The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences combines concern for the environment with the necessity to produce food, both of which are becoming increasingly important. Our subject inherently is interdisciplinary and future oriented, and this provides our students with skills essential for many of tomorrow's careers. In fact, the diversity of career opportunities for our graduates is increasing.

Faculty in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences provide leadership and/or actively support three multi-disciplinary and multi-departmental undergraduate majors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, namely: (1) Agricultural Sciences major (2) Plant Sciences major (3) Science of Natural and Environmental Systems.

Our Students

Our students come from many backgrounds, including those who start with little practical environmental or agricultural experience. They have in common a keen interest in applying science for the purpose of finding practical solutions to problems affecting our world. Some become research scientists helping to advance the knowledge of natural processes. Others apply their science in more practical ways to help people better manage our soil, water, and food production resources. All of them utilize the exceptional resources of Cornell to explore their own interests and to tailor a curriculum that fits their own personal goals.

At the Center

Agriculture -- and humanity's need to sustain food production and retain environmental integrity -- is at the center of the growing concern about humanity's future. At the center of agriculture are the soil, water, and biological resources that link the environment with human society. Through these resources, humanity changes and is changed by the earth's ecosystem. Perhaps the greatest challenge for our undergraduate students will be meeting these interrelated human and environmental needs. Training in our department will prepare you to help solve these problems. Our students learn the physical and biological science that should be raised in the context of larger social debates regarding agriculture, environment, conservation, and sustainability. They develop the special career skills that prepare them to work on the technological aspects of solving these important problems.

For More Information

For general information about admission, contact the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Admissions, 177 Roberts Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-5901 (607-255-2036). For specific information about the undergraduate programs in this department, contact the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, 235 Emerson Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (607-255-5459).