Sustainable Plant Systems

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. Students will take classes in plant biology, horticulture, agronomy, crop production, agroecological management, soil science, plant pathology, integrated pest management, and many elective options to pursue particular interest areas. Curriculum Requirements

Agronomy 

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. Students will take classes in plant biology, crop production, grain crops and forages, soil science, plant pathology, and entomology. Curriculum Requirements

Controlled Environment Agriculture 

New in 2023! Controlled Environment Agriculture is an interdisciplinary crop production science integrating horticultural science, plant health management, applied environmental science, and applied biological engineering to achieve sustainable crop production in various climate regions. Students will take classes in plant science, greenhouse management, hydroponics, fruit and vegetable production, plant health management, agricultural meteorology, and introductory engineering principles. Curriculum Requirements

Horticulture 

Horticulture is the application of scientific principles to grow vegetables, fruits ornamental plants, and landscape design, 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. Students will take classes in biology, greenhouse and nursery management, fruit and vegetable production, and pest management. Curriculum Requirements

Plant Biosciences 

Plant Biosciences is a broad study of plant biology including plant form and function, diversity, reproduction, evolution, and uses of plants. The Plant Bioscience specialization opens doors to a diverse array of career pathways including business, research in both governmental and private sectors, teaching and agricultural extension.  The Plant Bioscience specialization is ideal for students wishing to pursue careers in the plant biotechnology, pharmaceutical, energy, and chemical industries, in food and seed companies, in botanical gardens, museums, and herbaria, or who plan to pursue graduate study in the field of plant biology and related plant science disciplines. Curriculum Requirements

Turfgrass Science 

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. Students will study biology, chemistry, and physics as they relate to turf as well as the scientific principles and technical applications behind developing turf for different situations. Curriculum Requirements

Agroecology

Agronomy

Controlled Environment Agriculture 

Researcher

Greenhouse Facilities Manager

Consultant

Plant Breeder

Horticulture

Plant Biosciences

Turfgrass Science

Crops and Soils Club

The Crops and Soils Club provides social, educational, and leadership experiences for students interested in the fields of crops, soils, conservation, turf, and other related areas. This club serves as a fundraising organization for the Soils Judging and Weeds Teams. Members are also given the opportunity to meet and network with various industry professionals.

Pi Alpha Xi (PAX)

Pi Alpha Xi is a national honor society for undergraduate and graduate students in floriculture, ornamental horticulture, and landscape horticulture. Their purpose is to promote fellowship between students, educators, and the professional horticultural community who share in the belief of enrichment of human life through plants. 

Turfgrass Club

The Turfgrass Club provides students interested in a career in turfgrass management the opportunity to interact professionally and socially with other students as well as industry and academic professionals. The club engages in a variety of activities and community service projects, traveling to the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, Sports Field Management Association, and The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conferences.