Sustainable Plant Systems
Sustainable Plant Systems
About
Sustainable Plant Systems
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
College: Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Sustainable plant systems is broken down into five areas of specialization: agroecology, agronomy, horticulture, plant biosciences and turfgrass science. As the population continues to expand, there is an increasing need to limit our reliance upon imports while protecting the environment and ecosystem. Each of these disciplines play a special role in providing the world with plants for food, pleasure and recreation, and environmental improvement.
Get started
Admitted students who indicate their major as sustainable plant systems on their application directly enroll in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. A faculty member in the department is assigned as an advisor to assist students in program planning and is available for academic consultation.
Curriculum
Specializations
Agroecology focuses on understanding and applying ecological principles in crop production to integrate natural biological cycles and controls, make efficient use of resources, enhance environmental quality, and increase biodiversity.
Agronomy is the application of biological, chemical and physical principles to crops and cropping systems to increase their efficiency in converting light and supplemental resources into food, feed and fiber products. Students learn to effectively regulate crop productivity through management decisions as they study the interrelationships among physical and biological factors.
Horticulture is the application of scientific principles to grow vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants as well as business principles to sell the commodities. Horticulture professionals must know many different kinds of plants and their basic characteristics: scientific and common names and how they grow, develop, reproduce and adapt to different environments. Using this knowledge they create growing conditions specific for a plant to have optimal growth and yield and reduce potential problems such as pests and diseases.
Plant biosciences is the study of plant form and function, diversity, reproduction, evolution and uses.
Turfgrass science is an integrated program that studies the grasses used to enhance our environment. Turf reduces glare, noise, air pollution, heat buildup and visual pollution; provides recreational benefits to outdoor sporting events such as golf, football, baseball and soccer; and creates an aesthetically attractive surrounding for homes, buildings and cities. Students learn to manage and maintain turf as they gain knowledge in plant biology, soil and turfgrass science.
Study abroad
Students can study abroad in Chile, China, England, Scotland, South Africa, Poland, Russia, Mexico and the Czech Republic, as well as other nations.
Internship
All students are required to complete an internship locally, nationally or internationally.
Research
Students in the sustainable plant systems major are encouraged to participate in research, working one-on-one with faculty and presenting their work at college and university level forums. Students conducting research can receive a "Distinction" endorsement to their degree.
Student organizations
Student organizations of interest to majors of the sustainable plant systems program include the following:
- OSU Crops and Soils Club
- OSU Weed Science Judging Team
- Soil Judging Team
- Student Farmers Coalition
- Landscape and Floriculture Forum
- Turf Club
- Pi Alpha Xi, the national honor society for horticulture
Possible careers
Agroecology graduates can find careers as conservation scientists, farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers; secondary and postsecondary agricultural sciences and conservation science teachers; and first-line supervisors of farming, fishing and forestry workers. Graduates can also find careers in the Peace Corps and graduate school.
Agronomy graduates are employed by agrochemical, seed, grain and food processing companies and may become independent crop producers or professional agricultural consultants. Within the public sector, agronomists find employment with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), local and regional planning agencies, and the Cooperative Extension Service.
With a specialization in horticulture, a student could be employed as a fruit/vegetable production manager, grower/manager in a greenhouse growing vegetables or ornamentals, nursery grower/manager, garden center manager or plant care specialist, farm market manager, community garden manager, research assistant, or horticulture pest management consultant. Students interested in landscape design and management may find employment as a designer, landscaper, landscape company manager or sales representative, interiorscaper, public or private garden manager or curator, tree care specialist, or landscape pest management consultant.
Plant bioscience opens doors to a diverse array of career pathways including business, research in both governmental and private sectors, teaching, and agricultural extension. Students in plant bioscience are prepared for careers in plant biotechnology, pharmaceutical, energy, and chemical industries; in food and seed companies; in botanical gardens, museums and herbaria; or for graduate study in the field of plant biology and related plant science disciplines.
Turfgrass science graduates may find positions as golf course superintendents and assistants, athletic field managers, grounds maintenance managers, lawn care operators and sod producers.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Fee Information
Tuition Fee
TRY 35,018How to Apply
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
Sustainable Plant Systems
The Ohio State University
United States of America,
Columbus
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