The Crop, Soil and Pest Management graduate program area prepares students for careers in research, teaching, extension, production agriculture and related industries. Current research programs emphasize soil and nutrient management, forage management, cereal and oil seed crop production, alternative crops, cropping systems, weed management, integrated pest management and precision agriculture. Many degree programs are cross-disciplinary to give students a comprehensive view of the field.
The Crop, Soil and Pest Management program area emphasizes a customized approach towards the course of study. Each student will work with their advisor and graduate committee to develop a course of study best suited to the student’s educational and career goals.
- During the Fall and Winter semesters, MS students and PhD students who have not completed their comprehensive exam must enroll for 9 credits to be considered a full time student.
- Students must complete an approved teaching opportunity or an approved extension program. For more information review the graduate teaching requirement.
M.S. Requirements
To satisfy the course requirements for a Masters degree, a student must complete:
- A minimum of 30 credit hours from courses numbered 7000 – 9000
- 15 credit hours (towards the 30 credit hour requirement) must be from courses numbered at the 8000 or 9000 level
- 12 credit hours (towards the 30 credit hour requirement) can be satisfied by research, readings and problems courses
The core requirements for the Masters degree in Crop, Soil and Pest Management program are:
- Plnt S 8010 Professionalism and Ethics (2 credits)
- Participation in the student seminar series
- Plnt S 9087 (1 credit)
- Plnt S 7087 (2 credits – Must enroll twice)
- Plnt S 8090 Thesis Research (1 – 10 credits per semester)
Ph.D. Requirements
To satisfy the course requirements for a doctoral degree, a student must complete:
- A minimum of 72 credit hours from courses numbered 7000-9000 (this includes dissertation research credit hours – i.e. Plnt S 9090)
- 15 credit hours (towards the 72 hour requirement) must be from courses numbered at the 8000 or 9000 level, exclusive of dissertation research, problems or independent study
The core requirements for the PhD degree in Crop, Soil and Pest Management program are:
- Plnt S 8010 Professionalism and Ethics (2 credits)
- Participation in the student seminar series
- Plnt S 9087 (2 credits – Must enroll twice; only 1 credit counts towards the 15 credit hour requirement of 8000/9000 level courses)
- Plnt S 7087 (3 credits – Must enroll 3 times)
- Plnt S 9090 Dissertation Research (1 – 10 credits per semester)
Advising
Kevin Bradley, weed science
Justin Chlapecka, rice production
Felix Fritschi, crop physiology & genetics
Bruce Hibbard, insect resistance management
John Lory, environmental nutrient management
Ron Mittler, plant stress biology
Harley Naumann, forage physiology
Kelly Nelson, crop production systems
Craig Roberts, forage quality
Reid Smeda, weed science
Qisheng Song, molecular insect physiology
Andrew Thomas, horticultural crop production techniques
Michele Warmund, fruit and nut crop physiology
Xi Xiong, turfgrass science