The department offers students the opportunity to work closely with faculty in classroom and field situations. The faculty members provide wide educational experiences for students who major in this department. Formal courses are offered as needed to serve the students in the various degree programs, and additional specialization may be obtained by enrolling in directed study, special topics, seminar, and other courses, with particular faculty members. An internship program also is available to provide students with practical job experience and to open doors for career opportunities. Faculty members are concerned with the needs and interests of individual students.
Questions regarding programs, arrangements, or facilities are welcome.
Under the plant science degree, students can study horticultural science, landscape horticulture, crop management, crop science, and plant protection. Students can choose either a science option or a management option. The science option is recommended for students interested in graduate study or research work directed toward professional careers in the sciences of plant physiology, pathology, breeding, weed control, and agronomic or horticultural production. The management option is for students who are interested in field crop management, pest management, or in the management and operation of commercial nurseries, greenhouses, landscapes, recreational parks, and related industries. Graduates are prepared for employment by agencies and companies such as agricultural consulting firms, farm chemical manufacturers and dealers, state and federal land and water resource organizations, waste management consulting firms, or graduate school.