Undergraduate

Target your education

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences faculty are aligned with these interdisciplinary undergraduate degrees aimed at feeding the world and saving the planet: Integrated Plant Sciences (IPS) and Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS).

Integrated Plant Sciences (IPS)

IPS majors explore the science of plant development and production from the perspectives of a variety of disciplines. All students in the program take a core set of interdisciplinary courses selected to give them a solid foundation on which they can build expertise in a specific discipline. Of the seven majors available, those in which we are most heavily involved are highlighted below. More detail is available on the Integrated Plant Sciences site.

  • Agricultural Biotechnology – The Agricultural Biotechnology major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of genetics, plant pathology, entomology, organic and biochemistry, crops and soil sciences, horticulture, and micro and cell biology.
  • Field Crop Management – The Field Crop Management major is ideal for students interested in agronomy, crop production, and plant, soil, and pest management.
  • Turfgrass Management – The Turfgrass Management major is geared toward students interested in pursuing careers as golf course managers, athletic field managers, or personnel managers in those venues.

  • Crop Science – Crop science is the study of the world’s major food, feed, turf, and fiber crops and their environment. It is a broad discipline encompassing breeding, genetics, production, and management. Contact: Arron Carter
  • Soil Science – Soil science is a natural resource science devoted to studying the thin layer of the earth’s lithosphere (crust) responsible for supporting life. Soil science is concerned with the physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes that govern natural and agricultural ecosystems. Contact: John Reganold
  • Geospatial Analysis – Geospatial analysis uses geographic information systems (GIS) software to analyze complex data — such as weather, topography, geologic features, vegetation, and various types of statistical information  — in relation to a particular geographic location. Contact: Colette Casavant

Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS)

AFS majors emphasize gaining a solid background in the agricultural sciences, including learning to work with and in the complexity of agriculture and food systems. All students take a core set of classes in order to develop a broad interdisciplinary background while also studying specific subjects that prepare graduates for their chosen fields. An internship related to the student’s focus area is included in these requirements. Of the five majors available, the four in which we are most heavily involved are highlighted below. More detail is available at the Agricultural and Food Systems site.

  • Agricultural Technology and Production Management – Students in this hands-on major gain a science-based overview of agriculture and food systems, with an emphasis on the practical application of technology to agricultural production systems.
  • Agricultural Education – Combining the best of both agriculture and teaching, the Agricultural Education major prepares students to educate the next generation of agricultural leaders and consumers.
  • Organic and Sustainable Agriculture – At WSU, we teach you about innovative agricultural systems, like organic, no-till, and agroforestry, that produce food in ecologically mindful ways, yet remain productive, profitable, and socially just.
  • Agricultural and Food Business Economics – The Agricultural and Food Business Economics major gives students what they need to succeed in the world of food and agricultural business. This major provides students with a knowledge of business and economics practices as well as a deep understanding of animal, plant, and food systems.
  • Agriculture and Food Security – Students in this major are the protectors of the world’s plant-based food supply. The Agriculture and Food Security major prepares students to manage plant pests and diseases from a holistic perspective.

Undergraduate Certificate

The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Sciences (CAHNRS) is offering an undergraduate* Certificate in Organic Agriculture. The certificate can be obtained on the Pullman campus or entirely online through WSU Distance Degree Programs. Working professionals, other non-degree-seeking students, as well as current students in other majors at WSU will be able to learn the fundamentals in a highly focused program through online and classroom venues.

More information

Advisors

Contact

Colette Casavant
Academic Coordinator
(509) 335-8406
Hulbert 423