华盛顿州立大学

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 spring and winter wheat, barley, oilseed crops, pea, lentil, and other legumes, as well as work on alternative crops like quinoa. Plant breeding and genetics faculty apply state of the art equipment and methodologies for genetic, genomic, molecular genetic, and phenotypic analyses, which are conducted in field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings. From model systems to participatory variety selection with small-holder farmers, our faculty apply integrated and comprehensive approaches to solve real-world problems in crop production.

Current research focuses on genetics, gene function, and physiology of water and nitrogen use efficiency, heat and drought stress tolerance, yield and its component traits, hormone signaling, germplasm development, polyploid evolution, grain end-use quality and nutrition, seed germination and dormancy, pest and 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 also 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.

Student Learning Outcomes:

All graduates will be able to:

Knowledge of field. Understands the breadth and depth of knowledge associated with their discipline.
Scientific reasoning. Designs, conducts, analyzes, and interprets research effectively on important problems in their discipline.
Communication. Communicates effectively to a diverse group of people using appropriate traditional and emerging technological media.
Original contribution. Makes an original contribution to their discipline.

Student Opportunities:

Students have the opportunity to gain leadership, communication, and instructional experience through the option of serving as teaching assistants for one or more courses within their discipline. Extension program delivery, and Graduate School teacher training and grant proposal writing workshop opportunities are also available.

Career Opportunities:

Crop scientists with advanced degrees may find employment in government agencies, national labs, academia, private business, agricultural consulting, and international agriculture.