Agroecology, B.S

The Department of Plant Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Agroecology jointly with the Ecosystem Science and Management Department, and three minors. Minors offered by Plant Sciences include Agroecology, Horticulture, and Plant Protection. The minor in Horticulture includes courses in plant propagation, organic food production, greenhouse design and management, and introductory horticulture. The minor in Plant Protection includes courses in agronomy, plant genetics, plant pathology, and weed science. These minors allow students within many bachelors programs to obtain an added emphasis in areas that enjoy strong employment opportunities.

A B.S. degree in agroecology prepares students for careers in agriculture, natural resources, environmental and life sciences and for advanced graduate studies in specific subdisciplines within these areas. It is a broad, interdisciplinary, undergraduate curriculum that combines and integrates courses in the crop, horticulture, disease, weeds, soil, and insect sciences and is supported by a science-based curriculum and general education. Flexibility is built into the agroecology curriculum to readily accommodate students seeking to pursue an emphasis or obtain a minor in a specific discipline. To that end the breadth of the curriculum is balanced with greater depth in biology, chemistry, crop science, entomology, environmental studies, natural resource management, soil science, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, turf management, pre-veterinary medicine, rangeland ecology and watershed management, animal science, microbiology, and molecular biology. A liberal number of electives permits design of a program that best meets individual career and educational objectives. The agroecology program is well suited for students who possess a strong interest in, and an aptitude for, science, agriculture, the environment, life sciences, or natural resources.

The agroecology core curriculum is comprised of freshman- through senior-level courses that illustrate dynamic and complex interactions of plants, soils, and plant pests (diseases, insects, weeds) with the environment. Academic training is enhanced with experiential learning through research apprenticeships, internships, field studies, and special agroecology capstone courses. Special emphasis is given to development of critical thinking and communication skills, problem solving, and application of science. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for “real world” situations.

Agroecology B.S. degree recipients are prepared for careers with private and public institutions and agencies in such areas as: agricultural consulting, production or sales, research, product development, education, extension education, international programs, and scientific and technological support. These careers include but are not limited to: soil scientist, conservationist, entomologist, consultant, plant scientist, integrated pest management specialist, ecologist, research associate or technician, agronomist, biotechnician, and agroecologist. Degree recipients are also prepared for graduate education in biological and environmental sciences.

The combined Plant Sciences B.S./M.S. Quickstart program enables highly-qualified students to be admitted to the M.S. program during the junior year of their B.S. program, and to work thereafter toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Accepted students would earn a B.S. degree in either Agroecology or Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management and the M.S. degree in Plant Sciences.

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