Sustainability in Food & Environmental Systems

Major Description

Students pursuing a degree in the Sustainability in Food and Environmental Systems (SFES) program will analyze, investigate, and propose solutions for issues of sustainability, security, and justice within food and environmental systems. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine the science and practice of food production systems, evaluate policies and laws associated with food security across urban, environmental, economic, social, and health contexts, and analyze the ways resources and influence impact food production and environmental sustainability.

Students in this program can customize their experience by delving deeper into a specialization area of interest, including (but not limited to): policy and law, climate change and society, food production systems, or resources and influence. Within each of these specialization areas, students will examine behaviors and decision-making practices of people, communities, and the economy. Graduates of this program will be prepared for jobs that require skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific literacy, communication, and leadership.

More About SFES

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

NRES 100: Fundamentals of Environmental Science
ACES 102: Intro Sustainable Food Systems
HORT 100: Introduction to Horticulture
CPSC 112: Introduction to Crop Sciences

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Students majoring in Sustainability in Food and Environmental Systems typically find career opportunities in various sectors focused on environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and food systems management. After graduation, they may work in:

Corporate Sustainability Departments
Sustainable Agriculture
Environmental Education and Outreach
Food Policy and Advocacy Groups
Environmental Consulting Firms
Government Agencies
Nonprofit Organizations and NGOs

Common Career Skills

Food Systems Management
Sustainability Reporting and Analysis
Environmental Impact Assessment
Resource Management
Data Collection and Analysis
Collaboration and Teamwork
Community Engagement and Education
Project Management

Common Career Titles

Sustainability Coordinator
Environmental Consultant
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
Resource Manager
Environmental Educator
Environmental Project Manager
Food Policy Advocate
Environmental Compliance Specialist

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research & internships
Horticulture Club
Grow2Give
Illinois Alt. Protein Project
Project4Less
Students for Environmental Concerns
Red Bison Ecological Restoration

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to sustainability in food and environmental systems, such as the below organizations:

Plant Biotechnology

Major Description

With a Plant Biotechnology degree, you can help feed billions sustainably, improve our planet’s health, and make a direct impact on agriculture and the world. Advance plant breeding and plant improvement by learning critical skills in molecular biology, genetics, and genomics. Plant biotechnology is a part of our daily lives in applications such as developing nutritionally enhanced foods, enabling sustainable agricultural production, and engineering plants for industrial and medical purposes. The Plant Biotechnology major provides an interdisciplinary curriculum integrating the science and practice of crop production through courses in molecular biology, genetics and genomics, biochemistry, plant protection, data analysis, and more.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

CPSC 102—Foundational Skills in Crop Sciences
CPSC 112—Introduction to Crop Sciences
CPSC 212—Introduction to Plant Protection
CPSC 261—Biotechnology in Agriculture
IB 103—Introduction to Plant Biology

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Areas of Employment for Plant Biotechnology graduates include, but are not limited to: Biotechnology, Plant Protection, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Business, Academic or Governmental Research, Environmental Science, Food Science, Research and Development, Medicine and Pharmaceuticals, and Patent Law.

Common Career Skills

Knowledge of applied plant biology, genetics and genomics, biochemistry, plant protection, data analysis, and more
Problem solving abilities
Proficiency with independent and cooperative work
Quantitative reasoning
Self-directed learning
Written and oral communication skills

Common Career Titles

Plant Genome Engineering Research Associate
Plant Protection and Quarantine officer
Plant Breeder
Plant Pathologist
Plant Diagnostician
Molecular Breeding and Genotyping Scientist
Geneticist Plants Researcher
Research Plant pathologist
Crop Consultant
FDA food inspector
Horticulturalist
Lab Technician
Agronomic Research Scientist
Ag business consultant

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Plant Biotechnology. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Plant Biotechnology. These organizations include American Association of Plant Biologists (ASPB), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Genetics Society of America (GSA), and The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB).

Nutrition and Health

Major Description

This major provides the background for students who plan to pursue careers in nutrition and related health sciences. This major focuses on the field of human nutrition and reflects the growing need to prepare individuals for careers in health and nutrition. For students who expect to pursue advanced degrees in nutritional sciences or professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, or law, the Nutrition and Health major may be chosen. This major emphasizes a strong science background and allows students to obtain a strong human nutrition preparation that is not available elsewhere on campus. For those interested in practicing nutrition or nutrition counseling, please see the Dietetics and Nutrition, BS

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

FSHN 101: The Science of Food and How it Relates to You
CHEM 102 & CHEM 103: General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I
FSHN 120: Contemporary Nutrition

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Nutrition and Health students can go on to work in diverse industries that focus on improving health and wellness through nutrition. They often take up opportunities in dentistry, healthcare, or public health organizations, working as dentists, dietitians, nutritionists, or wellness coordinators. Many graduates also pursue roles in the food industry, contributing to product development, quality assurance, and food safety for companies like Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, and PepsiCo. Additionally, some students work in community and public health, joining organizations like the USDA or the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop and implement nutrition programs that address public health concerns. Others may find positions in research, academia, or corporate wellness, where they contribute to advancing nutritional science or promoting healthy eating habits within workplaces.

Common Career Skills

Food and Science Safety
Medicinal Nutrition Therapy
Dietary Planning
Research
Data Analysis
Clinical Skills
Professionalism

Common Career Titles

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Clinical Dietitian
Public Health Nutritionist
Research Nutritionist
Food Scientist
Wellness Coordinator
Health Coach
Nutritional Epidemiologist

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

Major Description

NRES is a unique, interdisciplinary program that brings biological, physical, and social scientists together to teach and discover solutions that improve the health and sustainability of urban and natural ecosystems. This major provides a science-based, application-oriented education that includes multiple field courses emphasizing hands-on experience and skills outside of the classroom. The NRES major prepares students for careers in management and conservation of natural resources; the study of environmental sciences, teaching, or research; business or government agencies providing services related to environmental and natural resource management; and graduate studies.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

NRES majors choose one of four concentrations.

Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology emphasizes the ecology, conservation, and sustainable management of fish and wildlife species and communities. It is designed for students interested in understanding interactions among humans, wild animals, and their habitats. The concentration includes coursework in conservation of threatened and endangered species, management of harvested species, aquatic ecosystem conservation, animal behavior, vertebrate natural history, identification of animals and plants, and advanced ecology.

Environmental Science and Management

Environmental Science and Management emphasizes the biological, chemical, and physical features of the environment. It is designed for students interested in the management of soil and water resources and in understanding how to protect and improve environmental quality. The concentration includes coursework in environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, ecohydrology, and environmental quality, as well as courses focused more specifically on soil and water sciences.

Human Dimensions of the Environment

The Human Dimensions of the Environment emphasizes the social scientific interpretations of human-environment interactions at multiple levels, as well as on applied policy and management implications. This concentration requires advanced coursework in behavior change science, natural resource economics, environmental and conservation psychology, communications, social impact assessment, environmental policy, and environmental law.

Ecosystem Stewardship and Restoration Ecology

Ecosystem Stewardship and Restoration Ecology emphasizes the ecology, structure, and function of ecosystems, with a particular focus on plant communities and their interactions with the living and non-living parts of ecosystems. It is designed for students interested in the fundamental properties and practices underlying the restoration and management of soil, watershed, wetland, forest, and grassland ecosystems. The concentration includes coursework in the areas of restoration, landscape, and plant ecology, as well as courses focused on specific ecosystems (e.g. streams wetlands, agroecosystems), invasive species, community ecology, and ecosystem science.

Courses That Introduce the Major

NRES 102—Introduction to NRES or NRES 100 – Fundamentals of Environmental Sciences
NRES 287—Environment and Society

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

NRES graduates work in environmental science and natural resource management positions in government, corporations, consulting firms, and non-governmental organizations.

Common Career Skills

Collect and manage research and monitoring data
Concepts and tools of Geographic Information Systems
Identify and assess the quality and relevance of scholarly information related to environmental issues
Integrate bio-physical and social sciences to solve environmental problems using a systems approach
Oral and written communication for peers, managers, stakeholders, and public
Recognize and differentiate among perceptual, social, political, and economic theories relevant to human-environment interactions
Sensitivity to diverse peoples, cultures, values and their roles in environmental management
Understand the ecological principles underpinning management of populations, communities, and ecosystems
Understanding of scientific methods and ways of knowing
Working in groups, both within and across disciplines, and ability to discuss environmental issues from different perspectives

Common Career Titles

Aquatic Ecologist
Conservation Biologist
Conservation Officer or Manager
Ecologist
Environmental Attorney
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Educator
Environmental Protection Specialist
Forest Economist
Land Use Planner
Lobbyist
Managers of Parks, Forests and Rangeland
Naturalist
Nature Center Director
Plant Nutrient Consultant
Plant Physiologist
Policy Analyst
Professor
Researcher
Restoration Ecologist
Soil Conservationist or Scientist
Watershed Manager
Fisheries Conservationist
Forest Ranger
Forester
GIS/GPS Technician
Hydrologist
Litigation Support Analyst
Natural Resource Technician
Park Ranger
Project Manager
Water/Wastewater Plant Operator
Wildlife Manager
Zoo Researcher
Zoo Studbook Analyst

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of NRES. These organizations include The Ecological Society of America, National Association of Environmental Professionals, Society for Ecological Restoration, and The Wildlife Society.

Human Development & Family Studies

Major Description

Students majoring in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) learn about social issues that affect the health and well-being of children, adults, and families within the context of everyday life. HDFS combines coursework with in-person experiences to gain an understanding of how children and youth develop, how families function effectively and manage stress, and how to improve the lives of children and families. Many of our students enrich their learning through our child development lab, The Autism Program, study abroad experiences, practicum and internships, and assisting in faculty research projects.

HDFS is a major that sets the foundation for becoming a doctor, lawyer, counselor, nurse, family specialist, child advocate, human resource specialist, occupational therapist, marriage and family therapist, physical therapist, and more.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Students in Human Development & Family Studies can pursue the Gateways Family Specialist Credential.

Courses That Introduce the Major

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Most HDFS majors continue their education in graduate or professional school, earning credentials needed to enter the medical field, or become counselors, occupational therapists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, attorneys, and more.

With a bachelor’s degree in HDFS students can become child life specialists, head teachers in child care settings, human resource specialists, adoption agents, mental health case managers, and other social service jobs related to children or families.

Common Career Skills

Understand important and influential relationships people have within their families
Improve the quality of life for diverse people
Design research studies to better understand health and well-being across the lifespan
Intervene in developmentally appropriate ways
Critique the repercussions of family policies
Impact the world in a scientific and thoughtful way

Common Career Titles

Pediatrician
Occupational Therapist
Child Life Specialist
Nurse
Family Lawyer
Family Specialist
Adoption Specialist
Human Resources Specialist
Counselor
Developmental Therapist
School counselor
Social Worker

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Human Interest Professionals Club: provides students with opportunities to volunteer in the community, enhance their leadership skills, and develop as professionals.
- Illinois Student Council on Family Relations (ISCFR)
- UIUC Child Life Association
- Human Development and Family Studies Ambassadors
- More information about HDFS student organizations

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Human Development and Family Studies. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Human Development and Family Studies. These organizations include National Council on Family Relations, Society for Research in Child Development, and American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences.

Hospitality Management

Major Description

The Hospitality Management major prescribes courses that meet the professional needs of the hospitality industry and career goals of students entering the major. The major is designed for students interested in integrating the basic principles of business and hospitality management with the goal of pursuing professional and management careers in hospitality-related industries. The program comprises 35 hours of hospitality-related course work, including food science; food management; nutrition; sanitation; purchasing; and the management of institutional, commercial, and fine dining facilities. Through the integration of food-focused theory, practice, and experience, the mission of the program is to prepare leaders in the hospitality industry with a foundation in science, business, and management.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

FSHN 101: The Science of Food and How it Relates to You
FSHN 120: Contemporary Nutrition
FSHN 140: Introduction to Hospitality
FSHN 145: Intro Hospitality Management

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Hospitality Management students at Illinois go on to work in a variety of dynamic industries that focus on customer service, event management, and operations. Graduates find opportunities in sectors such as:

Hotels and Resorts
Corporate Hospitality
Restaurant Management
Food and Beverage Management
Event planning
Tourism

Common Career Skills

Quality Assurance and Compliance
Leadership and Team Management
Customer Service
Operations Management
Sales and Business Development
Marketing and Sales
Human Resources
Networking
Problem-Solving

Common Career Titles

Hospitality Management graduates from Illinois can pursue a variety of career titles across different sectors of the hospitality industry, including:

Hotel, Restaurant, or Resort Manager
Food and Beverage Manager
Sales and Marketing Manager
Catering Manager
Hospitality Consultant
Operations Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Hospitality Management Association

Further Information

Food Science

Major Description

As a food science student, you’ll explore the physical, microbial, and chemical properties of food to enhance production and develop new products. Gain hands-on experience in our Pilot Processing Plant, network with industry professionals, and collaborate on solving real-world food science challenges. Our dedicated faculty, including IFT fellows and award-winning teachers, are committed to providing transformative learning experiences.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

FSHN 101 The Science of Food and How it Relates to You
FSHN 175 Science of Fermented Foods
FSHN 193 Edible Entrepreneurialism – Feeding Ideas for the Future
FSHN 231 Food Systems: Cacao & Chocolate

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

As graduates, food scientists advance the science of food, improve and develop safe, nutritious, delicious, and sustainable foods, and mass produces these foods that are available on the market. You’ll have the foundation to become a leader in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries, as well as in government research organizations.

Common Career Skills

Critical thinking
Problem solving
Analytical decision making
Numeracy
Networking
Team building, working, and managing

Common Career Titles

Food Scientist/Technologist
Food Product Developer
Sensory Scientist
Food Chemist
Food Engineer
Food Safety Specialist

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Association of Food Technologists (AFT)

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Food Science. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of Food Science. These organizations include the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Chicago Section of IFT.

Engineering Technology & Management for Agricultural Systems

Major Description

Engineering Technology & Management for Agricultural Systems (ETMAS, formerly known as Technical Systems Management) is designed to prepare students as problem solvers for systems involving the application, management, and marketing of agricultural engineering technologies. Students are instructed in engineering and business principles in preparation for professional careers as entrepreneurs, marketing representatives, or plant managers working with service organizations, manufacturers, corporate farms, retail dealers, power suppliers, contractors, or management companies from production through processing and distribution.

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Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

ETMAS has four dynamic concentrations that allow you to customize your experience at Illinois

Construction Systems Management

Prepares students to manage residential, agricultural, and industrial construction technologies; maintain systems to handle and treat bio-waste; operate and manufacture systems that provide desired environmental conditions for animals, people, crop storage, and greenhouses; and develop alternative housing and nutrient management practices.

Environmental Systems

Prepares students to utilize GIS and other technology to develop and manage practices to control the transport of agricultural and other non-point sources of pollution and prepares students to implement systems for sustaining and improving water quality, maintaining ecosystems, managing storm water, developing optimal irrigation use and drainage systems.

Mechanization, Marketing, & Technical Systems

Prepares students to test, analyze, manufacture, and manage off-road machinery and specific machine components; understand equipment control systems for automating machinery; and troubleshoot and solve problems associated with agricultural, construction, and mining equipment.

Processing Systems

Prepares students to process and convert agricultural and biological materials into useful co-products for human, animal, and industrial purposes; and to understand the variability in raw materials and the effects this has on the operation of commercial processes, co-product quality, and profitability.

Renewable Energy Systems

Helps students understand the science behind renewable energy from sunlight, wind, geothermal, and biomass sources; perform economic analysis of proposed systems; manage energy systems to blend appropriate sources into reliable, cost-effective, and long-lasting systems; and develop, construct, and operate large-scale, grid-connected renewable energy projects.

Courses That Introduce the Major

CHEM 102/103—General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Lab I
CPSC 112—Introduction to Crop Science
NRES 201—Introductory Soils
TSM 100—Technical Systems in Agriculture

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Employers and career opportunities are vast and varied and there is great demand for TSM graduates. Starting salaries are highly competitive and are among the highest of all College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) majors. Technical Systems Management graduates, who understand technology systems, business and economics, have available a wide variety of employment options. You could work for a major equipment company such as John Deere, a government agency such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or a production company like Kraft Foods.

Common Career Skills

Ability to analyze engineering problems related to agriculture and processing and to organize a systematic approach to their solution;
Ability to design, apply and use specialized equipment, machines, structures, materials, procedures, and operational systems for the agricultural, bioprocessing and food industries;
Knowledge of and appreciation for physical properties, biological variables, biochemical characteristics, atmospheric phenomena, plant-soil-water relationships, animal/plant response to the environment, and human factors related to engineering problems in agriculture, broadly defined;
Understanding of and appreciation for the impact of engineering on our renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy, environment, and society; and
Sense of responsibility for solving engineering problems of significant benefit to our society.

Common Career Titles

Crop Production Consultant
Crop Specialist
Customer Support Technician
Dairy Equipment Specialist
Design Technician
District Sales Manager
Elevator Manager
Energy-Use Advisor
Experimental Mechanic
Farmer, Owner, or Operator
Field Representative
Grain Merchandiser
Maintenance Supervisor
Network Engineer
Operations Manager
Precision Agriculture Specialist
Production Supervisor
Program Technician
Research Technician
Shift or Production Supervisor
Structures Specialist
Territory Aftermarket Manager
Territory Sales Manager
Technical Service Representative

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Alpha Epsilon Honor Society: Promotes the high ideals of the engineering profession, to give recognition to those agricultural and biological engineers who manifest worthy qualities of character, scholarship, and professional attainment, and to encourage and support such improvements in the Agricultural Engineering profession as will make it an instrument of greater service mankind.
- Alpha Zeta: Agricultural Honorary Fraternity

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Technical Systems Management. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Technical Systems Management. These organizations include American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, IEEE and National Academy of the Sciences.

Dietetics and Nutrition

Major Description

Are you interested in how food affects a person’s health? Do you care about helping people make great choices about food as fuel? Dietetics & Nutrition might be the right path for you – especially if you want to go into one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States.

Dietetics & Nutrition brings together physical and social sciences to address today’s nutrition and health issues. As a student, you will study the high-tech science of applying knowledge of food and nutrition to improve and maintain good health.

This vital and growing field is open to creativity, with endless opportunities for you to pursue an important career.

More About Dietetics & Nutrition

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

FSHN 101 – The Science of Food and How it Relates to You
FSHN 120 – Contemporary Nutrition
FSHN 150 – Introduction to Dietetics
CHEM 102 & 103 – General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the Dietetics and Nutrition degree, students enter a variety of industries, including

Healthcare
Public Health
Pharmaceuticals
Sports and Fitness
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Education and Research

Common Career Skills

Analytic thinking and problem solving abilities
Communication skills
Completion of internships and international study/travel
Computer literacy skills
Critical thinking abilities
Subject matter expertise in key areas
Understanding and appreciating diverse cultures

Common Career Titles

Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Clinical Dietitian
Public Health Nutritionist
Sports Dietitian/Nutritionist
Food Scientist
Research Dietitian
Health Coach
Food Product Development Specialist

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

Crop Sciences

Major Description

Crop Sciences studies is working to help educate future leaders to help feed the world. Join our efforts to advance science to meet the needs of a growing world population. From plant breeding and molecular biology to sustainable food and fuel production systems, our internationally recognized faculty are prepared to educate the future leaders of our industry to use the latest advancements in science and technology to improve food and fuel production. We offer 7 concentrations to help students tailor their degree to fit their interests and prepare them for an enriching career.

More About Crop Sciences

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Choose one of seven concentrations.

Agroecology

Addresses ecologically based management of cropping systems, stewardship of the environment, and sustainable food production systems. The intersection between crop plants and their environment is emphasized in this concentration. Graduates of the Agroecology concentration are prepared for careers in integrated plant health management, crop consulting, and agrichemical management or for entrance into graduate school.

Biological Sciences

Designed for students who plan to enter a graduate study program or who want professional positions that require more science than included in the other concentrations. Courses for the second, third, and fourth years are planned in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, in the area of biological sciences. Students and advisors are encouraged to consult individual graduate schools for the specific entrance requirements. Although flexibility in individual course selection is a characteristic of this concentration, graduation requirements are established by selection of elective courses.

Crop Agribusiness

Designed for students wanting to combine agronomic production and business management. This concentration prepares students for careers in production and marketing, cropping systems management, and a broad range of multi-functional agricultural enterprises, or for entrance into graduate school.

Crops

Designed for students with an interest in agronomic crop plants. Students study the diversity of crop plants – how they grow and how they are grown. This concentration prepares students for careers in crop production and marketing, cropping systems management, plant breeding, and seed merchandising, or for entrance into graduate school.

Horticultural Food Systems

Provides students with a strong foundation in plant sciences along with specialized knowledge in horticultural fruit and vegetable crop systems at urban, local, and commercial scales. This concentration prepares students for careers as crop consultants, crop protection and production specialists; entrepreneurs in urban and local food systems; greenhouse or farm managers; and as community gardening and horticultural educators.

Plant Biotechnology & Molecular Biology

Provides a curriculum that prepares students for careers in biotechnology, or for entrance into graduate school. The basic sciences are emphasized, including a strong foundation in biology and genetics. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate independent study in a molecular biology laboratory. For those who wish to pursue graduate work later, adequate preparation may be obtained by suitable choices of electives within the framework of this concentration.

Plant Protection

Provides a broad selection of courses in crops, soils, plant diseases, insects and weeds, and the physical sciences. Students learn how to protect plants from the effects of diseases, insects, and weeds. This concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in crop consulting, integrated pest management, and agribusiness managing and merchandising, or for entrance into a graduate program.

Courses That Introduce the Major

CPSC 102 – Foundational Skills in Crop Sciences
CPSC 112—Introduction to Crop Sciences
IB 103—Introduction to Plant Biology
HORT 100—Introduction to Horticulture

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

From the field to the lab and everywhere in between, our students find fulfilling careers making a difference in the world.

Common Career Skills

Knowledge of applied plant biology, crop growth and management, and soil science
Problem solving abilities
Proficiency with independent and cooperative work
Quantitative reasoning
Self-directed learning
Written and oral communication skills

Common Career Titles

Crop Consultant
Seed Quality Specialist
Plant Breeder
Plant Breeding Technician
Plant Pathologist
Greenhouse Technician
Horticulturalist
Lab Technician
Soil Conservationist
Soil Scientist
Field Agronomist
Agronomic Research Scientist
Sales Manager
County Extension educator
APHIS inspector
4-H educator
FDA food inspector
Ag business consultant
Pesticide applicator
Research Plant pathologist
Plant Protection and Quarantine officer
Plant Protection technician
Plant Pathology supervisor
Plant Diagnostician

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Field and Furrow Agronomy Club: Provides educational & social opportunities for undergraduates interested in agronomy.
- Horticulture Club: Provides educational and social opportunities for students interested in horticulture.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Crop Sciences. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Crop Sciences. These organizations include Crop Science Society of America and the American Phytopathological Society.