Overview

The biological sciences option is designed for students planning to pursue graduate education or seek professional positions that require more basic science than is included in the other Crop Sciences options. Basic science courses offered by the Department of Crop Sciences and by other departments of the university are emphasized. Students follow a first-year program of science and general education requirements similar to students in other Crop Sciences options. Programs for the second, third and fourth year are planned in consultation with the student's faculty advisor in the area of biological sciences.

Many students in the biological sciences option continue their education in graduate or professional schools. Students and their advisors are encouraged to consult specific graduate and professional schools for their entrance requirements. Some students find positions in university, government or industry research laboratories, or with local, state or federal agencies.

Other options in Crop Sciences are designed to prepare students more specifically for careers in certain segments of the food and agriculture system.

Opportunities for Study

In the Biological Sciences Option students learn about basic science through courses in the Department of Crop Sciences and in other departments of the university. You will follow a first year program of science and general education requirements similar to students in other Crop Sciences options, and plan programs for the other years in consultation with your faculty advisor. By the time you complete your degree in Crop Sciences, you will have 35 hours of agriculture courses and 126 total hours, which means that you will take about 16 hours of classes each semester. Here is a possible pattern of science and math courses for the first two years (hours for each course are in parentheses):

Career Opportunities

Many students in the Biological Sciences Options continue their education in graduate or professional schools. You and your advisor are encouraged to consult specific graduate and professional schools for their entrance requirements. Some students find positions in university, government or industry research laboratories, or with local, state or federal agencies. Other options in Crop Sciences are designed to prepare students more specifically for careers in certain segments of the food and agriculture system.