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Crop Science

Study plant systems to optimize production through crop and soil management professions or research careers.

Crop Science – B.S. in Plant Science, Crop Science Emphasis

Crop scientists are tasked with the unique puzzle of finding out ways to boost crop production while also maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem around us. In the Crop Science program at Montana State, students take courses designed to introduce core crop and soil management concepts, including soil fertility, plant physiology, crop production, crop breeding and pest management.

The Plant Science major offers one additional Option Within the Major: Plant Biology.

 

“I had some incredible opportunities for mentorship and networking from very different corners at MSU [...] I suppose having a major and minors that have little overlap allowed me to create a support system where I learned that one area of study really does affect another one, which has opened up some incredible doors.”

Susan Massar ’16, Crop Science

 

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Montana’s Research Leader
Montana State is the largest research enterprise in the state and consistently breaks MSU records for annual research expenditures, reaching $200 million for the first time in 2022.

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State of the Art Facilities
Through the Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology Department, students have access to the 60,000 square foot Plant Growth Center Facility, the Plant BioScience Building, seven research centers across the state of Montana and five service labs.

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University of the Yellowstone™
Montana State students make the surrounding Yellowstone ecosystem their classroom, laboratory and playground.

 

 

Career Resources

Within their first year of graduation, more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment, and career guidance website Zippia consistently ranks MSU as the #1 school in the state where alumni are most likely to land jobs.

Career Coaching & Professional Skills Studio

Professional career coaches help students with their career exploration, employer networking opportunities and job or internship searches. They also critique resumes and help students practice job interviews. Additionally, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success offers free workshops for students to develop the professional communication and collaboration skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Careers

Crop Science students at Montana State University go into careers such as:

  • Crop Consulting
  • Pest Management
  • Seed Production Management
  • Farm or Ranch Management
  • Agronomy

To explore more career possibilities, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success has a variety of tools available , including self-assessment and working with career coaches.