It is used to improve new varieties of agronomic, vegetable, horticultural, and ornamental crops that better meet the needs of agriculture and modern living. Each student plans a course curriculum of basic and applied sciences best suited to his or her individual goals, such as plant biology, plant pathology, entomology, plant physiology, organic chemistry and biochemistry, soils, plant anatomy, plant taxonomy, genetics, and plant breeding. Undergraduates earning a bachelor's degree in Plant Breeding are well equipped to pursue advanced degrees in plant breeding and plant genetics. Careers in directing or leading plant breeding research usually require an advanced degree. View more information about this specialization Plant Pathology Plant Pathology requires broad training in the physical and biological sciences and a general background in crop production with emphasis on crop protection.
Specific requirements depend on a student's career interests.
A core of basic and applied courses is strongly suggested, including chemistry, mathematics, physics, biological sciences, plant breeding, and plant pathology. Courses chosen from Soil, Crop and Atmospheric Sciences, Entomology, Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture, and Fruit and Vegetable Science complete the program. Career options include working as a mycological or microbiological technician, biological research technician, technical representative for agricultural industry, Cooperative Extension agent, plant protection technician, or biology teacher. Students may also pursue graduate work in plant pathology or some other area of biology. View more information about this specialization Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture applies principles of plant science and business management to the production and marketing of florist, nursery, and turfgrass crops, as well as to the selection and management of plants for both indoor and outdoor landscapes.