Crop Science

The Undergraduate Certificate in Crop Science provides an undergraduate course of study in the fundamentals of crop science. The program courses cover the importance of agronomic crops for the state and national economy; the interaction of agronomic growth, development and yield with environmental factors; sound and sustainable production systems for agronomic crops; scientific and societal issues related to biotechnology applications in crop production; and the marketing and distribution of these crops and their relation to overcoming world hunger. Like all designated university certificates, this program has gone through an approval process at the university level.

Eligibility

The successful completion of one college biology course or equivalent experience is required for students entering this certificate program.

No application for admission is required for current NC State students, though students must file the Declare a Certificate form with the Department of Registration and Records. Students who are not currently enrolled at NC State, and would like to pursue a university certificate program, are considered non-degree studies (NDS) students. NDS students must complete the NDS application for admission to the university. Students must be in good academic standing to take courses at NC State University.

Students desiring to earn the certificate should contact the certificate coordinator.

Plan of Study

The Undergraduate Certificate in Crop Science requires 15 credit hours. Students pursuing university certificate programs are considered non-degree studies (NDS) students for the purpose of university registration. NDS students may register for a maximum course load of two courses per semester. Thus, this certificate may be completed in as little as three semesters. The program must be completed within three calendar years, beginning with the initial course enrollment date.

Career Prospects

The Undergraduate Certificate in Crop Science will enhance the career prospects of many people, including:

• Community college students who intend upon completion of an associate's degree to work in crop production or agribusiness;
• Community college and other students who intend to transfer to a bachelor's degree program in plant or soil science at NC State or elsewhere;
• Extension professionals, crop consultants, agribusiness managers and students pursuing bachelor's degrees in agriculture or related fields who wish to expand their understanding of agronomic crop growth, production and management.