in a number of real-life soil science applications are considered. Career opportunities exist at all degree levels in state and federal health and environmental agencies, natural resource agencies (water and soil), state and national parks services, private industry as environmental assessors, and in the rapidly growing environmental consulting profession.
International Soil and Crop Sciences
Students prepare for exciting and challenging careers in developing nations by understanding appropriate soil and crop science practices compatible with the climate and socioeconomic constraints of the host country. The curriculum focus is an appropriate blend of basic science and social science courses with technical Soil and Crop Science courses. CSU’s international reputation in working with developing countries through the Peace Corps provides excellent opportunities for career development. There is a wealth of knowledge from faculty who have international experience.
Plant Biotechnology, Genetics & Breeding
This concentration focuses on the rapidly changing science of plant genetics and the application of biotechnology to crop improvement. The curriculum for this concentration places emphasis on genetics, biotechnology, and plant breeding and important allied fields such as chemistry/biochemistry, plant physiology, entomology, and plant pathology. Career opportunities, available in both the public (USDA, universities), and private sectors, include basic research, plant breeding, product development and sales, and many other areas.
Second Major With Agricultural Business
A specialized curriculum that creates both a major in Soil and Crop Sciences as well as Agricultural Business prepares students to effectively integrate Soil and Crop Science principles with sound business practices.
Soil and Crop Sciences Major
A student may major in Soil and Crop Sciences without declaring a specific concentration. Emphasis is on providing the student maximum flexibility in tailoring the curriculum to meet individual needs. Credits of technical electives and free electives meet the needs of students transferring into this department from other programs. This concentration also best meets the needs of students wanting to develop a second major.
Soil Resources and Conservation
Students prepare for careers in planning, conservation, and management of soil and water resources. The curriculum focus is on the application of basic science with technical Crop and Soil Science courses to Soil and Water Resource Management. Career emphasis is on interpretation of land suitable for agricultural, urban, industrial, recreation, waste disposal and water management systems.
Back to top
CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Interest in and aptitude for the natural sciences
* Enjoy working outdoors
* Enjoy doing research
* Problem solving abilities
* Analytical skills
* Ability to work as part of a team or independently
* Strong oral and written communication skills
Back to top
POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Participation in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Paid summer internship positions exist for all students in this major, and often lead to a job after graduation. The job outlook for graduates is very optimistic, with more job openings than can be filled in some areas of study. Graduates work for a variety of federal, state, or local government agricultural agencies, state agricultural colleges or research stations, agricultural service companies, commercial research and development labs, and seed companies. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Some of the career opportunities available include:
* Agronomic production manager
* Cooperative manager
* Genetic engineering scientist
* Land reclamation specialist
* International agronomist
* Land-use planner
* Plant geneticist
* Plant breeder
* Seed, chemical and fertilizer consultant
* Soil conservation specialist
* Soil surveyor
* Waste management specialist
* Water quality specialist
* Crop production
* Chemical fertilizer sales
* Crop consultant
* County agricultural extension agents
* Agricultural products inspector
* Farm manager
Back to top
RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Agronomy Club
* Agribusiness Association Club
* SUSDEV Sustainable Development Group
Back to top
MORE INFORMATION
Department of Soil and Crop Sciences
C127 Plant Science Building
1170 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1170
970-491-6517
http://www.soilcrop.colostate.edu/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu/
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu/
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
8008 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu/
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
Back to top
|
