Career Services Center
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  Career Services Center
University of Delaware
401 Academy Street
Newark, DE 19716
Phone: 302.831.2392
Fax: 302.831.1452
udcareers@udel.edu

Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm
Major Resource Kit

Plant Protection

Plant Protection studies both the basic and applied aspects of insect pests, plant diseases, and weeds. It includes courses emphasizing recognition of pests and strategies for pest management compatible with agriculture and the environment. The major builds from a foundation of basic laboratory and lecture courses, like biology and chemistry. From there, students move into more specific courses in entomology and plant science, including plant pathology, genetics, botany, and soil science.

A degree in Plant Protection, combined with good experience and strong academics, can lead you to a variety of careers - from the lab to the field. Companies like DuPont, AgrEvo, Monsanto, AstraZeneca and many more hire Plant Protection graduates for positions in pest management, field consulting, sales, and research. While some students enter the workforce right after college, others choose to further their education in graduate school, studying subjects such as plant pathology, entomology, integrated pest management, weed science and agronomy. Whatever your goal, we encourage you to participate in internships, job search workshops and career days; to develop your communication skills; and to learn to network with prospective employers.

For more information on any of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources majors, contact the Office of Academic Programs at 831-2508 or stop by 104 Townsend Hall.

Sample Job Titles

Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level Further Education/Experience Often Required
*weed scientist *college professor
*arborculturist *research plant pathologist
*plant pathologist *Cooperative Extension agent
*field manager  
   

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 420 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

- Participate in Internships, Field Experience Placements and Alumni Mentor Network.
-
Sample UD Field Experiences: Rockwood Museum, Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center, DuPont

Some Employers of Plant Protection Majors

  • landscape design companies, garden centers, parks, golf courses
  • wholesale growers, nurseries, greenhouses, florists
  • state/federal government
  • colleges/universities
  • laboratories
  • environmental agencies
  • nature education centers
  • extension services
  • business and industry
  • pest management companies
  • international agricultural agencies

Other Sources of Information

American Farm Bureau Federation
www.fb.org                   

American Society of Agronomy/Crop Science Society of America/Soil Science Society of America 
www.agronomy.org

American Phytopathological Society
www.apsnet.org

American Society of Plant Biologists
www.aspb.org

American Society for Horticultural Science
www.ashs.org

Environmental Career Opportunities
www.ecojobs.com

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Weed Science Society of America 
www.wssa.net

Resources for Finding Employment

Found at the Career Services Center's Career Library (first floor):

  • Blue Hen Careers -- Internships, Part-time, Summer, and Full-time Jobs -- All in one place
  • Careers in Focus - Agriculture (CSE 69)
  • Occupational Guidance for Agriculture (CSE 72)
  • Careers for Environmental Types & Others Who Respect the Earth (CSE 449)
  • The Eco Guide to Careers that Make a Difference (CSE 450)
  • Careers for Plant Lovers & Other Green Thumb Types (CSE 451)
  • Careers in Horticulture & Botany (CSE 451.5)
  • Opportunities in Landscape Architecture, Botanical Gardens, and Arboreta (CSE 452)
  • Careers for Nature Lovers & Other Outdoor Types (CSE 453)
  • Opportunities in Environmental Careers (CSE 454.5)
  • Career Opportunities in Science (CSE 455)
  • Outdoor Careers (CSE 485)
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook (GE 5)
  • Graduate Programs in the Biological Sciences (GS 25)
  • Graduate Programs in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Agricultural Sciences, the Environment & Natural Resources (GS 30)
  • www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Grad School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER LIBRARY located at 401 Academy Street.


Last updated: January 26, 2011 (CH)