Master of Science in Soil and Crop Sciences - Field Crop Science

The Field of Soil and Crop Sciences occupies a modern and diversified agronomic research facility. An air-conditioned, eleven-story research tower and adjoining wings incorporate fully equipped laboratory, teaching, office, and supporting spaces. Growth chambers and greenhouses are on the campus, and there are three main field stations near Ithaca. Some members of the field are staff members at the Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health or the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, both of which are on campus. Many of the faculty members have research programs concerning international agricultural and environmental issues in tropical and subtropical regions. A limited number of students can do most or all of their research overseas. Field Crop Science covers a wide spectrum, from field-scale applied projects to cell physiology and biotechnology. Studies seek to improve crop productivity and quality, both nationally and internationally, and to identify physiological factors that could be improved through plant breeding or genetic engineering. Soil Science focuses on the processes and properties of the soil environment. It emphasizes improving the suitability of soil for crop growth while preserving its value as a natural resource by using ecologically sound approaches.

Weed Science Integrated weed management involving ways that biotic and abiotic factors affect weed population and community dynamics, and seed dormancy. Weed control recommendations, herbicide residues and resistant biotypes. Seed Science Examination of the factors and mechanisms which regulate seed dormancy, long-term storage and germination for seeds and other systems of plant propagation. Integrative Crop and Soil Management Evaluation of environmental, biotic, and management interactions that influence the growth, development, yield, and quality of corn, soybeans, and wheat. Management of forages for maximum economic returns and minimum soil erosion and nitrate losses with environmentally safe management practices. Agronomy Field experiments to develop methods for measuring and improving forage quality, production, and animal performance, best management practices for corn, soybeans, and wheat. Biofuels Production Examination of agronomic and economic sustainability of grass as a bioenergy source. Crop Physiology and Molecular Biology Mechanisms by which drought and other environmental stresses and climate change factors arrest sink-organ development (especially kernels and other storage organs), affect flowering and reproductive organ development, alter phytohormone levels and modify the expression of gene products involved in environmental responses. Mechanisms used to detoxify heavy metals, genes involved in synthesis, transport and regulation of interacting pathways. Precision Agriculture Nutrient management using spatial information and field-based analytical instruments for use in precision agriculture.

Complete transcripts of all previous college or university work, including work done at Cornell.
Two, and preferably three, letters of recommendation from instructors or professional scientists acquainted with the applicant's work in the major area of study. If the applicant has been out of school for some time, recommendations from those familiar with his or her professional performance might be acceptable, applicants who wish to submit recommendations of this type should consult the Director of Graduate Studies.
Students with prior preparation in Soils and Crops will normally be well prepared for graduate work in crop science and soil science. Applicants with undergraduate majors in basic sciences such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, or biology, or with extensive training in these subjects, will also be well prepared. Students with backgrounds other than these are encouraged to apply, but if they are accepted their graduate programs will include appropriate preparatory coursework.
For applicants to the Ph.D. program, special attention will be paid to the prospective student's depth of research experience. Though most applicants with the B.S. degree will be admitted to M.S. or M.S./Ph.D. programs, those B.S. applicants who have a particularly strong background in research can be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program at the discretion of the admissions committee.
Applicants should have maintained at least a B average (3.0 grade point on a 4.0 scale) at the baccalaureate level.
Applicants whose native language is not English should be aware that meeting Graduate School entrance language requirements does not necessarily guarantee that they will initially be able to perform satisfactorily, continued instruction in English may be helpful.
Letters of recommendation
Statement of goals.
GREs are optional.
TOEFL iBT - 77 (Writing 20, Listening 15, Reading 20, Speaking 22)
IELTS - 7.0 or higher