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Plant Science

Major in plant science at University of Delaware: youtube.com/watch?v=sEtnqQ1rEN4

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

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Science that impacts the world!

Study sustainable landscapes; agronomy; production horticulture; plant pathology; plant biology and genetics; and soils and environmental quality. From the most recent advances in plant molecular biology to the latest methods for growing and maintaining healthy plants, our students incorporate these practices with their evolving knowledge of the plant kingdom. The major offers the flexibility to pursue the areas of plant science that best aligns students with their future goals. Exciting careers in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem sciences, agronomic and horticultural crop production systems, plant science research and biotechnology, and crop protection await you.

AREAS OF STUDY

Plant propagation and production
Plant physiology
Ornamental horticulture
Crop and backyard-food production
Plant pathology
Plant genetics

CAREER OPTIONS

Plant science research
Precision agriculture
Agronomic and horticultural crop production
Sustainable land management
Plant genetics and biotechnology
Plant pathology and integrated pest management
Greenhouse, garden center, or farm management
Landscape services provider

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Plant pathology
Genetics
Physiology
Public horticulture administration

What’s special about this program?

Experiential learning is the cornerstone of this major. Your collaboration with faculty will include a hands-on approach along with one-on-one interactions both in and out of the classroom. Unlike many other U.S. colleges of agriculture, our 350-acre outdoor classroom — which includes state-of-the-art greenhouses, gardens and research laboratory facilities — are located right on our main campus. In addition, you will have access to our unique state-of-the-art Delaware Biotechnology Institute, where “research is recognized internationally and where science is changing the world.” Our renowned faculty will encourage you to collaborate on their research and will help you network with various premier companies and government agencies to land that dream job!

Get Involved

Ag Ambassadors

Agricultural College Council (AgCC)

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity (AGR)

Alpha Zeta (AZ)

American Society of Landscape Architects Student Chapter

Animal Science Club

Beekeeping Club

Blue Hen Birding

Collegiate 4-H

Collegiate FFA

Entomology Club

Equestrian Team

Food Marketing Club

Food Recovery Network

Food Science Club

Horticulture Club

Hydroponics Club

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANNRS)

Pre-Veterinary Club

Philadelphia Flower Show Club

Sigma Alpha Sorority (SA)

Students for the Environment

The Wildlife Society

Sample curriculum

FRESHMAN

PLSC151	Introduction to Crop Science
PLSC101/104	Botany I and lab
PLSC201	Botany II
MATH114 or higher	College Mathematics and Statistics
CHEM101 OR CHEM103/102 or 104	General Chemistry
ENGL110	Seminar in Composition
	PLSC Elective
	University or College Breadth Requirements

SOPHOMORE

PLSC204/205	Introduction to Soil Science and lab
CHEM213/215	Elementary Organic Chemistry and lab
PLSC211	Herbaceous Landscape Plants OR
PLSC212	Woody Landscape Plants
ENWC205	Insects and Society
PLSC270	Biotechnology: Science and Socioeconomic Issues
CHEM214	Elementary Biochemistry OR
PHYS201	Introduction to Physics OR
GEOL107	Geology of Dynamic Earth OR
GEOL105/115	Geological Hazards and Their Human Impact OR
PHYS207	Fundamentals of Physics I
	University or College Breadth Requirements
	Multicultural Requirement

JUNIOR

PLSC300	Principles of Animal and Plant Genetics
PLSC303	Introductory Plant Pathology
PLSC305	Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
	University or College Breadth Requirements
	Free and advanced electives