The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Crop Science and Soil Science. The goal of the graduate program is to produce leaders, scientists, and educators capable of achieving distinction and prominence in their chosen field. This goal is accomplished by: 1) fostering an environment that stimulates creative research, critical thinking, scientific curiosity, independent initiative, and skill in written and oral communication, 2) providing in-depth advanced training and technical knowledge through graduate courses in Crops, Soils, and other disciplines, and 3) providing excellent faculty and facilities for conducting advanced and original research.

Departmental activities can be grouped into five major areas of emphasis:

• The economic production of quality crops

• The utilization and conservation of soil and water resources

• The maintenance and sustainability of environmental quality

• Basic biotechnology

• International program support and marketing

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences has made significant research contributions that have contributed to its reputation for excellence. Departmental scientists have developed many new varieties of wheat, barley, peas, and lentils that bring large economic returns to the state. Management systems responsible for large reductions in erosion and runoff in the rainfed agricultural region of the state have also been developed. The department is a national leader in research on sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, water quality, soil conservation, crop modeling, germplasm enhancement, and integrated pest management.

Study Areas

Crops
    Crop and Seed Physiology
    Crop and Seed Production
    Plant Biotechnology
    Plant Breeding and Genetics
    Turf Science
    Seed Quality and Technology
    Weed Science
Soils
    Environmental Soil Science
    Land Use Planning and Remote Sensing
    Land and Water Resources
    Soil Chemistry
    Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
    Soil Genesis and Morphology
    Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry
    Soil Physics and Environmental Biophysics
    Soil and Water Management

RA and TA Appointments

Teaching assistants support the instructional program of the department by helping with laboratory preparations, conducting laboratory or discussion sections, grading exams, supervising student projects, and offering occasional lectures. Research assistants conduct experiments under the direction of their advisor. Most graduate students appointments are half-time and students on formal appointment receive stipends on an annual basis. Students are expected to work part-time on research during the academic year and full-time during the summer. Appointments are continued for a minimum of two years for M.S. students and three years for Ph.D. students, assuming satisfactory performance and the maintenance of at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Non-resident tuition is waived for graduate assistants on half-time appointments. Resident tuition is also waived for students on state-funded assistantships. Students funded by grants receive an extra stipend to cover the costs of tuition.

Thesis Research and the Advisory Committee

Conducting original research is an important component of graduate student education. Student research is guided by the major professor and the thesis committee. A major professor is usually identified prior to admission and a full committee is established by the end of the first semester. The members of the committee help plan the student's research project, program of study, and they administer the preliminary and final exams. Students in the Ph.D. program must complete written and oral preliminary exams. Both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs require an oral final exam consisting of a general seminar, defense of the thesis, and an examination of subject matter knowledge.

Application and Admission

Students admitted to the graduate program must have a B.S. or M.S. degree and a record of high scholastic achievement in basic sciences, math, and plant, soil, or earth sciences. Students who lack an adequate academic background may be required to correct any deficiencies at the beginning of the graduate program.

The student should send the completed application form, official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended, GRE scores, and a letter outlining personal goals and objectives for graduate study. In addition the student should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to the graduate coordinator. Non-English speaking international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores.

Admission depends primarily upon the student's academic record, but is also contingent upon the availability of funds and openings for graduate students in the designated area of specialization. Applicants will be notified as quickly as possible concerning the departmental decision to admit or reject their application. Successful applicants will be assigned an advisor, and informed whether or not financial support is available. To ensure enrollment, all application materials must be received at least one month prior to the beginning of the semester, or six months prior to the beginning of the semester for international students.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Washington State University subscribes to the principles and laws of the state of Washington and the federal government, including applicable Executive Orders, pertaining to civil rights, equal opportunity, and Affirmative Action. Washington State University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, including sexual harassment, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical, mental or sensory disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran in t he recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment, employment and retention of faculty and staff, and the operation of all University programs, activities, and services. Evidence of practices which are inconsistent with this policy should be reported to the Affirmative Action Di rector, the Title IX Compliance Officer, or the 504 Coordinator, who may be reached through the Affirmative Action Office, French Administration Building, Room 225, or call 509-335-8288.