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Crop Sciences

College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Degrees Offered

The Department of Crop Sciences offers bachelor of science, master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees. All students pursuing advanced degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) must satisfy the general academic requirements of the University of Illinois Graduate College, which are described in the publications entitled "Graduate Programs" and "Graduate Courses Catalog." These manuals are published biennially and are available from the Illini Union Bookstore, 809 S. Wright Street, Champaign, Illinois 61920. [(217) 333-2050]

The department's requirements and procedures for graduate students are described in A Handbook for Graduate Study and Advisors [PDF file]. This publication is also available in printed version upon request from the Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, AW-101 Turner Hall, 1102 South Goodwin, Urbana, IL 61801 [(217) 333-9480]. In addition, you can view the University of Illinois Handbook for Graduate Students and Advisors online.

Major in Crop Sciences (Bachelor of Science)

The major in crop sciences is designed for students with an interest in agronomic crop plants. There are six options under the crop sciences major. Students can study the diversity of crop plants-how they grow and are grown-in the crops option. In the integrated pest management option, students learn how to protect plants from the effects of diseases, insects, and weeds. The intersection between crop plants and their environment is emphasized in the agroecology option. Students in the crop agribusiness option learn about crop sciences and about agribusiness management. The plant biotechnology and molecular biology option is designed for students interested in molecular aspects of crop plants and their interactions with other organisms. The biological sciences option provides a flexible framework of basic and applied science courses. In each of these options students receive a strong grounding in science which can lead to employment or, with suitable choice of electives, to graduate or professional study.

Master of Science Degree Programs

Master's degree candidates develop a solid understanding of their major field of study and use these skills to conduct and critically assess scientific research. The master's degree program also prepares students for more advanced research.

The typical M.S. program requires two years of coursework and research. A minimum of five units of coursework and up to three units of thesis credit culminating in an acceptable thesis are required. (Most full-semester graduate courses are awarded one unit of credit, which is roughly equivalent to undergraduate courses that receive four hours of credit.) Master's research projects are developed with a committee of faculty advisors selected by the student and the major advisor. This committee also serves as the examination committee for the written thesis. A non-thesis option for the M.S. degree is also available.

Master of Science in Bioinformatics

Master's degree candidates develop a solid understanding of their major field of study and use these skills to conduct and critically assess scientific research. The master's degree program also prepares students for more advanced research.

The typical M.S. program requires two years of coursework and research. A minimum of five units of coursework and up to three units of thesis credit culminating in an acceptable thesis are required. (Most full-semester graduate courses are awarded one unit of credit, which is roughly equivalent to undergraduate courses that receive four hours of credit.) Master's research projects are developed with a committee of faculty advisors selected by the student and the major advisor. This committee also serves as the examination committee for the written thesis. A non-thesis option for the M.S. degree is also available.

Online M.S. Degree Program

The Online M.S. Degree in Crop Sciences Program enables students to strengthen their education through part-time study at various locations around the state of Illinois. The program has a thirty-year history of providing University of Illinois courses to agri-professionals across Illinois as well as in neighboring states. Students can enroll in individual courses for personal or professional advancement or can apply for admission to the master's degree program in Crop Sciences. To date, hundreds of students have completed individual courses, and over 90 students have received a Master's degree. Students who successfully complete three qualifying OCGS courses receive a Professional Development Certificate.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Programs

Ph.D. candidates are prepared for leadership and independent research in one of the many fields encompassed by the Department of Crop Sciences. The program typically requires about three years beyond the M.S. degree.

Students must pass a preliminary oral examination that tests their knowledge in the major fields of study, usually after substantial completion of coursework requirements. Written preliminary examinations also may be required.

A Ph.D. program requires a minimum of eight graded course units. The program requires a total of 24 units, which may include thesis credit and up to eight units from the M.S. degree. Students develop a dissertation based on independent research within their major field of study. A faculty committee appointed by the graduate college must approve the final dissertation and thesis defense.