What you'll learn studying Soil and Crop Science at UW-Platteville

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s School of Agriculture offers bachelor of science degrees in seven major areas. As a recognized world leader for our undergraduate programs in agriculture, we offer a diverse selection of clubs and organizations, as well as several nationally competing teams. In fact, soil and crop science degree competition teams have earned several national and international championships.

UW-Platteville's Soil and Crop Science program is built upon rigorous scientific practice and state-of-the-art labs that prepare you for success. Our curriculum focuses on areas that include crop genetics, soil science, and breeding, plant biotechnology, pest management, seed technology, soil nutrient and management, soil and water conservation, and much more.  

Our graduates combine their liberal arts education with professional coursework and practical experience to prepare for careers as resourceful, ethically responsible, and competent agronomists.

Review the fact sheet and the checksheets for this program's agronomy emphasis, plant breeding and biotechnology emphasis, soil science emphasis, agriculture hydrology and water quality emphasis, and comprehensive emphasis to learn more.

Careers in Soil and Crop Science

Soil and crop science (agronomy) is the theory of soil and plant science and its application to the production of abundant, high-quality crops for use as food, feed, fiber, and fuel in an economically and environmentally sound manner. Professionals in this field often work in scientific research; academia; management; scientific and consulting roles; or crop wholesaling roles.

When you earn a soil scientist degree, you will be prepared for a variety of careers. Some of the many roles our graduates hold include:

  • Agronomist
  • Crop nutrition consultant
  • Crop sales professional
  • Crop specialist
  • Farm manager
  • Greenhouse manager
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Plant tissue culture specialist
  • Research technologist
  • Pesticide applicator
  • Plant breeder
  • Soil and microbiology researcher
  • Soil conservationist
  • Soil health specialist

Most professionals in this field spend their time outdoors in the fields, laboratories, or greenhouses.

Discover by doing

UW-Platteville offers an experiential learning approach designed to help students bridge their college education to their future careers. Students pursuing either a bachelor’s degree or a minor in this area of study have opportunities to apply classroom theories in on-campus science laboratories, a greenhouse, 430-acre university farm, robust internship program, and university events.


Learn more