Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Science

Apply Now

Program Link:
https://css.wsu.edu/graduate-studies/
Program Handbook:
https://css.wsu.edu/graduate-studies/graduate-studies-handbook/
Student Learning Outcomes:
https://css.wsu.edu/graduate-studies/graduate-program-student-learning-outcomes/
Total Graduate Faculty in Program:
33
Graduate Students in Program:
23
Students Receiving Assistantships:
21
Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall January 10
  • Spring July 1

Campus:

  • Pullman

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

Additional Degree Program Admission Requirements

  • GRE Optional

Degree Description:

We offer MS and PhD degrees in Crop Science and Soil Science, with the ability to focus research in a variety of specialized areas within each discipline. Current research foci in Crop Science include plant breeding, genomics, molecular genetics, grass management, and weed science.  We work with wheat, forages, barley, alternative grains (quinoa, spelt, oats), grain legumes, brassicas and turf. The Soil Science program features research in biogeochemistry, microbiology, nutrient management, the rhizosphere and vadose zone hydrology. Crop and Soil Science faculty also lead collaborative research on organic, sustainable and precision agriculture and cropping systems. Program options in human dimensional areas include agricultural education and rural sociology.

Currently home to 33 faculty members, and over 50 graduate students, the department can ensure great one on one faculty-student contact. Our graduate student population is ~60% Crop Science and 30% Soil Science students, 40% of whom are international students.

We have many research projects in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), in addition to research being conducted in association with other universities. Research infrastructure includes state-of-the-art laboratories and greenhouse facilities, and research farms located in Pullman, as well as throughout the state at four Research and Extension Centers. Graduate students gain valuable skills and knowledge working side by side with faculty members and research staff and play an integral role in the advancing research on local to globally-relevant problems and opportunities. Students also have the opportunity to gain leadership, communication, and instructional experience by serving as teaching assistants and participating in leadership and professional development opportunities offered by the department, college and university.

Admission Requirements:

In addition to meeting the WSU Graduate School’s admission criteria, acceptance of qualified applicants is generally dependent upon availability of research support and a suitable advisor.  Positions are limited and students are individually selected by faculty members with matching interests who have an opening for a graduate student.  A completed application is an effective and essential tool for faculty consideration.  

Undergraduates who anticipate graduate study in this field should have a solid B.S. level background in mathematics, chemistry, and the biological sciences.

Application Requirements

The following items are required to complete your application.  Applications are most competitive when the priority deadlines are met.

  1. WSU Graduate School Application. This is an electronic application that requires a $90.00 application fee. The department does not offer application fee waivers.
  2. Statement of Professional Goals: Please address such issues as interests, anticipated thesis research or areas of research interest, career objectives, experiences in research and teaching, and financial ability.
  3. Resume/CV.
  4. GRE (optional, but encouraged) ETS code 4705.
  5. Language Requirements for international students.  Please refer to the detailed information on the Graduate School site.  Applicants who are required to submit exam scores will be held incomplete until those are received.
  6. Three letters of recommendation: You will need to provide the names and email addresses of three people who are willing to write letters of recommendation for you.  Once you choose your three recommenders, be sure to inform them that they will be completing the recommendation electronically and ask that they monitor their inbox for your recommendation request (which will come from gradcasinfo@liasoncas.com), including any junk or spam folders.
  7. Transcripts from every college and university you have attended (photocopies are acceptable for initial application review, official transcripts are required for official admission to WSU).  Credentials are not evaluated in advance of application.
  8. Research and identify the faculty members whose work aligns with your research interests.  You will need to include this information in the required fields of our application.  This will help ensure a smoother and more focused application process.  You are welcome to contact these faculty, but are not required to do so.

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.

Contact Information: