Field crop science covers a wide spectrum, from field-scale applied projects to cell physiology and biotechnology. Studies seek to improve crop productivity and quality, both nationally and internationally, and to identify physiological factors that could be improved through plant breeding or genetic engineering.
Soil science focuses on the processes and properties of the soil environment.
It emphasizes improving the suitability of soil for crop growth while preserving its value as a natural resource by using ecologically sound approaches. For an application, visit the Graduate School's website at Cornell University. Fields of teaching and research include atmospheric chemistry, dynamic meteorology, economic geology, geochemistry, geophysics, mineralogy, oceanography, paleontology, petrology, sedimentology, seismology, stratigraphy, and structural geology. In addition, courses may be taken in chemistry, physics, engineering, or biology. Under reciprocal arrangements, graduate students at Harvard may take and receive credit for courses given at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.