Welcome to Crop Sciences!

Welcome to the Department of Crop Sciences, an academic unit with a mission to develop and deliver educational and research programs that foster the creation and adoption of agricultural plant production systems that are profitable, environmentally sound, socially responsive, and sustainable. We are a Department that offers exciting opportunities for those that would like a career in the food and fiber production systems of the world.

The Department of Agronomy was established as a unit in 1899. In 1995 the name of the Department was changed to Crop Sciences with the merger of the Department of Plant Pathology and most of the faculty formerly in the Department of Agronomy. Interestingly, the Department of Plant Pathology was formed in 1955, drawing faculty from the Department of Agronomy.

We are the international leaders in establishing research that impacts crop production and thus the food and fiber supply necessary to feed and clothe the world. Examples include the Morrow Plots, established in 1876, that demonstrated soils will remain productive for centuries when properly managed; corn breeding programs which ultimately helped provide the foundation of hybrid corn; and soybean breeding programs that shifted soybean from a relatively minor forage crop to an extremely significant crop that supplies protein and oil to improve diets around the world. In more recent years our scientists have advanced biotechnology techniques to improve crop resistance to pests, and are using these same techniques to improve the quality of crops for human and animal consumption. In another area our scientists are working to create plants that will more efficiently produce renewable energy.

Our goal is to build on this rich heritage, continuing to advance the science and to provide a curriculum that allows graduates to contribute to that advancement and/or use of new knowledge. The future is bright for graduates of the Crop Sciences program. They have historically had more than one job opportunity available upon completion of their studies. This will likely continue as the need for well trained Crop Scientists will only increase as society pushes for improved efficiency of the use of natural resources, including all that are used for crop production.

Our undergraduate curriculum options include plant biotechnology and molecular biology, plant protection, agroecology, crop agribusiness, biological sciences, and crops. An undergraduate degree in any of these concentrations provides the education necessary to move into rewarding positions in industry and governmental agencies or to continue on for advanced degrees in Crop Sciences or other professional degrees.

Our graduate programs include the Master of Science, Off-Campus Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degree. Candidates for these degrees have an opportunity to be trained by and work with Professors that have attained international reputations. Such training enhances the opportunities for graduates to attain positions of leadership in the profession.

Illinois is blessed with a great environment, both soils and climate to produce crops needed to supply feed and fiber to the world. To sustain that environment will require many well educated Crop Scientists. The faculty of the Crop Sciences Department are poised and ready to help students whether on or off campus, to attain the knowledge necessary to become leaders in the profession. We extend our warmest welcome to all and invite those that have an interest in crop sciences to explore our web page and/or to contact us for more information about the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois.

Cordially,

Robert G. Hoeft
Department Head