Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, our ambition to help communities thrive is at the center of our identity. We have identified four major strengths of CALS—food, health, economy, and environment—that we will continue to explore as we seek to help communities thrive. Using these strengths, our work will address many of the grand challenges facing our world, including comprehensive health and wellness, community empowerment, predictive environmental solutions, cultivating lifelong learners, and resilience and efficiency through innovation. There is room for us to excel and grow while focusing on the theme of building thriving communities. By working together, we can all thrive.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Crop and Soil Sciences major prepares students for graduate school and crop-related management careers in the private and public sectors. Students in this major learn the principles of crop production, soil science, nutrient management, and pest management to improve the productivity of large-scale field crops while protecting the environment. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Create a schedule for all required courses and pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Virginia Tech graduation requirements are set based on a student’s entry term to Virginia Tech. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | The SPES Bridge Experience Program provides undergraduate students with hands-on learning opportunities that connect their academic training to real-world applications. Students apply the knowledge they learn from their major and minors to meaningful experiences, such as internships, undergraduate research, and faculty-led service-learning projects, to better prepare themselves to work in industry or pursue graduate degrees. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Nearly 400 undergraduate students, 107 graduate students. 80 faculty members, 43 staff members, 6 postdoctoral associates. 11 research labs and centers, including Kentland Farm, the Soil Testing Lab, and the Urban Horticulture Center, provide students and researchers with exceptional opportunities for discovery and application. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of a transferrable associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Prior learning score requirements:Â https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate in Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science - Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science - Biotechnology Laboratory Technician | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science: Computational & Data Science Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science: Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Education: Grades 6-12 Social Studies Education Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Education: Elementary Education Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Engineering, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Physical and Natural Sciences, Biotechnology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Pre-Medical | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science-Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Biology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science in Degree - Chemistry Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Mathematics | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Medical Lab Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Natural Resources | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Integrated Environmental Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Agriculture Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Biotechnology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Biology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Chemistry, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Mathematics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Atmospheric Sciences, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Astronomy, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Biology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Computational and Data Sciences, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid, Online |
| George Mason University | Chemistry, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Environmental Science, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Geography, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Geology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Mathematics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Medical Laboratory Science, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Neuroscience, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Physics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Statistics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Biology-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Chemistry-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Biochemistry-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Ocean & Earth Sci: Oceanogr-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Physics-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Astrophysics-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Exercise Science-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Science with concentration in Biology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Science with concentration in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Science with concentration in Professional Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Science with concentration in Physics, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Germanna Community College | Associate in Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Radford University | BA in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Biomedical Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Geospatial Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Geospatial Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Health Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Information Science and Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences, Major in Environmental Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Environmental Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Earth Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Central Virginia Community College | AS in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Kinesiology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Public Health Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Science: Mathematics Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Business Administration Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with an Elementary Education (PreK-6) Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Health Science Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Psychology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Social Work Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a STEM Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
| 25-1041.00 | Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-4012.00 | Agricultural Technicians | Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 25-9021.00 | Farm and Home Management Educators | Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 11-9013.00 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities. | Management Occupations |
| 45-1011.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers. | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations |
| 19-4012.01 | Precision Agriculture Technicians | Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1013.00 | Soil and Plant Scientists | Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
Cost To Complete

