The department's educational philosophy is to minimize prescriptive procedures and provide students with analytic tools for applying scientific knowledge to practical problems. The Plant, Soil, and Horticulture Science curriculums prepare students for advanced degrees and careers in research, with both government agencies as well as private sector agribusiness. Resources include a biotechnology lab, extensive facilities for soils and water conservation studies, and an analytical lab equipped with a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and a gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer. The Earth and Environmental Science curriculum includes studies of water quality, soil utilization and waste management. The program provides professional environmentalists with the academic backgrounds for balancing the necessities of food production and prudent use of natural resources.
Coursework includes physics, mathematics, engineering and other applied sciences.
Students learn the basics of computer-aided design, erosion modeling, water quality and water resources engineering, hydrology, Landscape architecture encompasses the artful design, wise management and thoughtful planning of both manmade and natural environments. Landscape architecture projects ranges from intimate, detailed spaces to regional land-use and development plans. Core courses include conceptual design, plant materials, landscape history and theory, landscape planning, landscape materials and construction, planting design, graphics and natural sciences. The curriculum prepares students for an array of careers. Students learn to create ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing environments that at the same time meet complex social needs.