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.
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.
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
Partner-funded WSU Plant Growth Facility is paid off, paying forward
Now paid off, WSU’s expanded Plant Growth facility enables faster, more efficient breeding and more competitive new wheat varieties.
WSU researchers to study feasibility of organic Inland Northwest wheat
Scientists will study the best way to shift to organic wheat farming through a new USDA grant.
Heavy duty grasses could replace artificial turf on athletic fields
New two-year WSU study will identify grass breeds that can stand up to tough punishment.
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.