The Crop Science major prepares students for science-based technical careers in agricultural production or work in associated agricultural industries. Agriculture is one of the largest sectors of the national economy and positions are numerous. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the serious shortage of crop scientists (agronomists) in the U.S. will continue for the at least the next decade. 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.
Students in the Crop Science major take advantage of our 500-acre living laboratory containing crop land for research and demonstration plots and hands-on production practices. Adjacent habitats (upland and lowland forests, wetlands and riparian zones) provide opportunities to study interactions between agricultural- and non-agricultural ecosystems. Undergraduate students participate in ongoing faculty research.
Effective utilization of elective credits provides the opportunity to minor in a subject area outside the department. Of the minors obtained by Crop Science students, Ag. Business, General Business, Large Animal Science, Soil Science, or Sustainable Ag. Systems are most frequently selected.
Crop Science (Agronomy) opens up a wide variety of career opportunities. Graduates find opportunities for employment in both the public and private sectors. In the public sector , they serve as consultants and trouble-shooters 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. Crop scientists become technicians in companies’ research & development departments (R&D often is in the areas of biotechnology, plant breeding, plant physiology, pest management). 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 is 127, which includes 4 credits earned for completion of the Experience 360 Program.
The Experience 360 Program (E360) 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 E360 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 Experience 360 Activities.
Students must complete an introductory course prior to enrolling in any Experience 360 Activities.
Students must consult with their Department Chair for specific major requirements to complete the Experience 360 Program.
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