Jeff Edwards
Professor and  Department Head
115 Plant Science Building
479-575-2354

Opportunities for employment and post-graduate study are numerous for graduates of the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences. Crop Science graduates become involved in crop production or find employment in public agencies providing support services for agriculture (e.g., Extension Service, State Plant Board, Natural Resources Conservation Service), or as consultants serving production agriculture, in the agrichemical and seed industries, and in agricultural research programs.

The crop science major includes courses in crop management, production agriculture, plant breeding and genetics, crop and forage production, pest management (weeds, insects, and plant diseases), and soil fertility.

Requirements for a Major in Crop Science (CPSC)

State minimum core and discipline specific general education requirements.

(Course work that meets state minimum core requirements is in bold.)

University Requirements 1
University Perspectives 1
Communications12
Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013)
Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023)
Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003)
Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Colloquium
U.S. History or Government 23
Select 3 hours US History or Government State Minimum Core
Mathematics and Computer Science6
College Algebra (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1103) (or higher level MATH)
Agricultural and Human Environmental Sciences Applications of Microcomputers
Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103)
Physical and Biological Sciences15-19
Principles of Biology (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lecture)
and Principles of Biology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lab)
Organic Physiological Chemistry (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1224 Lecture)
and Organic Physiological Chemistry Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1224 Lab)
Principles of Genetics
Principles of Genetics
General Genetics
Select one CHEM group (4-8 hours)
Fundamentals of Chemistry (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1214 Lecture)
and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1214 Lab)
University Chemistry I (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lecture)
and University Chemistry I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lab)
and University Chemistry II (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lecture)
and University Chemistry II Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lab)
Fine Arts and Humanities 26
Select 3 hours from Fine Arts State Minimum Core
Select 3 hours from Humanities State Minimum Core
Social Sciences 29
Principles of Agricultural Microeconomics
Select 6 hours from Social Sciences State Minimum Core
Crop Science Core27
Introduction to Plant Sciences
Crop Science
and Crop Science Laboratory
Soil Science
and Soil Science Laboratory
Advanced Crop Science
Soil Fertility
Principles of Weed Control
Introduction to Entomology
Principles of Plant Pathology
Crop Science Electives 321
Select Twenty-One (21) hours from the following:
Soil Resources and Nutrient Cycles
Cotton Production
Soybean Production
Rice Production
Cereal Grain Production
Precision Agriculture for Crops
Introduction to Water Science
Soil and Water Conservation
GIS for Environmental Science
Plant Breeding
Ecology and Morphology of Weedy and Invasive Plants
Principles of Weed Control
Insect Pest Management
Plant Disease Control
Biotechnology in Agriculture
Internship (3 hours)
Special Problems (3 hours)
General Electives16-20
Total Hours120
1

UNIV 1001 University Perspectives is required for new freshmen or transfers with less than 24 hours.

2

See student degree audit for approved course list.

3

One three (3) hour study abroad course may be used in fulfilling  three (3) hours of Crop Science Electives.

Crop Science B.S.A.

Eight-Semester Degree Program

See more about the Eight-Semester Degree Policy for university requirements of the program.

First YearUnits
FallSpring
ENGL 1013 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)3  
MATH 1203 College Algebra (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1103) (or higher level MATH (Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1))3  
Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4:
BIOL 1543 Principles of Biology (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lecture)
& BIOL 1541L Principles of Biology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lab)
4  
CSES 1203 Introduction to Plant Sciences3  
UNIV 1001 University Perspectives1  
CSES 2103 Crop Science
& CSES 2101L Crop Science Laboratory
  4
ENGL 1023 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) (If exempt, see adviser for communication courses.) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)  3
COMM 1313 Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 1.2 and 5.1)  3
AGEC 1103 Principles of Agricultural Microeconomics (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)  3
U.S. History or Government Core Elective (Satisfies General Education Outcome 4.2)5  3
Year Total: 14 16
 
Second YearUnits
FallSpring
Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4:
CHEM 1103 University Chemistry I (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lecture)
& CHEM 1101L University Chemistry I Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1414 Lab)
or CHEM 1073 and CHEM 1071L
4  
Social Sciences State Minimum Core Elective (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)43  
Fine Arts or Humanities State Minimum Core Elective (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 or 3.2)1, 23  
Crop Science Elective4,53  
Crop Science Elective4,52-3  
CHEM 1123 University Chemistry II (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lecture)
& CHEM 1121L University Chemistry II Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1424 Lab)
or CHEM 2613 and CHEM 2611L
  4
ASTM 2903 Agricultural and Human Environmental Sciences Applications of Microcomputers
or STAT 2303 Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103)
  3
Social Sciences State Minimum Core Elective (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 3.3 and 4.1)4  3
Fine Arts or Humanities State Minimum Core Elective (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 or 3.2)1, 2  3
Crop Science Elective4,5  2-3
Year Total: 15 16
 
Third YearUnits
FallSpring
CHEM 2613 Organic Physiological Chemistry (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1224 Lecture)
& CHEM 2611L Organic Physiological Chemistry Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = CHEM 1224 Lab)
or CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L
4  
PLPA 3003 Principles of Plant Pathology3  
ENTO 3013 Introduction to Entomology3  
General Elective 43  
CSES 2203 Soil Science
& CSES 2201L Soil Science Laboratory
4  
ANSC 3123 Principles of Genetics
or POSC 3123 Principles of Genetics
or BIOL 2323 General Genetics
  3
Crop Science Elective4,5  2-3
Crop Science Elective4,5  3
General Elective4  6
Year Total: 17 14
 
Fourth YearUnits
FallSpring
CSES 3023 Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Colloquium (Satisfies General Education Outcome 6.1)3  
CSES 4224 Soil Fertility4  
Crop Science Elective4,53  
Crop Science Elective4,52-3  
Crop Science Elective4,53  
CSES 4013 Advanced Crop Science  3
CSES 4143 Principles of Weed Control  3
Crop Science Electives OR General Electives2  0-7
Year Total: 16 12
 
Total Units in Sequence:  120
1

The Fine Arts Elective courses which satisfy General Education Outcome 3.1 include:  ARCH 1003ARHS 1003COMM 1003, DANC 1003, LARC 1003MLIT 1003, MLIT 1003HMLIT 1013, MLIT 1013H, MLIT 1333THTR 1003THTR 1013, or THTR 1013H.

2

The Humanities Elective courses which satisfy General Education Outcome 3.2 include:  AAST 2023, ANTH 1033, ARCH 1013CLST 1003, CLST 1003HCLST 1013, COMM 1233, DANC 1003ENGL 1213, GNST 2003, HIST 1113, HIST 1113H, HIST 1123, HIST 1123H, HIST 2003, HIST 2013, HUMN 1124HHUMN 2213LALS 2013, MRST 2013, MUSY 2003, MUSY 2003H, PHIL 2003, PHIL 2003C, PHIL 2003HPHIL 2103, PHIL 2103C, PHIL 2303, THTR 1003, THTR 1013THTR 1013HWLIT 1113, WLIT 1123, or intermediate-level world language (usually 2003-level).

3

The Social Science Elective courses which satisfy General Education Outcomes 3.3 and 4.1 include:  ANTH 1023, COMM 1023, HDFS 1403, HDFS 2413, HIST 1113, HIST 1113H, HIST 1123, HIST 1123H, HIST 2093, HUMN 1114H, HUMN 2114HINST 2813, INST 2813H, PLSC 2013, PLSC 2813, PLSC 2813H, RESM 2853, SOCI 2013, SOCI 2013H, or SOCI 2033.

4

Students must complete 40 hours of upper division courses (3000-4000 level).  It is recommended that students consult with their academic adviser when making course selections.

5

See student degree audit for approved course list.

Minor in Crop Science (CPSC-M)

A student planning to minor in Crop Science must notify the program adviser for consultation and more detailed information. The Crop Science Minor consists of 18 semester hours of 2000-level courses or above, including the following:

CSES 2103Crop Science3
CSES 2203Soil Science3
Select 12 hours with at least 4 hours coming from Group A:12
Group A
Cotton Production
Soybean Production
Rice Production
Cereal Grain Production
Group B
Soil Resources and Nutrient Cycles
Advanced Crop Science
Plant Breeding
Ecology and Morphology of Weedy and Invasive Plants
Principles of Weed Control
Soil Fertility
Total Hours18

Minor in Crop Biotechnology (CPBT-M)

A student planning to minor in Crop Biotechnology must notify the program adviser for consultation and more detailed information. The Crop Biotechnology Minor consists of 16 hours of courses and to include the following:

Core Courses
PLPA 4333Biotechnology in Agriculture3
Genetics
CSES 400VSpecial Problems (two 2-hour courses taken in two different semesters)4
Select one of the following:3
General Genetics
Principles of Genetics
Controlled Electives
Select two of the following:6
BIOL 4303
Elements of Biochemistry
Plant Breeding
Total Hours16

Faculty

Bacon, Robert Keith, Ph.D. (Purdue University), M.S., B.S.A., (University of Arkansas), Professor, 1984, 1993.
Barber, Thomas, Ph.D., M.S., B.S. (University of Arkansas), Professor, 2007, 2016.
Bourland, Fred, Ph.D. (Texas A&M University), M.S., B.S.A. (University of Arkansas), Professor, 1988.
Brye, Kristofor R., Ph.D., M.S. (University of Wisconsin-Madison), B.S. (University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point), University Professor, 2001, 2020.
Burgos, Nilda Roma, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Arkansas), B.S. (Visayas State College of Agriculture-Philippines), Professor, 1998, 2010.
Butts, Thomas R., Ph.D. (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Assistant Professor, 2019.
Counce, Paul Allen, Ph.D. (University of Georgia), M.S. (Purdue University), B.S. (University of Tennessee-Martin), Professor, 1983, 2003.
Daniels, Michael B., Ph.D., M.S. (University of Arkansas), B.S. (Pennsylvania State University), Professor, 1996, 2006.
De Guzman, Christian T., Ph.D. (Louisiana State University), B.S. (University of Philippines, Los Banos), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Espinoza, Leonel A., Ph.D., M.S. (University of Florida), B.S. (Iowa State University), Associate Professor, 2003, 2007.
Gbur, Edward E., Ph.D., M.S. (The Ohio State University), B.S. (Saint Francis University), Professor, 1987, 1998.
Hardke, Jarrod T., Ph.D. (Louisiana State University), B.S.A. (University of Arkansas), Professor, 2013, 2020.
Kelley, Jason, Ph.D., M.S. (Oklahoma State University), B.S. (Kansas State University), Professor, 2003, 2019.
Lee, Jung Ae, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Georgia), M.A., B.A., (Ewha Womans University), Assistant Professor, 2016.
Mason, Richard Esten, Ph.D., B.A. (Texas A&M University), Associate Professor, 2010, 2016.
Mauromoustakos, Andy, Ph.D., M.S. (Oklahoma State University), B.S. (Oral Roberts University), Professor, 1989, 2002.
Miller, David M., Ph.D. (University of Georgia), M.S., B.S. (Purdue University), Professor, 1988, 2001.
Mozaffari, Morteza, Ph.D. (University of Delaware), M.S., B.S. (University of Massachusetts), Assistant Professor, 2002.
Mozzoni, Leandro, Ph.D. (University of Arkansas), M.S. B.S. (Rosario National University), Associate Professor, 2017.
Norsworthy, Jason Keith, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Arkansas), B.S. (Louisiana Tech University), Distinguished Professor, 2006, 2019.
Pereira, Andy, Ph.D. (Iowa State University), M.S. (Indian Agricultural Research Institute, India), B.Sc.Ag. (Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India), Professor, Anheuser-Busch and Arkansas Wholesalers Professorship in Molecular Genetics, 2011.
Poncet, Aurelie, Ph.D. (Auburn University), M.S. (Montpellier SupAgro, France), M.S. Minor: (AgroTIC), B.S. (Montpellier SupAgro, France), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Purcell, Larry C., Ph.D. (University of Florida), M.S., B.S. (University of Georgia), Distinguished Professor, Ben J. Altheimer Chair for Soybean Research, 1993, 2017.
Roberts, Trenton L., Ph.D. (University of Arkansas), M.S. (University of Arizona), B.S. (Oklahoma State University), Associate Professor, 2010, 2017.
Savin, Mary Cathleen, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Rhode Island), B.S. (University of Notre Dame), Professor, 2002, 2011.
Scott, Robert C., Ph.D. (Mississippi State University), M.S., B.S. (Oklahoma State University), Professor, 2002, 2008.
Sha, Xueyan, Ph.D. (Louisiana State University), Professor, 2012.
Shakiba, Ehsan, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Arkansas), M.S., B.S. (Azad University, Iran), Assistant Professor, 2015.
Slaton, Nathan A., Ph.D., M.S. (University of Arkansas), B.S. (Murray State University), Professor, 2001, 2009.
Srivastava, Vibha, Ph.D. (Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi), M.S. (Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology), B.S. (D.E.I. University), Professor, 2001, 2012.
Thompson, Gary A., Ph.D. (Purdue University), M.S. (University of Wisconsin), Professor, 2020.
Wood, Lisa S., Ph.D., M.S., B.S. (University of Arkansas), Clinical Associate Professor, 2012, 2019.

Courses

CSES 1203. Introduction to Plant Sciences. 3 Hours.

An introduction to basics of agricultural crop plant structure, growth, and production. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

CSES 2013. Pest Management. 3 Hours.

Introduction to basic principles of pest management as they relate to vertebrate animals, insects, plant disease and weeds. Selected pests are studied with emphasis on current management approaches and alternative pest control. (Typically offered: Spring)

CSES 2101L. Crop Science Laboratory. 1 Hour.

A series of laboratory experiments designed to reinforce principles of plant growth and development, reproduction, classification, and the utilization of plant products. Emphasis is placed on major crop plant species. Experiments are conducted by individuals or by teams. Laboratory consists of a single, 2-hour period each week. Required for Crop Management majors. Corequisite: CSES 2103. (Typically offered: Spring)

CSES 2103. Crop Science. 3 Hours.

Principles of crop growth, development, and utilization and how these principles relate to production. Emphasis on major agronomic crop species. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Typically offered: Spring)

CSES 2201L. Soil Science Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Field and laboratory exercises related to the study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Laboratory mandatory for all crop management and environmental, soil, and water science majors and optional for others. Laboratory 2 hours per week. Pre- or Corequisite: CSES 2203. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

CSES 2203. Soil Science. 3 Hours.

Origin, classification, and physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Lecture 3 hours, discussion 1 hour per week. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: MATH 1203 or higher (to include MATH 1213, MATH 1284C, MATH 1514, MATH 2213, MATH 2043, MATH 2053, MATH 2445, MATH 2514, MATH 2554, MATH 2564, or MATH 2574) and CHEM 1103 or CHEM 1073. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

CSES 3023. Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Colloquium. 3 Hours.

A communication-intensive course covering topics in agronomy and environmental, soil, and water science with particular emphasis on spoken communication but also including written communication, group activities, professionalism, ethics, problem solving, and information retrieval. A student-oriented class with collaborative participation. Colloquium workshop: 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and Junior or Senior standing only. (Typically offered: Fall)

CSES 3214. Soil Resources and Nutrient Cycles. 4 Hours.

Integration of the fundamental concepts of the biological, chemical, and physical properties of soil systems and their roles in managing soil resources. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Pre- or Corequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CSES 2203. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

CSES 3312. Cotton Production. 2 Hours.

Principles and techniques associated with production of cotton. Recitation 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: CSES 1203 or CSES 2103. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

CSES 3322. Soybean Production. 2 Hours.

An overview of the history and utilization of soybean as well as the physiological and environmental basis for the development of economical soybean production practices. Recitation 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: CSES 1203 or CSES 2103. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

CSES 3332. Rice Production. 2 Hours.

A study of the principles and practices involved in rice culture worldwide with major emphasis on the United States. Recitation 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: CSES 1203 or CSES 2103. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

CSES 3342. Cereal Grain Production. 2 Hours.

An overview of the botany, production, cultural practices, soil & climatic adaptation and utilization of the major cereal grain crops. Prerequisite: CSES 1203 or CSES 2103. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

CSES 355V. Soil Profile Description. 1-2 Hour.

Training for soil profile description writing and membership of judging teams. (Typically offered: Fall) May be repeated for up to 8 hours of degree credit.

CSES 3703. Precision Agriculture for Crops. 3 Hours.

This course will provide students with a practical understanding of precision agriculture and crop/ecosystem monitoring with remote and proximal sensing technology. Prerequisite: MATH 1203 and CSES 1203. (Typically offered: Spring)

CSES 400V. Special Problems. 1-6 Hour.

Work on special problems in crop, soil and environmental sciences or related field. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

CSES 4013. Advanced Crop Science. 3 Hours.

Fundamental concepts of crop physiology, crop improvement, seed science, and crop production systems. Recitation 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CSES 2103 and CSES 2203. (Typically offered: Spring)

CSES 402V. Special Topics. 1-3 Hour.

Studies of selected topics in crop, soil and environmental sciences not available in other courses. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

CSES 4103. Plant Breeding. 3 Hours.

Basic principles involved in plant breeding programs to improve crop plants and seed programs. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: ANSC 3123 or BIOL 2323. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

CSES 4133. Ecology and Morphology of Weedy and Invasive Plants. 3 Hours.

Study of weeds as economic pests occurring in both agricultural and nonagricultural situations and including poisonous plants and other specific weed problems. Gross morphological plant family characteristics which aid identification, habitat of growth and distribution, ecology, competition, and allelopathy are discussed. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours a week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CSES 2103 or HORT 2003. (Typically offered: Fall)

CSES 4143. Principles of Weed Control. 3 Hours.

Advanced concepts and technology used in modern weed control practices and study of the chemistry and specific activity of herbicides in current usage. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CHEM 1073 and CHEM 1071L. (Typically offered: Spring)

CSES 4224. Soil Fertility. 4 Hours.

Study of the soil's chemical, biological and physical properties, and human modification of these properties, as they influence the uptake and utilization of the essential nutrients by plants. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L or (CHEM 1073 and CHEM 1071L and CHEM 2613 and CHEM 2611L). Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CSES 2201L and CSES 2203. (Typically offered: Fall)

CSES 4253. Soil Classification and Genesis. 3 Hours.

Lecture and field evaluation of soil properties and their relation to soil genesis and soil classification with emphasis on soils of Arkansas. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CSES 2203 and CSES 2201L. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

CSES 4553. Wetland Soils. 3 Hours.

This course explains the chemical, physical, and morphological characteristics of wetland soils and describes the techniques for identifying wetland soils using field indicatiors and monitoring equipment. This course also explains principles of wetland creation, restoration, and mitigation - all key components in assuring the sustainability of valuable wetland resources. Prerequisite: CSES 2203 and CSES 2201L or CSES 355V. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

CSES 462V. Internship. 1-6 Hour.

Supervised practical work experience in agronomy and environmental science to develop and demonstrate professional competence. Faculty approval of project proposal prior to enrollment and written and oral reports after the project is complete are required. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.