Crop science is the study of the world's major food, feed, turf, and fiber crops and their environment. It is a broad discipline encompassing breeding, genetics, production, and management. The program at WSU emphasizes developing and applying new technology to ensure a safe and abundant food supply and a sustainable agro-ecosystem.

Crop scientists (or agronomists) are involved in improving food, feed, and fiber production. They study metabolic and developmental processes of crop plants and seeds, develop improved crop varieties through plant breeding and biotechnology, design sustainable crop production and management systems that conserve natural resources while enhancing crop yields, and investigate the impact of cropping systems on agricultural and nonagricultural ecosystems. Employment is available in government and commercial agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Cooperative Extension; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Washington State Department of Ecology, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Natural Resources; and in food processing companies, insurance agencies, and commercial concerns dealing with farm products, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals and seeds. Opportunities also exist for further study and employment in international agriculture such as through the U.S. Agency for International Development and The World Bank, international research institutes, church-run agricultural development organizations, and the U.S. Peace Corps. Teaching, research, and extension careers are available in community colleges and universities for graduates with advanced degrees. A few examples of specific careers in crop science: Agronomic or environmental consultants Biotechnologist Crop advisors Farm managers Corporate or academic researchers Turfgrass/golf course managers Soil surveyors Soil conservationists Land-use managers Soil fertility specialists Research technologists Global information systems specialists