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The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences operates within a contemporary, multifaceted agricultural research complex. An eleven-story climate-controlled research tower with adjacent wings houses complete laboratory, instructional, administrative, and support facilities. The campus features growth chambers and greenhouses, along with three primary field stations located near Ithaca. Several faculty members hold positions at either the Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health or the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, both situated on campus. Numerous professors conduct research addressing global agricultural and environmental challenges in tropical and subtropical areas, with select students having opportunities to perform significant portions of their research abroad. Field Crop Science encompasses a broad range, from practical field applications to cellular biology and biotechnological advancements. Research aims to enhance crop yield and quality worldwide while investigating physiological traits that could be enhanced through breeding or genetic modification. Soil Science examines soil ecosystem processes and characteristics, prioritizing sustainable methods to optimize soil for agricultural use while maintaining its ecological integrity as a vital natural asset.
Applicants with undergraduate majors in basic sciences such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, or biology, or with extensive training in these subjects, will also be well prepared. Students with backgrounds other than these are encouraged to apply, but if they are accepted their graduate programs will include appropriate preparatory coursework.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
IELTS Academic - 7.0; TOEFL - The Graduate School’s official minimum sub-scores for each element of the TOEFL iBT are: Speaking: 22, Reading: 20, Listening: 15, Writing: 20.