Graduate Programs of Study
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences offers extensive and diversified programs of graduate education and research leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Crop Science and Soils Science. Additionally, there is a graduate certificate in sustainable agriculture available.
Crop Science
Crop Science academic program requirements are outlined in detail in the Graduate Student Handbook.
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.
Plant breeding and genetics research programs include improvement of wheat, barley, pea, lentil, and other legumes with: isozyme, aneuploid, RFLP and RAPD facilitated genome mapping; cloning and molecular analysis. Current research focuses on the genetics and physiology of water and nitrogen use efficiency, grain end use quality, seed germination and dormancy, pathogen resistance and herbicide resistance. Crop production research includes investigation of weed control and ecology, seed production and technology, and turf management.
Crop or Soil Science degree programs can be developed to study sustainability of alternative cropping systems such as organic, site-specific, biointensive and direct-seed systems that focus on crop productivity, economic stability, biodiversification, natural resource conservation, and environmental protection.
Soil Science
Soil Science academic program requirements are outlined in detail in the Graduate Student Handbook.
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.
Current soil science research programs in which graduate students are participating include: unsaturated water flow; soil- plant relationships; stability of minerals and controls on heavy metal levels; nutrient budgets of cropping systems; movement and transformation of pesticides and xenobiotic chemicals; microbial ecology; fate of engineered microorganisms; phytotoxicity and crop residue management; no-till soil and crop management; fertility and mineral nutrition; soil interpretations for land use and development; benchmark soils; agricultural and urban waste recycling. Faculty members in Soil Science also participate in the interdepartmental Department of Biochemistry/Biophysics and the Program in Environmental Science at Washington State University, and cooperate with the University of Idaho in teaching graduate courses.
WSU Offers Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture
The Washington State University Graduate School is offering graduate students in any discipline the opportunity to obtain a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture. Students are eligible to pursue the certificate as long as they meet the prerequisites for the courses required. Learn more.
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