CFAES Give Today
Academic Programs

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES

Sustainable Plant Systems

Sustainable Plant Systems involve providing the world with plants for food, pleasure and recreation, and environmental improvemenbadget. As the population continues to expand, there is an increasing need to limit our reliance on imports while preventing further damage to the environment. Students completing this program earn the degree Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.  Students have the opportunity to specialize in the following areas:

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

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

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.

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.

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.

 

Possible Career Options

Agroecology

Environmental Consultant Extension Educator
Food Policy or Food Systems Sales Representative Manager
Researcher  

Agronomy

 

Breeding and Genetics Researcher Producer/Farm Manager
County Extension Agent Crop Consultant
Feed Sales Agronomist Fertilizer Sales Manager
Molecular Biologist Plant Geneticist
Seed Sales Representative Vineyard or Orchard Owner


Horticulture

Florist Garden Center Manager
Greenhouse Manager Horticulture Extension Educator
Landscape Designer Horticulturist
Plant Breeder Hardscape Install Design Specialist
Interiorscaper  

Plant Biosciences

Agronomist or Horticulturalist Curator
Educator Researcher
Sales Representative/Manager Technician

Turfgrass Science

Athletic Field Manager Turf Industry Sales Manager
Design Associate Educator
Plant Breeder Golf Course Superintendant
Lawn Care Specialist Marketing Manager
Product Developer Sod Producer
   

 

 Curriculum Requirements 

Agroecology 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.
Agronomy Students will take classes in plant biology, crop production, grain crops and forages, soil science, plant pathology, and entomology. 
Horticulture Students will take classes in biology, greenhouse and nursery management, fruit and vegetable production, and pest management.
 
Plant Biosciences Students will study biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, soil science, agronomy, horticulture, crop production, plant genetics, evolution, ecology, plant physiology, soil science, and many elective options to explore areas of scientific interest. 
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. 

 

After Graduation

  EMPLOYED GRAD SCHOOL AVERAGE SALARY
Agroecology N/A N/A N/A
Agronomy 90% 10% $55,000
Horticulture 90% 10% $40,207
Plant Biosciences 50% 50% 34,000
Turfgrass Science 100% 0% $37,500

* Numbers are based on responses from graduates at six months post-graduation date.

 

Getting Involved
Crops & Soils.jpg

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.

LAFF.jpg

Landscape and Floriculture Forum (LAFF)

The Landscape and Floriculture Forum (LAFF) is open to any OSU student interested in landscaping, floriculture, or who has a general interest in plants. LAFF serves as a means for students to build community by interacting with faculty, staff, and other students. Members volunteer in gardens on campus, explore conservatories, go on hikes, and participate in other activities that help them engage with their appreciation for plants. 

PAX.jpg

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.jpg

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 Turf Managers Association, and The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conferences.

Questions?
Contact:
Bri Schneider
Academic Program Coordinator
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
schneider.802@osu.edu 
Phone: (614) 247-9547