Why does wheat grow well in the Midwest but not in other places? What are
the ideal conditions for corn? Crop science programs train students to answer
questions like these.
Crop science students apply science (such as chemistry) to the study of
plants and how they respond to their environment. Many universities offer
crop science as a four-year degree program. Others include it as a major in
a larger program.
Lee Burras is an assistant professor of agronomy at Iowa State University.
He notes that the crop science program starts with the basics and becomes
more focused as the student progresses.
"For the first year or two, a college student takes a couple of courses
in each of the following: English composition, speech, math [or] statistics,
biology, chemistry, history and ethics," says Burras.
"At the same time, the student will take the introductory crop science
courses. At ISU, these include an introduction to agronomy, fundamentals of
soil science and an introduction to meteorology."
Other first-year courses may include entomology, crop production, microbiology,
botany and economics.
Jack Martin, a professor in the department of plant sciences at Montana
State University, adds that there are many avenues of learning.
"Crop science does integrate a number of disciplines," says Martin. "Students
can focus on a specific area of interest through elective courses. And
many students do that. Some common areas of interest include [agricultural]
economics, plant pathology, weed science, entomology, animal science or range
science."
Courses are split between the traditional classroom environment and
a greenhouse or field setting.
In high school, take math and the basic sciences. If you can, take
classes like ecology and environmental sciences.
Away from the classroom, there are other things you can do to prepare.
"I just recommend balanced participation in extracurricular activities,"
says Burras. "Some of my colleagues recommend crop sciences type activities,
which are fine with me, but to be honest, I just want students who have broad
interests and good experiences."
Textbook fees and other related costs for crop sciences students are no
different than those faced by most other science students.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Agricultural
and Food Scientists
Crop Science Society of America
Check out their education section
Genetically Engineered Crops
See the latest in the GM foods debate
How Organic Food Works
Learn more about how organic foods are grown