The major in Soil and Crop Sciences provides the required core courses and the flexibility to develop a broad-based understanding and appreciation for the basic natural and social sciences; communication skills, and to explore human interests and leadership potential. Students from a wide range of rural and urban backgrounds learn principles that apply to the current challenges in soil, plant, and environmental sciences. Each graduating senior with a major in Soil and Crop Sciences will participate in an assessment of the educational progress of students within this major. Presentations in senior seminar, performance in the senior-level crop and soil management courses, and performance on the exit evaluation will be used to assess student learning. There are seven concentrations that permit specialization in subjects that require education in technical areas but continue to provide flexibility for students to develop broad-based interests. A student may major in Soil and Crop Sciences without declaring a specific concentration emphasis is on providing the student maximum flexibility in tailoring the curriculum to meet individual needs. A seed science option within one of the concentrations and a second major program with agricultural business is also available.

Participation in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Paid summer internship positions exist for all students in this major, and often lead to a job after graduation. The job outlook for graduates is very optimistic, with more job openings than can be filled in some areas of study. Graduates work for a variety of federal, state, or local government agricultural agencies, state agricultural colleges or research stations, agricultural service companies, commercial research and development labs, and seed companies. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Some examples include: agronomic production manager; cooperative manager; genetic engineering scientists; land reclamation specialist; international agronomist; land-use planner; plant geneticist; plant breeder, seed, chemical, and fertilizer consultant; soil conservation specialist; soil surveyor; waste management specialist; water quality specialist; crop production; chemical fertilizer sales; crop consultant; county agricultural extension agents; agricultural products inspector; farm manager.