Department of Crop & Soil Sciences
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University serves the Land Grant tradition by offering nationally competitive undergraduate and graduate education programs, conducting fundamental and applied plant and soil research, and extending the science of our disciplines to serve the public.
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#39
US News and World Report places WSU at #39 for Best Global Universities for Agriculture Sciences.
#55
QS World University Rankings for Agriculture and Forestry places WSU at #55 worldwide.
Degree and Certificate Options
Master’s Degree (MS) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Crop Science
Crop Science specialization areas include Plant Genetics and Crop Breeding, Crop Physiology, and Crop Ecology, Management and Production. While students may elect to specialize in one area, excellent opportunities are available for the development of graduate research projects integrating two or more areas.
Master’s Degree (MS) or Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Soil Science
Soils may be studied either as natural bodies or as a medium for chemical and biochemical interactions for transport of water, solutes and heat, and for plant growth. Washington State University is located in one of the best geographical areas in the world for the study of soils as naturally occurring bodies. Graduate programs are usually designed to specialize in the physical, chemical, biological, mineralogical, geomorphological, or fertility aspects of the soil system.
Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture provides post-baccalaureate students with an interdisciplinary understanding of practices and current issues in sustainable agriculture, along with the science that makes it work. Students who earn the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture may take these skills into all industries and agencies involved in the food chain; from production, processing, and delivery to policy, regulation, and education.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence
As part of Washington State University and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment for students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve and in which we operate.
Learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Department News
WSU Eggert Farm’s u-pick pumpkin sales and Fall Pumpkin Festival return
The WSU Eggert Family Organic Farm hosts u-pick pumpkin sales on 4 days, including a one-day Pumpkin Festival.
Gene required for root hair growth, nitrate foraging found in grasses
Scientists have found a gene that drives the growth of root hairs, which help plants find water and nutrients in the soil.
New grant to help grain farmers find low falling numbers sooner
WSU scientists are working to develop a new test that could save wheat growers millions of dollars thanks to a new grant.
WSU, BYU release three new quinoa varieties bred for global food security, nutrition
PULLMAN, Wash. — Passed from grower to grower, three new quinoa varieties co-developed at Washington State University are helping farmers in Rwanda and other African countries improve nutrition and food security.
Scientists at WSU and Brigham Young University today announced the release of Cougar, Shisha, and Gikungu, new varieties of quinoa, a seed crop rich in B vitamins, minerals, and fiber and one of the few plant sources of complete protein.
“These three are the best of the thousand lines shared with us by our colleagues at BYU,” said Kevin Murphy, director of WSU’s Sustainable Seed Systems Lab.
Scientists at WSU and Brigham Young University today announced the release of Cougar, Shisha, and Gikungu, new varieties of quinoa, a seed crop rich in B vitamins, minerals, and fiber and one of the few plant sources of complete protein.
“These three are the best of the thousand lines shared with us by our colleagues at BYU,” said Kevin Murphy, director of WSU’s Sustainable Seed Systems Lab.
Washington state quinoa can make a better cookie
The “super grain” quinoa has the potential to make a super cookie, according to research by Washington State University.
Harvest time at Spillman Farm will be easier with gift of combines
Generations of Coug students have worked under the hot sun harvesting test crops at Washington State University’s Spillman Agronomy Farm.