Utah State University

What you'll study

The Plant Sciences curriculum blends fundamental plant biology with applied courses in crop and horticultural production, soil management and plant protection. Core subjects typically include plant physiology, plant anatomy, plant genetics and breeding, soil science, entomology and integrated pest management, plant pathology, and principles of crop production.

Students take laboratory and field-based classes that develop skills in plant identification, propagation, greenhouse and nursery management, irrigation and nutrient management, and use of modern laboratory techniques for plant diagnostics. Coursework also covers experimental design, statistics and data analysis to support student research projects.

Many students choose elective pathways or concentrations that focus on areas such as agronomy and crop management, horticulture and landscape management, turfgrass science, or plant biotechnology. The programme encourages experiential learning through undergraduate research, supervised internships with industry or Extension partners, and capstone projects that apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems.

Entry requirements

Admission to the university typically requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent and completion of preparatory coursework in sciences and mathematics. Applicants are expected to have background study in biology and chemistry; placement or introductory courses in mathematics are commonly required before upper-division Plant Sciences classes.

The department looks for evidence of academic readiness in science and quantitative subjects, and many students strengthen their applications with relevant extracurricular experience such as work or volunteering in gardens, farms, nurseries or research labs. Specific requirements for admission and progression (including any placement testing, prerequisite courses and application steps for declared majors) are set by the university and department, and applicants should consult the university’s admissions pages for the most current information.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Plant Sciences move into a wide range of careers across agriculture, horticulture, environmental management and the plant sciences. Typical roles include crop advisor or agronomist, horticulturist, greenhouse or nursery manager, turf or grounds manager, plant production specialist, pest management specialist, and technical or research positions in seed companies, plant breeding programmes and agricultural laboratories.

Other career paths include work with government agencies and extension services, landscape design and urban forestry, sales and technical support for agricultural inputs, conservation and restoration projects, and entry to graduate programmes in plant science, crop science, ecology or related fields.

Why study at Utah State University

Utah State University’s Plant Sciences programme is delivered within a land‑grant context, providing strong links to applied research, Extension services and industry partners across diverse production systems. Students benefit from access to university greenhouses, on‑campus research farms and off‑campus experiment stations that support hands‑on learning across arid and irrigated environments.

The department emphasises experiential education, offering opportunities for undergraduate research with faculty, internships with agricultural businesses and Extension placements. Small class sizes in upper‑division courses, faculty mentorship and connections to regional producers and companies help students build practical skills and professional networks that support employment and further study.