Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems

The Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems major, with concentrations in Environmental Horticulture, Sustainable Agriculture, and Turfgrass Science, focuses on the science and practices associated with sustainable plant production and/or use within managed systems. Courses emphasize practices and concepts related to reducing environmental impact during production and in managed land use systems.

Concentrations focus on the production of ornamental and edible crops in controlled environments, greenhouses, nurseries and on farms; management practices for built landscapes and surfaces used for recreational and sporting activities; and the selection and management of ornamental trees, shrubs, grasses, native species, and plants and soils that perform ecosystem services in recreational, urban, and suburban settings to meet functional and aesthetic requirements. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and developing and applying knowledge to solve contemporary problems in individual and team approaches. Students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships.

All students in this major must complete the following courses: BIOL 1108 or 1110; CHEM 1122 or 1124Q or 1127Q; SPSS 1120, 2120, 2125, 2110W or 3660W, and 4210.

The writing in the major requirement is satisfied by SPSS 2110W or 3660W.

Environmental Horticulture Concentration

Students in this concentration must complete the following courses:

1. SPSS 3640;
2. Two of the following: SPSS 3810, 3820, 3830;
3. Two of the following: SPSS 2430, 3410, 3560;
4. Three of the following: SPSS 3440, 3540, 3550, 3610, 3660, 3670, 4650;

Sustainable Agriculture Concentration

Students in this concentration must complete the following courses:

1. SPSS 2100, 2500, 3610, 3620, 3840, 3990;
2. Two of the following: SPSS 3810, 3820, 3830

Turfgrass Science Concentration

Students in this concentration must complete the following courses:

1. SPSS 1100, 1115, 3150, 3620, 3990;
2. Three of the following: SPSS 3810, 3820, 3830, 3840;
3. One of the following: SPSS 2430, 3410, 3550.

Students successfully completing these courses will have met their general education exit requirements for information literacy.

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International first-year applicants must complete either the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir. There is no preference in application choice and only one application is required.

Submission of the $80 application fee (non-refundable) is available through the chosen application. Check or money order is also an acceptable form of payment and should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions directly with the applicant’s name (as seen on the application) and date of birth.