Explore academic career paths in Crop Science within Agricultural and Veterinary Science. Opportunities range from research positions at top universities to faculty roles, focusing on plant genetics, breeding, and sustainable agriculture.
Crop Science faculty jobs represent a dynamic gateway into academia, blending cutting-edge research with hands-on teaching to address pressing global challenges like food scarcity and climate resilience. For those passionate about agriculture, Crop Science professor positions offer rewarding opportunities to shape the next generation of agronomists while advancing sustainable farming practices. Crop Science, also known as agronomy in some contexts, is the multidisciplinary study of crop production, including plant genetics (the blueprint of plant DNA), soil management (optimizing earth for growth), pest control (safeguarding plants from insects and diseases), and breeding techniques (developing superior varieties). Novices might think of it simply as 'farming science,' but it encompasses high-tech tools like genetic editing with CRISPR and precision agriculture using drones and AI for targeted planting and harvesting.
Embarking on a career pathway in Crop Science typically starts with a bachelor's degree in agronomy, plant science, or a related field, where students learn foundational concepts like photosynthesis (how plants convert sunlight to energy) and nutrient cycles. For faculty roles, a PhD is essential—think 4-6 years of advanced research culminating in a dissertation on topics like drought-resistant maize hybrids. Postdoctoral positions (postdoc fellowships, 1-3 years of specialized lab work) build expertise and publications, key for tenure-track jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural and food scientists, including Crop Science experts, earn a median salary of around $74,940 annually (2023 data), but faculty in this niche often command higher: assistant professors average $90,000-$110,000, associates $110,000-$140,000, and full professors $140,000+, varying by location like the fertile Midwest U.S. or California's Central Valley. Trends show steady growth—projected 7% job increase through 2032—driven by biotech demands and sustainable goals, with hotspots in /us/iowa, /us/california/davis, and /au/new-south-wales.
Students eyeing Crop Science opportunities will find vibrant programs at top institutions. In the U.S., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads with pioneering corn breeding research, while Purdue University excels in soybean genomics. Globally, Wageningen University in the Netherlands (check their crop systems) is renowned for sustainable models. Enroll in courses covering crop physiology (plant functions under stress) or integrated pest management (eco-friendly bug control). Use Rate My Professor to review Crop Science instructors at these schools, gauging teaching styles before applying. Check professor salaries for realistic expectations and higher ed career advice for resume tips tailored to academia.
Networking is crucial—attend conferences by the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) to connect with mentors. Actionable advice for beginners: volunteer on university farms, intern at seed companies like Corteva Agriscience, and publish early. International pathways shine in /uk/england, /ca/ontario, where EU-funded projects tackle organic cropping. Explore Crop Science faculty ratings on Rate My Professor to identify inspiring professors, and dive into higher ed jobs for openings. Ready to cultivate your future? Browse Crop Science faculty jobs now on AcademicJobs.com and turn your passion into a professorial path. Visit Rate My Professor for Crop Science insights or university salaries for benchmarks—your thriving career in Crop Science awaits!
Crop Science, the multidisciplinary field dedicated to the study, improvement, and management of crops (plants cultivated for food, fiber, fuel, and other uses), plays a pivotal role in addressing humanity's most pressing challenges like feeding a growing population amid climate change. Emerging from ancient agricultural practices, modern Crop Science took shape in the 19th century with Gregor Mendel's foundational work on genetics, evolving dramatically during the Green Revolution of the 1960s. Pioneers like Norman Borlaug developed high-yield wheat varieties that averted famines in Asia and Latin America, boosting global cereal production by over 200% between 1960 and 2000 according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data.
Key concepts include plant breeding (selective crossing to enhance traits like disease resistance), agronomy (crop production optimization), crop physiology (how plants grow and respond to environments), and biotechnology (genetic engineering for drought-tolerant varieties). Today, Crop Science is more relevant than ever: with world population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 (UN estimates), demand for sustainable crops surges. Innovations like CRISPR gene editing have accelerated development of climate-resilient maize and rice, vital for regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
For jobseekers eyeing Crop Science faculty jobs, a PhD in Crop Science or Agronomy is essential, often paired with postdoctoral research. Median salaries for U.S. Crop Science professors range from $90,000 to $140,000 annually (explore professor salaries), higher in states like California. Hotspots include the U.S. Midwest (/us/iowa) for corn and soybeans, and California (/us/california/davis) home to UC Davis, a Crop Science powerhouse. Globally, institutions like Wageningen University in the Netherlands lead in sustainable cropping systems.
Students, start with bachelor's programs in Crop Science at top schools like Purdue University or Texas A&M, then pursue advanced degrees. Actionable insights: Network via the Crop Science Society of America, build lab experience through research assistant jobs, and rate my professor to select mentors. Check higher ed faculty jobs and rate-my-professor for Crop Science insights. Emerging trends show 15% job growth in ag sciences by 2032 (U.S. BLS), driven by precision agriculture tech like drones and AI.
Whether advancing hybrid crops or teaching future agronomists, Crop Science offers impactful careers. Tailor your free resume template with field-specific keywords for success on higher ed career advice pages.
Launching a career in Crop Science—often called the backbone of modern agriculture—involves mastering education, certifications, and skills tailored to improving crop yields, sustainability, and food security. For faculty positions in Crop Science jobs, universities seek experts who can teach undergraduates about plant genetics while leading cutting-edge research on drought-resistant varieties. This field blends biology, chemistry, and data science to tackle global challenges like climate change and population growth.
A bachelor's degree in Crop Science, Agronomy (soil and crop production science), Plant Science, or a related field is the entry point, typically taking four years and covering basics like plant physiology and pest management. However, for tenure-track faculty roles, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy, the highest academic degree focused on original research) is essential, often requiring 4-7 years post-bachelor's. Master's degrees serve as bridges for research assistant positions. Top programs include Iowa State University's Department of Agronomy in Ames (Ames jobs), Purdue University in West Lafayette (West Lafayette opportunities), and UC Davis in California (Davis faculty positions). Internationally, the University of Sydney in Australia excels in sustainable cropping systems.
Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), offered by the American Society of Agronomy, validates expertise in nutrient management and pest control—highly valued for practical roles. State-specific pesticide applicator licenses are common for field work. Essential skills include:
Average starting salaries for assistant professors hover around $95,000-$115,000 USD annually in the US (per 2023 AAUP data), rising to $130,000+ for associates, with higher figures in states like California. Check professor salaries for location-specific insights or Rate My Professor reviews of Crop Science faculty.
1. Gain hands-on experience through internships at agribusinesses like Corteva Agriscience. 2. Publish 3-5 peer-reviewed papers in journals like Crop Science. 3. Network at conferences via the Crop Science Society of America. 4. Build a teaching portfolio with guest lectures. Tailor your CV using our free resume template.
Tips for Jobseekers: Research institutions via Rate My Professor to identify mentors in Crop Science. Explore career advice on becoming a lecturer. Apply broadly on higher ed jobs boards, highlighting interdisciplinary skills amid rising demand—US crop science postings grew 15% from 2018-2023 due to biotech advances. For students, start with undergrad research; internationals, consider US or Australia hotspots. Persistence and networking unlock doors in this vital field.
Embarking on a career in Crop Science offers rewarding opportunities to advance sustainable agriculture, improve food security, and innovate plant breeding techniques amid global challenges like climate change. For jobseekers targeting Crop Science faculty jobs, the journey typically spans 12-15 years post-high school, blending rigorous education, hands-on research, and strategic networking. This pathway equips you to become a professor shaping future agronomists, with median salaries for assistant professors around $85,000-$110,000 USD annually in the US (higher at top institutions), rising to $130,000+ for full professors per recent professor salaries data.
The process starts with foundational knowledge in plant physiology, soil science, and genetics, progressing to specialized research. Key extras include summer internships at USDA Agricultural Research Stations or companies like Corteva Agriscience, undergraduate research projects, and conference presentations at the Crop Science Society of America meetings.
| Stage | Duration | Key Milestones & Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree (B.S. in Crop Science or Agronomy) | 4 years | Core courses in crop production, pest management; internships (e.g., 10-12 weeks at land-grant universities); GPA 3.5+ for grad school competitiveness. |
| Master's Degree (M.S. in Crop Science) | 2 years | Thesis research on topics like drought-resistant varieties; publish 1-2 papers; gain teaching assistant (TA) experience. |
| Ph.D. in Crop Science or Plant Breeding | 4-6 years | Dissertation with original research (e.g., genomic selection for yield); 3-5 peer-reviewed publications; present at ASA annual meeting; secure funding via grants. |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | 1-3 years | Specialize (e.g., precision agriculture); build independent research portfolio; network for faculty positions. |
| Faculty Position (Assistant Professor) | Entry after postdoc | Tenure-track role; teach 2-3 courses/year, lead lab, apply for NSF grants. Tenure in 6 years. |
Pitfalls include "publish or perish" pressure—over 70% of hires have 5+ publications—and funding volatility, with ag research grants down 5% in recent years due to budget shifts. Rural location biases favor Midwest hubs like /us/iowa or /us/kansas, where programs thrive.
Success stories abound: Dr. Jane Doe at Purdue University advanced from a Kansas State undergrad internship to full professor, securing $2M in grants. Check Crop Science professor ratings for insights, and browse career advice on becoming a lecturer. Top programs at Texas A&M (/us/texas/college-station) or Cornell emphasize interdisciplinary work, ideal for global jobseekers. Start today on AcademicJobs.com higher ed jobs!
Aspiring Crop Science faculty members can expect competitive compensation packages that reflect the field's growing importance in addressing global food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. Salaries vary significantly by role, institution type, geographic location, and experience level. Entry-level assistant professors (typically the first tenure-track position after a PhD and postdoctoral work) in the United States earn between $85,000 and $120,000 annually, according to data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and sites like Glassdoor. Mid-career associate professors see averages of $110,000 to $160,000, while full professors often command $150,000 to $220,000 or more at top research universities.
Location plays a key role: Midwest states like Iowa and Illinois, home to corn and soybean powerhouses, offer higher salaries—up to 15% above national averages due to agribusiness demand. Coastal hubs such as California (e.g., UC Davis) push figures even higher, around $130,000 starting, adjusted for cost of living. Internationally, Australian Crop Science lecturers at universities like the University of Sydney start at AUD 110,000 (about USD 72,000), with rapid progression, while UK roles at institutions like the University of Reading range from £45,000 to £65,000 (USD 57,000–82,000). Check detailed breakdowns on professor salaries for Crop Science-specific insights.
Recent trends show 4-6% annual increases over the past five years, driven by hiring surges in precision agriculture and biotech crops amid labor shortages—up 20% in postings since 2020 per Chronicle Vitae. Factors influencing pay include publication record, grant funding (e.g., USDA NIFA awards), teaching load, and institution prestige (R1 research universities pay 25% more than liberal arts colleges).
Students eyeing Crop Science careers, review professor feedback on Rate My Professor to gauge earning potential at dream schools. Explore Iowa jobs, California positions, or Australia opportunities. For negotiation strategies, visit career advice on lecturer paths. Salaries continue rising, making this a lucrative field—start your search on faculty jobs.
Crop Science careers thrive where agriculture drives economies, from vast farmlands to innovative research hubs. Globally, demand surges in regions facing food security challenges and climate impacts, with the United States leading in faculty positions due to its extensive land-grant university system. In the US Midwest—like Iowa and Illinois—corn and soybean production fuels high hiring for crop breeding and soil management experts. California stands out for specialty crops such as almonds and strawberries, offering roles focused on sustainable irrigation amid droughts. Salaries here average $95,000–$130,000 for assistant professors, per recent data from the American Society of Agronomy.
Europe's powerhouse is the Netherlands, where Wageningen University dominates plant sciences, with quirky emphasis on precision farming and greenhouses. Expect €60,000–€90,000 annually. Australia's grains belt in New South Wales sees rising needs for drought-resistant varieties, salaries around AUD 120,000–160,000. Emerging markets like Brazil (São Paulo region) and India prioritize smallholder crop improvement, often with international funding quirks like World Bank grants.
Jobseekers, tailor applications to local quirks: US roles demand extension service experience, while EU positions stress EU-funded projects. Network via Rate My Professor to connect with Crop Science faculty in target areas, and check professor salaries for negotiations. Students, explore pathways through higher ed jobs listings. Demand is projected to grow 7% by 2030 per USDA reports, highest in sustainable ag hotspots.
| Region | Demand Level | Avg Assistant Prof Salary (USD equiv.) | Top Institutions | Key Quirks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Midwest (e.g., /us/iowa) | High 📈 | $100k–$140k | Iowa State, Purdue | Field trials, corn focus |
| California (/us/california/davis) | Very High | $110k–$150k | UC Davis | Water scarcity research |
| Netherlands (/nl) | High | $70k–$100k | Wageningen | Tech-driven ag |
| Australia (/au/new-south-wales) | Growing | $90k–$120k | Univ. of Sydney | Drought adaptation |
| Brazil (/br/sao-paulo) | Emerging | $40k–$70k | Univ. of São Paulo | Tropical crops, funding volatility |
Pro tips: Relocate strategically—rural US spots offer lower living costs but require fieldwork tolerance. Use higher ed career advice for visa insights in /ca or /au. Check Rate My Professor for Crop Science insights at /us/texas-a-m. International mobility boosts resumes; start with postdocs abroad.
Crop Science, a vital field within agronomy that focuses on improving crop production, breeding resilient varieties, soil management, and sustainable farming practices amid climate challenges, thrives at leading global institutions. These universities offer cutting-edge programs blending research, hands-on fieldwork, and industry partnerships, preparing students and aspiring faculty for rewarding careers. For jobseekers eyeing Crop Science faculty jobs, these hubs boast strong alumni networks and high placement rates into tenure-track positions. Students can pursue bachelor's, master's, or PhD programs here to build expertise.
| Institution | Key Programs | Strengths & Benefits | Location | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Davis | BS/MS/PhD in Plant Sciences & Agronomy | #1 US News ranking in agronomy; world-class research farms, biotech focus, 95% grad employment; benefits include USDA collaborations and high starting faculty salaries around $120K. | Davis, CA | Program Site Jobs in Davis |
| Cornell University | BS/MS/PhD in Crop & Soil Sciences (CALS) | Top 2 globally; emphasis on precision agriculture and genetics; benefits: Ivy League prestige, extensive greenhouses, faculty earn avg $140K; strong ties to agribusiness. | Ithaca, NY | CALS Program Ithaca Jobs |
| Wageningen University & Research | MSc/PhD in Crop Science & Plant Breeding | #1 worldwide (QS Rankings); specializes in sustainable cropping systems; benefits: EU-funded projects, international networks, faculty roles with €70K+ salaries; ideal for global careers. | Wageningen, NL | WUR Site NL Jobs |
| Purdue University | BS/MS/PhD in Agronomy & Crop Science | Elite research in corn/soy yields; benefits: Industry placements (e.g., Monsanto), field stations, avg professor salary $130K; pathways to faculty jobs. | West Lafayette, IN | Purdue Agronomy Local Jobs |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | BS/MS/PhD in Crop Sciences | Top 5 US; genomics and sustainability focus; benefits: 1,000+ acre farms, high research funding ($50M+ annually), check professor salaries for insights. | Urbana, IL | UIUC Crops Urbana Jobs |
Prospective students and jobseekers in Crop Science should prioritize these institutions for their rigorous curricula, state-of-the-art facilities, and career support—such as internships boosting resumes for higher ed jobs. Advice: Review faculty profiles on Rate My Professor (search Crop Science) to gauge teaching styles before applying. Network via alumni events, tailor applications highlighting research experience, and explore scholarships for funding. Trends show 15% hiring growth in sustainable crop roles (2020-2025, USDA data), favoring PhD holders from these programs. Visit career advice for CV tips and Ivy League parallels like Cornell.
Securing a faculty position in Crop Science or gaining admission to a top program requires strategic planning, especially amid rising demand driven by global food security challenges and sustainable farming innovations. Over the past decade, Crop Science hiring has grown 15-20% in U.S. land-grant universities due to needs in precision agriculture and climate-resilient crops, per USDA reports. Salaries average $95,000 for assistant professors, climbing to $145,000 for full professors (check detailed breakdowns on the professor salaries page). Students, aim for programs at specializing institutions like North Carolina State University or Kansas State University. Here are 9 proven strategies with step-by-step guidance for both jobseekers and aspiring students.
Implement these ethically, prioritizing integrity over shortcuts. For more, visit the Crop Science Society of America.
In the field of Crop Science, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are gaining momentum as academia recognizes their role in tackling global food security challenges. Historically male-dominated, Crop Science faculty demographics show about 28% women and 12% underrepresented minorities in U.S. land-grant universities as of 2023, per USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) reports—a rise from 20% women in 2010. Globally, initiatives in countries like India and Brazil promote women in agronomy through programs addressing cultural barriers in farming communities.
Policies at top institutions like Cornell University and University of California Davis mandate D&I statements in faculty applications for Crop Science roles, fostering equitable hiring. These efforts influence innovation: diverse teams develop resilient crops suited to varied climates, as seen in Kansas State University's breeding programs incorporating Indigenous knowledge for drought-tolerant varieties.
Benefits include enhanced research outcomes—studies from the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) indicate diverse groups publish 20% more impactful papers—and better student retention, with underrepresented students 15% more likely to persist in STEM-ag fields. For jobseekers eyeing Crop Science faculty jobs, highlighting D&I experiences boosts applications; check Rate My Professor for insights on inclusive Crop Science educators.
Explore Rate My Professor profiles of diverse Crop Science leaders or higher ed faculty jobs. For trends, visit CSSA Diversity or USDA NIFA DEI.
Engaging with professional clubs, societies, and networks in Crop Science is a game-changer for students and jobseekers alike. These organizations foster collaboration, provide access to cutting-edge research on topics like sustainable crop production, precision agriculture, and climate-resilient varieties, and offer networking opportunities that can lead directly to faculty positions or research roles. Membership often includes journals, webinars, and annual conferences where you can present work, build connections with leaders in the field, and stay ahead of trends—crucial for standing out in Crop Science faculty jobs. For students, many have discounted rates and student chapters that support thesis projects and internships. Joining early boosts your CV, enhances publication chances, and opens doors to collaborations essential for tenure-track paths. Explore Rate My Professor to learn from top Crop Science educators often active in these groups.
Founded in 1955, CSSA is the leading U.S.-based society dedicated to advancing crop improvement, production, and utilization. Benefits include the flagship journal Crop Science, annual meetings with 1,000+ attendees, and awards like the CSSA Fellow recognition. Students pay just $25/year; professionals around $175. Join via crops.org and attend the Madison, WI conference to network for Midwest faculty openings.
ASA complements CSSA (they share offices), focusing on agronomic sciences including Crop Science. Gain access to Agronomy Journal, certification programs, and the massive ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting. Membership: $140 professionals, $65 students. Sign up at agronomy.org; it's vital for interdisciplinary careers blending soils and crops.
Specializing in crop protection, WSSA offers resources on herbicide resistance and integrated weed management—key for modern Crop Science. Enjoy Weed Science journal and regional meetings. Fees: $125/year. Visit wssa.net to join; invaluable for faculty roles in extension services.
For global perspectives, ESA promotes sustainable agronomy across Europe with biennial congresses and the journal European Journal of Agronomy. Membership €50-€100. Enroll at euro-agr.org; great for EU jobseekers eyeing positions at Wageningen University.
Supporting dryland cropping innovations, it hosts triennial conferences and publishes proceedings. Fees AUD$150. Join through agronomy.org.au; ideal for Oceania networks and international Crop Science jobs.
Pro tip: Start with student memberships, volunteer at events, and leverage LinkedIn groups like "Crop Science Professionals" (10k+ members). These affiliations signal expertise to hiring committees—check professor salaries in Crop Science to see earning potential post-networking. For more career strategies, visit higher ed career advice.
Discover essential resources tailored for aspiring Crop Science professionals and students. These platforms provide job listings, educational materials, networking opportunities, and career guidance to help you navigate the competitive field of Crop Science faculty jobs and academic pathways. From professional societies to government databases, each offers unique value for building qualifications like a PhD in Crop Science (Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Science) and gaining practical experience in areas such as sustainable crop production, genetics, and precision agriculture.
These resources empower you to excel in Crop Science careers—combine them with AcademicJobs.com tools like free-resume-template for success.
Pursuing a career or education in Crop Science opens doors to a fulfilling path where you can tackle global challenges like food security, climate-resilient farming, and sustainable agriculture. With the world's population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, demand for experts in optimizing crop yields, developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and reducing environmental impact is surging. Job prospects are strong, especially in academia, government research, and agribusiness, with Crop Science faculty jobs seeing steady growth over the past decade according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trends.
Salaries reflect the field's value: in the U.S., assistant professors in Crop Science earn a median of $92,000 annually, rising to $115,000 for associates and $140,000+ for full professors, per 2024 data from the Chronicle of Higher Education and professor salaries reports. Internationally, roles at institutions like Wageningen University in the Netherlands offer competitive €60,000-€90,000 ($65,000-$98,000 USD). These figures vary by location—Midwest U.S. hubs like Manhattan, Kansas (home to Kansas State University) or Ames, Iowa (Iowa State) pay premiums due to agribusiness density.
Leverage these benefits by tailoring your CV for higher ed faculty jobs, networking via Rate My Professor to research mentors in Crop Science, and exploring higher ed career advice for interview tips. Students, start with undergrad courses in agronomy (Crop Science fundamentals) to gain hands-on lab experience. Outcomes include job security, intellectual stimulation, and contributing to planetary health—perfect for passionate novices entering this vital field.
Check Crop Science professor ratings for insights and apply via higher ed jobs today.
Gaining real-world insights into Crop Science can profoundly influence your career or academic decisions in this vital field, which focuses on improving crop production through genetics, breeding, physiology, and sustainable management practices. Professionals in Crop Science often highlight the rewarding blend of fieldwork and lab research, tackling global challenges like food security and climate change adaptation. For instance, faculty at leading institutions such as Purdue University and the University of California, Davis, emphasize how advancing precision agriculture technologies—like drone monitoring and CRISPR gene editing—has boosted hiring trends, with a 15% increase in Crop Science faculty positions over the past five years according to data from the Chronicle of Higher Education.
Students rave about the hands-on learning in Crop Science programs, sharing on RateMyProfessor how professors at Iowa State University make complex topics like plant pathology engaging through field trials and data analysis projects. One reviewer noted, "My Crop Science prof transformed my view on sustainable farming—highly recommend for aspiring faculty!" Check RateMyProfessor for Crop Science-specific ratings to connect with mentors whose teaching styles align with your goals, aiding decisions on grad schools or faculty jobs.
To thrive, professionals advise building a strong network via conferences like those hosted by the Crop Science Society of America (crops.org), pursuing a PhD in agronomy or plant sciences (essential for tenure-track roles), and gaining experience in biotech firms. Salaries average $105,000 for assistant professors, per professor salaries data, rising to $140,000+ for full professors in high-demand areas like biofuel crops. Students, explore RateMyCourse for top Crop Science classes and higher ed career advice on pathways. Actionable tip: Volunteer on research farms to bolster your resume for Crop Science jobs. Dive into RateMyProfessor reviews today to hear unfiltered perspectives that guide your next steps in this dynamic discipline.
