Crop Sciences Professional Development Certificate

Elevate your agricultural career with specialized courses in crop sciences to advance your field agronomy expertise.

Credential Type

Graduate Certificate

Cost (2024)

$6,795 - $9,060

Delivery Format

Online

Program Length

9 - 12 Credit Hours

Enrollment

Fall or Spring

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's degree required

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Benefit 1

Deepen your understanding of advanced agricultural practices, helping you to manage crops more effectively and sustainably.

Benefit 2

Enhance your qualifications and credibility in the agricultural industry, opening doors to advanced career opportunities and leadership roles.

Benefit 3

Apply cutting-edge research and techniques directly to your work, improving yield, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in your agricultural practices.

Overview

This certificate is for industry professionals, agricultural specialists, and crop science practitioners. 

It allows you to explore in-depth courses on advanced agricultural practices and crop sciences, enhancing your expertise and professional development.

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Skills You Will Learn

Upon completing this certificate, you will:

  • Develop expertise in crop management practices that optimize yield and sustainability. 
  • Apply advanced techniques in precision agriculture to enhance resource efficiency. 
  • Analyze data from field trials to make informed decisions about crop production. 
  • Implement pest and disease management strategies that reduce environmental impact. 
  • Integrate new technologies and innovations into current agricultural systems. 
  • Collaborate with industry professionals to solve complex agricultural challenges. 
  • Contribute to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices in your region.
Crop sciences professional skills

Build Skills that Matter

Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in your field and create meaningful impact.

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Course Details

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The Crop Sciences Professional Development Certificate consists of the following requirements:

  • Complete one 500-level approved course
  • Complete two 400-level approved courses (at least two credit hours or more)
  • Complete two Crop Sciences courses (CPSC)
  • Complete one approved course within the College of ACES
  • Take courses for academic credit and earn a "B" or better for all courses

How to Enroll

Applying for this Certificate

To apply for a graduate certificate program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College

The following items are required for your application:

  • Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.
  • Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), academic background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Please limit your resume to two pages. 
  • English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you must upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.

Receiving your Certificate

For all students, after courses are completed, confirm your completion of the requirements. 

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Steps to apply as a certificate student

  1. Navigate to choose.illinois.edu/apply
  2. Create an account or Log in (as a returning users). 
  3. Click Start New Application.
  4. Read the Instructions. Click the Continue button (bottom of page).
  5. Enter your Personal Information. Click the Continue button.
  6. Complete the Residency Information. Click the Continue button.
  7. In the left menu (on a desktop) or from the dropdown list (mobile), click the Program link.
  8. In the “Proposed Program of Study” section, select the following Program and Degree from the dropdown options.
    1. Program: Crop Sciences
    2. Degree: Crop Sciences Professional Development Non-Degree Certificate (Online)-NDEG 
  9. Complete the remaining applicable areas of the application and submit.

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