Crop Science
Want to contribute to global food security? Learn and apply the science needed to increase local and global food production. Learn how we develop new varieties and protect plants from disease and environmental stresses. Take the opportunity to expand your horizons and learn about alternatives to traditional cropping systems. Try new food and learn how it gets to your plate. Interested in healthier eating? So are we, and you could learn how to improve the quality and nutrition of crops that feed the world.
- work for company, university or government plant improvement programs
- work for a gene bank
- work for government agencies or NGOs in Canada or internationally
- run lab or field-based screening programs for a plant breeding program
- manage research trials in the field or the lab
- continue your studies in graduate school
The U of S Advantage
We provide a learning environment with an innovative, hands-on approach to education offered in world-class teaching facilities. Some of our students work with professors here on campus at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron—the only one in Canada—investigating the chemical species of nitrogen and phosphorus in soils. Other students examine nutrient cycling in organic farming systems or greenhouse gas emissions. There are so many areas in which undergraduate students can work as research assistants in our college. Our students learn from distinguished faculty, some of whom are teacher-scholars working in research, and others who are teacher-practitioners, running their own agribusinesses part time.
Our small upper-year class sizes and support within our student body allow students to build a network of personal and business contacts. Students can transfer theory beyond the classroom—most courses include hands-on components, like field trips and class projects, that handle real-world issues.
Upwards of $300,000 is awarded annually to undergraduate agbio students. Much of this amount is from scholarships exclusively available to students in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Learning Communities are a great way to meet people with similar interests, get advice from student-leaders who know the ropes and make a smoother transition to university. Learning Communities are groups of about thirty students who take a common set of two or three classes and meet weekly with a peer-mentor.
Choose Your Program
First-years take general courses before deciding on a specialty. Beginning in the second year, students take a concentration of courses related to the chosen major, and a variety of required and elective courses. Studying abroad can enhance the learning experience.
Some of the subjects we study in crop science include agronomy, biotechnology, crop physiology, crop protection, crop quality and plant breeding.
We are always striving to improve our students’ experience, so in addition to completing a major, students can also opt to complete a minor in a related area, like agribusiness, entrepreneurship or soil science. A minor is a great way to broaden future career options.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates are well prepared to address major agriculture issues and challenges. A wide range of specializations is available with a degree in agriculture. A major in crop science provides students with the basic science required to pursue a diverse range of careers throughout the world. The following list is comprised of only some of the fields in which our grads can work.
- resource use
- food production
- fibre and fuel
- production, processing and marketing of high quality food and non-food products
- research
- development and implementation of innovative and efficient production, processing and marketing systems
A Stepping Stone
A bachelor’s degree in crop science is useful and marketable, even in areas other than agriculture, like business, communications, education, journalism, law and politics.
A master’s degree takes about an additional two years, and provides a significant advantage in job competition. Master’s grads can also choose to pursue a doctorate degree, which could lead to a career as a research scientist and faculty member at a university.
Getting Involved!
One way to make the most of your university career is to get involved, and the Agriculture Students’ Association (ASA) is the perfect way to do that! The ASA is one of the most active and spirited student bodies on campus, with debates, speaker nights, professional development days, Telemiracle fundraisers and social nights with profs. There are many other clubs in our college:
- horticulture
- range management
- renewable resource management
- Canadian Agri-Marketing Association
Contact US!
We would like to hear from you! For more information about this program and the University of Saskatchewan, including course requirements and program details, contact:
Recruitment & Admissions
University of Saskatchewan
105 Administration Place
Saskatoon SK S7N 5A2
Canada
Tel: (306) 966-5788
Email:
admissions@usask.ca Website: explore.usask.ca
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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