Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Crop Science, B.S.


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The Crop Science major prepares students for science-based technical courses in agricultural production or work in associated agricultural industries. Agriculture is one of the largest sectors of the national economy and positions are numerous. Students interested in the biological and chemical sciences will find challenges in biotechnology as they look forward to a career in improving the quality and quantity of our food supply.

The Environmental Science major focus is on the environmental issues facing society today and the knowledge and training necessary to deal with these complex issues. Computers and geographic information systems aid in analysis and visual display of information. Interdisciplinary courses from the Chemistry and Biology Departments strengthen the Environmental Science portion of the curriculum.

The Turf Management major prepares students for careers in the golf course industry, sports turf industry, and lawn care industry. Courses that provide technical competence plus business and management expertise are key components of the curriculum. An active turf club provides professional contacts and experiences outside the classroom.

Students in the three majors take advantage of our 500-acre living laboratory containing turf and crop demonstration plots, putting green, sports fields, wetlands, forested land, streams, and agricultural land. Undergraduate students participate in ongoing faculty research.

Effective utilization of elective credits provides the opportunity to minor in a subject area outside the department.

There are a wide variety of career opportunities. Graduates find opportunities for employment in both the public and private sectors. In private industry, they serve as consultants on environmental problems involving land use, waste disposal and other soil and water contamination problems. In the crop industry, they serve as consultants and field representatives for fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide, seed and equipment companies. In the turf industry, graduates serve as golf course superintendents, sports field managers, and lawn care specialists. Trained Agronomists manage farm production operations or work in production and marketing for agricultural industries. Federal, state and local governments offer job opportunities in soil and water conservation, and in the area of environmental protection. Others enter graduate programs available throughout the country.

The total number of credits required for graduation with majors in Crop Science, Environmental Science, and Turf Management is 127, which includes 4 credits earned for completion of the Experiential Learning Program.

The Experiential Learning Program (ExLP) at Delaware Valley College is a graduation requirement for all full-time undergraduate students. Students can choose from multiple experiential learning activities and will earn 4 credits for the ExLP depending on their major’s program requirements.

Minimum requirements:

  • Full-time undergraduate students must complete a minimum of two experiential learning activities with at least one for academic credit.
  • Students must have completed 27 credits to enroll in Experiential Learning Activities.
  • All students must complete an introductory course prior to enrolling in any Experiential Learning Activities.

Students must consult with their Department Chair for specific major requirements to complete the Experiential Learning Program.

Recommended Course Sequence


Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Junior Year


First Semester


Total: 15 Credits

Second Semester


Total: 13 Credits

Senior Year


First Semester


  • 3 credits
  • Humanities Area 3 credits
  • Humanities Area 3 credits
  • Social Science Area 3 credits
  • Major Elective 3 credits
Total: 15 Credits

Second Semester


Total: 15 Credits

NOTE:


Some of these courses require prerequisites, which may be counted as Electives.

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