The program provides a broad entomological education with opportunities to specialize in such areas as agricultural and aquatic entomology, biological control, host plant resistance, insect ecology, physiology, and insect-plant relations. The curriculum is designed for students pursuing professional careers in the basic and applied fields of entomology, or for those interested in continuing their education at the graduate level. Graduate students have access to one of the Pacific Northwest's outstanding insect collections and comprehensive entomological libraries. Under the plant science degree, students can study horticultural science, landscape horticulture, crop management, crop science, and plant protection. Many courses emphasize environmental concerns, ecological relationships, and sustainability of agricultural systems.
Students can choose either a science option or a management option.
The science option is recommended for students interested in graduate study in plant sciences or interested in research work. It is designed for those who would like to pursue professional careers in the sciences of plant physiology, pathology, breeding, weed control, and agronomic or horticultural production. Students can tailor their plant science curriculum to meet individual needs and interests. 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. The curriculum includes courses in basic sciences emphasizing the production and management of crops or horticultural systems that are economically significant to Idaho and the nation.