Plant and Landscape Systems

A degree in Plant and Landscape Systems aims to educate and develop professionals prepared to design and manage complex plant production, landscape, and soil management systems. Graduates will leverage an appreciation of nature; scientific knowledge and data; and teamwork, communication, and problem–solving skills to become leaders and change makers in agronomic, horticultural, landscape, and turfgrass systems in Nebraska and beyond.

The Plant and Landscape Systems major will include a core to be completed by all students and four options to allow students to specialize in professional areas of interest. The four primary options are:

1. Agronomy
2. Horticulture
3. Landscape Design and Management
4. Turfgrass Science and Management

The core curriculum provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in any career pathway in Plant and Landscape Systems, including courses in plant and soil science, pest biology, systems thinking, technical communication, and career development. Students build on this foundation to pursue focused expertise through a required option. Additionally, students will complement their program of study with two additional areas of professional specialization provided through emphases and/or minors. There are no additional admission requirements beyond the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s core course and performance requirements. Students are assigned a faculty advisor after New Student  Enrollment.

The Agronomy Option provides specialization in managing field crop systems and includes foundational learning experiences in crop and soil management, plant genetics, and physiology. Graduates with an agronomy option will be well–prepared to pursue careers as agronomists, crop consultants and advisers, farm managers, soil conservationists, crop input suppliers/sales representatives, crop research technicians, and farming systems innovators and entrepreneurs.

The Horticulture Option will prepare students to manage specialty crops in field, landscape, greenhouse, and controlled environment systems. This option includes foundational knowledge in plant propagation and physiology, genetics, plant identification and selection, and specialty crop management. Graduates with a horticulture option will be ready for careers as hydroponic and urban agricultural growers; greenhouse or nursery crop managers; farm managers or consultants for vegetable, fruit, nut, herb, floral, or medicinal plants; research associates in field or greenhouse environments; suppliers and sales associates for specialty crop seeds and inputs; and plant–based innovators and entrepreneurs.

The Landscape Design and Management Option will prepare students to design landscapes and manage landscape plants that provide cultural, ecological, and production functions. Students will learn to identify plants and their functional benefits in the landscape, use those plants to design and communicate plans for transforming the landscape, and the technical knowledge to install and manage landscape plants using systems thinking. Students pursuing an option in landscape design and management may be interested in careers as a landscape designer or contractor; habitat restoration specialist; public gardens manager; landscaping business owner; and horticultural therapist.

The Turfgrass Science and Management Option will prepare students to manage turfgrass landscapes and businesses in the golf course, sports turf, sod, and lawn care industries. Students will apply knowledge of soils, turfgrass physiology and management, and pest management from this option to pursue careers as golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, lawn care specialists, and business owners. 
 

College Requirements

College Admission

Requirements for admission into the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) are consistent with general University admission requirements (one unit equals one high school year): 4 units of English, 4 units of mathematics, 3 units of natural sciences, 3 units of social sciences, and 2 units of world language. Students must also meet performance requirements: a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average OR an ACT composite of 20 or higher, writing portion not required OR a score of 1040 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading and Math sections OR rank in the top one-half of graduating class; transfer students must have a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average and 2.0 on the most recent term of attendance.

Admission Deficiencies/Removal of Deficiencies

Students who are admitted to CASNR with core course deficiencies must remove these deficiencies within the first 30 credit hours at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, or within the first calendar year at Nebraska, whichever takes longer, excluding foreign languages. Students have up to 60 credit hours to remove world language deficiencies. College-level coursework taken to remove deficiencies may be used to meet degree requirements in CASNR.

Deficiencies in the required entrance subjects can be removed by the completion of specified courses in the University or by correspondence.

The Office of Admissions, Alexander Building (south entrance), City Campus, provides information to new students on how deficiencies can be removed.

College Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum requirements of the College consist of three areas: ACE (Achievement-Centered Education), College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Core, and Degree Program requirements and electives. All three areas of the College Curriculum Requirements are incorporated within the description of the Major/Degree Program sections of the catalog. The individual major/degree program listings of classes ensures that a student will meet the minimum curriculum requirements of the College.

World Languages/Language Requirement

Two units of a world language are required. This requirement is usually met with two years of high school language.

Experiential Learning

All undergraduates in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources must take an Experiential Learning (EL) designated course.  This may include 0-credit courses designed to document co-curricular activities recognized as Experiential Learning.

Minimum Hours Required for Graduation

The College grants the bachelors degree in programs associated with agricultural sciences, natural resources, and related programs. Students working toward a degree must earn at least 120 semester hours of credit. A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the course of studies and is required for graduation. Some degree programs have a higher cumulative grade point average required for graduation. Please check the degree program on its graduation cumulative grade point average.

Grade Rules

Removal of C-, D, and F Grades

Only the most recent letter grade received in a given course will be used in computing a student’s cumulative grade point average if the student has completed the course more than once and previously received a grade or grades below C in that course.

The previous grade (or grades) will not be used in the computation of the cumulative grade point average, but it will remain a part of the academic record and will appear on any transcript.

A student can remove from his/her cumulative average a course grade of C-, D+, D, D-, or F if the student repeats the same course at the University of Nebraska and receives a grade other than P (pass), I (incomplete), N (no pass), W (withdrew), or NR (no report). If a course is no longer being offered, it is not eligible for the revised grade point average computation process.

For complete procedures and regulations, see the Office of the University Registrar website at http://www.unl.edu/regrec/course-repeats.

Pass/No Pass

Students in CASNR may take any course offered on a Pass/No Pass basis within the 24-hour limitation established by the Faculty Senate. However, a department may specify that the Pass/No Pass status of its courses be limited to non-majors or may choose to offer some courses for letter grades only.

GPA Requirements

A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the course of studies and is required for graduation. Some degree pr

1. Recognize, describe, and assess the value of nature.
2. Manage complex plant and soil systems which provide services for people and the planet.
3. Apply science and technology knowledge to problem solving.
4. Use diverse methods to generate, visualize, and communicate data that reveals truths and
   guides decision making.
5. Demonstrate effective communication to engage a target audience based on available
   information.
6. Lead and contribute to teams to amplify success in problem solving

Application Fee

There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.

Deadlines

Summer/Fall – May 1

Spring – December 1

Additional Documents

In addition to the online application, International First-Year students are required to submit:

• Final secondary school transcript, preferably officially signed and stamped by a principal of secondary school
• Secondary school certificate/diploma
• English proficiency scores
• Bank statement
• Passport copy

English Proficiency Deadlines

To be fully-admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:

Fall Term – July 15

Spring Term – December 1

Summer Term – May 1

Thanks for your interest in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! All admissions materials are to be uploaded via MyRED to complete your application.

You can contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to apply for admission by yourself. You are not required to use an agent to apply for admission or enroll at the University of Nebraska. If you chose to use someone to assist you in applying for admission or enroll for classes, that is your responsibility.

Completed Coursework Requirements

• A broad section of course work in English
• Native language courses
• Math
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score demonstrating proficiency in English. Contact your IELTS testing center or TOEFL to have your official scores sent directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

If you do not meet proficiency requirements, you can still be offered conditional admission.

For more detailed information, see the English Proficiency requirements on this page.

ACT/SAT Requirements

ACT/SAT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but may be required for entry into specific colleges.

Colleges that require ACT/SAT scores:

• College of Architecture
• College of Engineering

Bank Statement Requirements

In order to be issued I-20, you must submit a bank statement to your MyRED account to show sufficient support for the first year of study.

You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met.

Statements must include:

• Student's name
• NUID Number

NOTE: Scholarship letters can be used in place of bank statements.

Items not Required

Letters of recommendation and essays are NOT required for admission.

Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.

Check Your Application Status

Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.

Pay Enrollment Deposit

Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.

Enrollment Deposit

All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.

What is the Enrollment Deposit?

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
  
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.

Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.

Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit :

• Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.
  
  
• Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
• Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.

Refund

The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.

To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.

Requesting Reinstatement

Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
1410 Q St
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417

OR email the committee at: [email protected]

• Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
• Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
• Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.

NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.

Obtain I-20

After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.

Sign Housing Contract

After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.

Complete New Student Enrollment

NSE is a required student orientation program.

Submit English Proficiency Scores

If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.

Prepare for Arrival

There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.

Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information

All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.

In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:

• Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
• Undergo a tuberculosis test

For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.

Health Insurance

• The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
• You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
• Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.