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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#64
US News and World Report places WSU at #64 for Best Global Universities for Agriculture Sciences.
#60
QS World University Rankings for Agriculture and Forestry places WSU at #60 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.
Undergraduate Certificate in Organic Agriculture
The Certificate in Organic Agriculture is an 18-credit undergraduate program that can be taken along with a major in another field, or as a stand-alone educational experience. The certificate is ideal for professionals working in agriculture or related fields who require in-depth knowledge of organic systems, those wanting to pursue a career in organic agriculture, anyone interested in beginning a community supported agriculture (CSA) enterprise, home gardeners, as well as current WSU students in other majors at WSU with an interest in organic agriculture.
Department News
Exceptional CAHNRS faculty and staff honored at 2025 awards ceremony
CAHNRS faculty and staff gathered alongside their family and friends for an awards ceremony recognizing those who consistently go above and beyond in their roles.
Denim-themed 2025 awards celebrate the outstanding students of CAHNRS
The “Denim & Diamonds” awards ceremony and banquet recognized 10 individual award winners, 19 scholars named outstanding seniors in their academic departments, and more than 30 nominees.
CAHNRS faculty receive WSU Showcase awards
Three faculty to be honored with awards during Showcase, the university’s celebration of academic excellence.