Plant Sciences at Pennsylvania State University Park Campus

The Plant Sciences Major is an applied biological science program designed for students seeking careers in agronomic and horticultural crop production systems and enterprise management, agroecology, sustainable and organic managed and natural ecosystems, crop protection, applied plant physiology, plant science research, and plant biotechnology. Students will secure: (1) a working knowledge of basic plant biology, soils, pests, and pathogens with emphasis on growth, development, and physiology in an ecological and agricultural context, (2) the scientific, technical, and computational approaches to problem solving in an ecological and agricultural context, individually and in teams, (3) the ability to analyze ethical issues regarding ecosystem sustainability, business practices and plant science, and critically evaluate and respect different viewpoints in making management decisions, and (4) a high level of proficiency in written and oral communication, particularly with regard to critical evaluation of scientific issues.

There are four options in the major, providing flexibility for concentrations in areas including production and management systems related to agronomic and horticultural crops, plant biotechnology and breeding, crop physiology, ecology, agroecology, and other aspects of general plant science. Students can choose from diverse course offerings in designing a program of study suited to their needs and professional goals.