Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many Teaching Assistants (TAs) will be teaching me?

A. Within the Department of Crop Sciences and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in general, TAs are only used in lab and discussion sections. Lectures are taught by professors.

Q. What is the average class size?

A. The average class size for freshmen and sophomore Crop Sciences classes is 15 for the lab sections and 32 for lectures. The average class size for junior and senior classes is 12 for lab sections and 28 for lectures.

Q. How many of the professors have a Ph.D.?

A. Within the Department of Crop Sciences, all of the professors have a Ph.D. Take a look at the Faculty Directory for more specific information on faculty members.

Q. How many professors are doing research/publishing?

A. Almost all professors in the Department of Crop Sciences do research and publish the results of their research. A few professors are primarily involved in teaching and extension. Take a look at the Faculty Directory for more specific information on faculty members.

Q. If I have questions or need help, who do I talk to?

A. Each student has a faculty advisor from within your chosen curriculum option.

Q. How easy is it to get help?

A. Faculty members are easily accessible. Each faculty member can be reached by phone, e-mail, or by simply showing up during posted office hours. Meeting times can be arranged when necessary. Additionally, the Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator, Frederic L. Kolb (e-mail f-kolb@uiuc.edu), and the Graduate Coordinator, Germán Bollero, are available to answer any of your questions.

Q. Can I work on a research project?

A. JBT Undergraduate Research Scholarships are available to qualified juniors and seniors to work with individual faculty members on one semester research projects. Many undergraduates conduct special research problems under the guidance of a faculty member. A student will receive college credit towards graduation for either the JBT or special problems research projects under CPSC 294 - Research Experience in Crop Sciences.

Additionally, many faculty members hire undergraduates to assist with research. Both part-time work during the academic year and full-time work during the summer are available.

All graduate students are required to work on research pertaining to their curriculum option.

Q. How can I get real world experience?

A. In addition to working on a part-time basis within the department, one can participate in an internship program with various agricultural enterprises, whether it be production or technological service. This gives one a real world experience. Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors can receive academic credit for an internship under CPSC 293 - Crop Sciences Internship.

Q. How easy is it for graduates from the Department of Crop Sciences to find jobs?

A. Graduates with Crop Sciences degrees have averaged over two job offers each. There is a continual demand for Crop Sciences majors.

Q. What is the average starting salary for graduates from the Department of Crop Sciences?

A. Crop Sciences graduates have averaged $6300 over the college average. The average starting salary in 2005 for graduates of the Department of Crop Sciences was $38,896.

Additional questions or comments about majors in Crop Sciences can be directed to Frederic L. Kolb. Additional questions or comments about graduate programs in Crop Sciences can be directed to Germán Bollero.