At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
The Plant Sciences Major is an applied biological science program designed for students seeking careers in agronomic and horticultural crop production systems and enterprise management, agroecology, sustainable and organic managed and natural ecosystems, crop protection, applied plant physiology, plant science research, and plant biotechnology. Students will secure:
- a working knowledge of basic plant biology, soils, pests, and pathogens with emphasis on growth, development, and physiology in an ecological and agricultural context,
- the scientific, technical, and computational approaches to problem solving in an ecological and agricultural context, individually and in teams,
- the ability to analyze ethical issues regarding ecosystem sustainability, business practices and plant science, and critically evaluate and respect different viewpoints in making management decisions, and
- a high level of proficiency in written and oral communication, particularly with regard to critical evaluation of scientific issues.
There are five options in the major, providing flexibility for concentrations in areas including production and management systems related to agronomic and horticultural crops, plant biotechnology and breeding, crop physiology, ecology, agroecology, and other aspects of general plant science. Students can choose from diverse course offerings in designing a program of study suited to their needs and professional goals.
Agroecology Option
This option applies an ecological approach to understanding and managing cropping systems to meet societies' needs while enhancing environmental protection and resource conservation. Students will develop skills to manage agroecosystems for sustainable productivity, profitability and environmental protection by studying plant and soil sciences, ecology, and pest management from a systems perspective. The curriculum prepares students for a wide range of careers in agricultural and ecological fields, sustainable food production, and for graduate studies.
Crop Production Option
This option provides students with practical and field-related skills in Agronomy (field crop production and soil management). Students will focus on techniques and knowledge necessary to efficiently and economically manage soils, crops and other farm resources with additional emphasis on pest management and commodity marketing. Courses stress the skills and information needed to work with current production technologies such as seed traits, crop protection chemicals, and fertilizers to improve yield and productivity.
Horticulture Option
This option prepares students to enter the horticultural industry by providing a broad background in courses related to production and physiology of horticultural crops. Additional courses in pest management and business are required. Graduates may work as orchard, greenhouse, garden center, nursery or farm managers, with horticultural and landscape service providers, suppliers, and brokers, with cooperative extension and other government and non-governmental agencies and public and private gardens, or continue with graduate studies.
Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Option
This option is a combination of basic science and technology-based classes designed for students who are seeking careers in agricultural sciences, plant breeding, plant molecular genetics and plant biotechnology based industries. It provides students with maximum flexibility in selecting a program of study suited to their needs and to achieve professional goals related to advanced degrees or immediate job placement in the industry. The option provides theoretical and practical skills of plant genetic manipulation relevant to plant biotechnology, plant breeding and genome research.
Plant Science Option
This option emphasizes the application of the biological sciences to problem-solving in agronomic and horticultural ecosystems. Topic areas include plant biology, plant pathology, plant microbiology, plant biotechnology, plant-insect interactions, horticulture, crop science, plant ecology, and bioenergy. Graduates may find employment in industry, government and academic research programs as technicians and research assistants, or pursue graduate degrees.
What is Plant Sciences?
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PLANT SCIENCES
You Might Like this Program If...
- You enjoy hands-on learning in labs, greenhouses, and in the field. Our teaching and learning facilities include more than 30,000 square feet of greenhouse space, more than 700 acres of research and teaching farms, a one-acre student farm, and a hydroponics and aquaponics system.
- You have an interest in sustainable and conventional food, fuel, and fiber production systems
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE TO STUDY PLANT SCIENCES
Entrance to Major
In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:
- attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
- have at least third-semester classification.
READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Sciences, a minimum of 120 credits are required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 0-13 |
| Requirements for the Major | 83-102 |
21-24 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GS courses and 3 credits of GWS courses; plus 3 GH in Crop Production.
Requirements for the Major
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 110 | Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity  | 4 |
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Experimental Chemistry I | 1 |
| ENT 313 | Introduction to Entomology | 2 |
| PLANT 200 | Introduction to Agricultural Crop Growth, Form, and Function | 3 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| AGECO 457 | Principles of Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
| PLANT 461 | Emerging Issues in Plant Sciences | 3 |
| SOILS 101 | Introductory Soil Science | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| ENT 314 | Management of Insect Pests of Ornamentals | 1 |
| or ENT 316 | Field Crops Entomology | |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Economic Principles of Agribusiness Decision Making | ||
| Principles of Economics | ||
| Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Select 1 credit from the following: | 1 | |
| Agroecology Internship | ||
| Internship | ||
| Internship | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| ENGL 202C | Effective Writing: Technical Writing | 3 |
| or ENGL 202D | Effective Writing: Business Writing | |
| Select 3-5 credits from the following: | 3-5 | |
| College Algebra With Analytic Geometry and Applications II | ||
| Plane Trigonometry and Applications of Trigonometry | ||
MATH 40 | ||
| Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry | ||
| Techniques of Calculus I | ||
| Techniques of Calculus II | ||
| Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | ||
| Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | ||
| Calculus and Biology II | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Biometry | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 47-63 | |
Requirements for the Option
Agroecology Option (57-58 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| AGECO 295 | Agroecology Internship | 1 |
| AGECO/AGRO 438 | Principles of Weed Management | 4 |
| PPEM 405 | Microbe-Plant Interactions: Plant Disease and Biological Control | 3 |
| SOILS 102 | Introductory Soil Science Laboratory | 1 |
| SOILS 401 | Soil Composition and Physical Properties | 3 |
| SOILS 402 | Soil Nutrient Behavior and Management | 3 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| AGECO 201 | Introductory Agroecology | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| BIOL 222 | Genetics | 3 |
| or HORT 407 | Plant Breeding | |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Atmospheric Environment: Growing in the Wind | ||
AGECO 134 | ||
| Principles and Practices of Organic Agriculture | ||
| Principles of Agronomic Field Operations | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction into Ethics and Issues in Agriculture | ||
| Environment and Society in a Changing World | ||
| Nature and Environment | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Bioethics | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Forage Crop Management | ||
| Field Crop Management | ||
| Plant Propagation | ||
| Environmental Effects on Horticultural Crops | ||
| Small Fruit Culture | ||
| Deciduous Tree Fruits | ||
| Vegetable Crops | ||
| Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Physiology of Agricultural Crops | ||
| Post-Harvest Physiology | ||
| Soil Ecology | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| AGRO 28 | Principles of Crop Management | 3 |
| or HORT 101 | Horticultural Science | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 18 credits of supporting courses in consultation with adviser | 18 | |
Crop Production Option (58-60 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| AGECO 295 | Agroecology Internship | 1 |
| AGECO 429 | Crop Scouting | 2 |
| AGECO/AGRO 438 | Principles of Weed Management | 4 |
| AGRO 423 | Forage Crop Management | 3 |
| AGRO 425 | Field Crop Management | 3 |
| HORT 407 | Plant Breeding | 3 |
| PPEM 405 | Microbe-Plant Interactions: Plant Disease and Biological Control | 3 |
| SOILS 102 | Introductory Soil Science Laboratory | 1 |
| SOILS 401 | Soil Composition and Physical Properties | 3 |
| SOILS 402 | Soil Nutrient Behavior and Management | 3 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| AGECO 201 | Introductory Agroecology | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| AGECO 154 | Principles of Agronomic Field Operations | 2 |
| or SOILS 403 | Soil Morphology Practicum | |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction into Ethics and Issues in Agriculture | ||
| Nature and Environment | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Bioethics | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Economics of the Food System | ||
| Agribusiness Problem Solving | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural Business Management | ||
| Farm Planning and Financial Management | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Skills for Tomorrow's Leaders | ||
| Leadership Development for Small Groups | ||
| Foundations in Leadership Development | ||
| Leadership Practices: Power, Influences, and Impact | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems | ||
| Animal Science | ||
| Mapping Our Changing World | ||
| Environmental Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Physiology of Agricultural Crops | ||
| Post-Harvest Physiology | ||
| Soil Ecology | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| AGRO 28 | Principles of Crop Management | 3 |
| or HORT 101 | Horticultural Science | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 9 credits of supporting courses in consultation with adviser | 9 | |
Horticulture Option (51-54 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| HORT 232 | Horticultural Systematics | 3 |
| HORT 402W | Plant Nutrition | 3 |
| HORT 407 | Plant Breeding | 3 |
| HORT 445 | Plant Ecology | 3 |
| HORT 455 | Retail Horticulture Business Management | 3 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| HORT 101 | Horticultural Science | 3 |
| HORT 202 | Plant Propagation | 3 |
| HORT 315 | Environmental Effects on Horticultural Crops | 3 |
| HORT 412W | Post-Harvest Physiology | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| AGRO 438 | Principles of Weed Management | 3-4 |
| or HORT 238 | Turf and Ornamental Weed Control | |
| PPEM 300 | Horticultural Crop Diseases | 3 |
| or PPEM 405 | Microbe-Plant Interactions: Plant Disease and Biological Control | |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Herbaceous Perennial and Annual Identification | ||
| Ornamental Plant Materials | ||
| Ornamental Plant Materials | ||
| Small Fruit Culture 1 | ||
| Deciduous Tree Fruits 1 | ||
| Vegetable Crops 1 | ||
| Select 6-7 credits from the following: | 6-7 | |
| Landscape Plant Establishment and Maintenance | ||
| Small Fruit Culture | ||
| Deciduous Tree Fruits | ||
| Vegetable Crops | ||
| Flower Crop Production and Management | ||
| Select 9-10 credits from the following: | 9-10 | |
AG 301 | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural Business Management | ||
| Farm Planning and Financial Management | ||
| Finance | ||
| Marketing | ||
| Legal Environment of Business | ||
| Elementary Spanish I | ||
| Elementary Spanish II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish | ||
| Elementary Spanish I for Students in the Agricultural Sciences | ||
- 1
Students cannot use the same course more than once as an additional course
Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Option (56-63 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| AGRO 410W | Physiology of Agricultural Crops | 4 |
| AGRO/BIOTC 460 | Advances and Applications of Plant Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIOL 222 | Genetics | 3 |
| BMB 400 | Molecular Biology of the Gene | 2-3 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 3 |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| HORT 407 | Plant Breeding | 3 |
| HORT/BIOL/BIOTC 459 | Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | Introductory Physics I | 4 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| PPEM 405 | Microbe-Plant Interactions: Plant Disease and Biological Control | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| AGRO 28 | Principles of Crop Management | 3 |
| or HORT 101 | Horticultural Science | |
| CHEM 113 | Experimental Chemistry II | 1 |
| or CHEM 113B | Experimental Chemistry II--Bioscience | |
| Select 4-6 credits from the following: | 4-6 | |
| Biology: Molecules and Cells | ||
| Biology: Function and Development of Organisms | ||
| Elementary Biochemistry and Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Microbiology and Introductory Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Introduction to Population Dynamics | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Select 2-3 credits from the following: | 2-3 | |
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Methods in Biofermentations | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Current Issues in Biotechnology | ||
| Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Insect Structure and Function | ||
| Plant Virology: Molecules to Populations | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Seeds of Change: The Uses of Plants | ||
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Plant Nutrition | ||
| Post-Harvest Physiology | ||
HORT 420 | ||
| Ethics, Rigor, Reproducibility and Conduct of Research in the Life Sciences | ||
| Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis in Plants | ||
| Air Pollution Impacts to Terrestrial Ecosystems | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Forage Crop Management | ||
| Field Crop Management | ||
| Plant Propagation | ||
| Environmental Effects on Horticultural Crops | ||
| Small Fruit Culture | ||
| Deciduous Tree Fruits | ||
| Vegetable Crops | ||
| Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems | ||
Plant Science Option (47-53 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 222 | Genetics | 3 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 3 |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 213 | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | 2 |
| PHYS 250 | Introductory Physics I | 4 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| PPEM 405 | Microbe-Plant Interactions: Plant Disease and Biological Control | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| AGRO 28 | Principles of Crop Management | 3 |
| or HORT 101 | Horticultural Science | |
| CHEM 113 | Experimental Chemistry II | 1 |
| or CHEM 113B | Experimental Chemistry II--Bioscience | |
| Select 4-6 credits of the following: | 4-6 | |
| Elementary Biochemistry and Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Biology: Molecules and Cells | ||
| Biology: Function and Development of Organisms | ||
| Introductory Microbiology and Introductory Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Molecular and Cell Biology I | ||
| Molecular and Cell Biology II | ||
| Select 3-4 credits of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Practical Bioinformatics 1 | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Insect Structure and Function | ||
| Plant Virology: Molecules to Populations | ||
| Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis in Plants 1 | ||
| Biology of Fungi 1 | ||
| Select 3-4 credits of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Ecology of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Taxonomy of Seed Plants | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Population Genetics | ||
| Population Ecology and Global Climate Change | ||
| Ecology of Plant Reproduction | ||
| Biology of Animal Parasites | ||
| Introduction to Population Dynamics | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Biology of Fungi | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Advances and Applications of Plant Biotechnology | ||
| Practical Bioinformatics | ||
| Plant Breeding 1 | ||
| Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology | ||
| Select 6-7 credits of the following: | 6-7 | |
| Physiology of Agricultural Crops | ||
| Advances and Applications of Plant Biotechnology | ||
| Plant Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Seeds of Change: The Uses of Plants | ||
| Plant Nutrition | ||
| Plant Breeding 1 | ||
| Post-Harvest Physiology | ||
HORT 420 | ||
| Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis in Plants 1 | ||
| Air Pollution Impacts to Terrestrial Ecosystems | ||
| Select 3-4 credits of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Physiology of Agricultural Crops | ||
| Post-Harvest Physiology | ||
| Soil Ecology | ||
- 1
Students cannot use the same course more than once as an additional course
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Program Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to explain concepts in plant biology, soils, pests, and pathogens with emphasis on growth, development, and physiology.
- Students will be able to choose scientific, technical, and computational approaches and solve problems in an ecological and agricultural context.
- Students will be able to explain and analyze ethical issues in plant science regarding ecosystems, sustainability, and socioeconomic contexts, and evaluate and respect different viewpoints.
- Students will be able to critically evaluate plant science issues through written and oral communication.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Tarrah Geszvain
Academic Adviser
117 Tyson Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-6087
thg110@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Agroecology Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| PLANT 150S | 2 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | AGECO 295 | 1 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | SOILS 101*† | 3 |
| AGRO 28 or HORT 101* | 3 | SOILS 102 | 1 |
| AGECO 201* | 3 | ||
| CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 | ||
| 15-17 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | ENT 313 | 2 |
| ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 | ENT 314 or 316 | 1 |
| AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104† | 3 | SOILS 402 | 3 |
| STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| AGECO 122, AGECO 134, AGECO 144, AGECO 154, or AGECO 496 (Agroecology Selection) | 3 | AG 160, GEOG 30N, PHIL 13, PHIL 103, or PHIL 132 (Ethics Selection) | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 15-16 | 13.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | SOILS 401 | 3 |
| PPEM 405 | 3 | AGRO 423, 425, HORT 202, HORT 315, HORT 431, HORT 432, HORT 433, or SOILS 418 (Production Selection) | 3 |
| BIOL 222 or HORT 407 (Plant Breeding/Genetics Seletion) | 3 | Supporting Course | 3 |
| AGRO 423, 425, HORT 202, HORT 315, HORT 431, HORT 432, HORT 433, or SOILS 418 (Production Selection) | 3 | Supporting Course | 3 |
| Supporting Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 16.5 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 438 | 4 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| AGECO 495 | 1 | Supporting Course | 3 |
| Supporting Course | 3 | Supporting Course | 3 |
| AGRO 410W, HORT 412W, or SOILS 412W (Writing Across the Curriculum) | 3-4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 4 |
| 14-15 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 120-124 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Crop Production Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| PLANT 150S | 2 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | AGECO 295 | 1 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | SOILS 101*‡† | 3 |
| AGRO 28 or HORT 101* | 3 | SOILS 102 | 1 |
| AGECO 201 | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15-17 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | ENT 313 | 2 |
| ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 | ENT 314 or 316 | 1 |
| AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104† | 3 | STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 4 |
| AG 160, PHIL 13, PHIL 103, or PHIL 132 (Ethics Selection)† | 3 | AEE 201, 360, 460, or 465 (Leadership Selection) | 3 |
| CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 | AGBM 102, 106, 200, or 407 (Business Selection) | 3 |
| AGECO 154 (or Supporting Course) | 2 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGRO 423 | 3 | SOILS 401 | 3 |
| AGECO 429 | 2 | SOILS 402 | 3 |
| AGECO 438 | 4 | AGRO 425 | 3 |
| Supporting Course | 3 | AGRO 410W, HORT 412W, or SOILS 412W (Writing Across the Curriculum) | 3-4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | AGECO 418, ANSC 201, GEOG 160, or SOILS 450 (Special Interest Selection) | 3-4 |
| 15 | 15-17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 495 or AGRO 496 | 1 | HORT 407 | 3 |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| PPEM 405 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| SOILS 403 (or Supporting Course) | 2 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Supporting Course | 3 | Elective | 4 |
| Supporting Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 16.5 | 14.5 | ||
| Total Credits 124-128 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Horticulture Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| PLANT 150S | 2 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104† | 3 |
| HORT 101* | 3 | HORT 202* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15-17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 | ENT 313 | 2 |
| SOILS 101*‡† | 3 | ENT 314 or 316 | 1 |
| STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 | HORT 232 | 3 |
| HORT 101, 137, 138, 431, 432, or 433 (HORT Plant Materials Selection) | 3 | HORT 315* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | AGBM 200, 407, BLAW 243, BA 301, BA 303, SPAN 1, SPAN 2, SPAN 3, or SPAN 105 (Business/Spanish Selection) | 3-4 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16.5-17.5 | 15-16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | HORT 412W* | 3 |
| HORT 455 | 3 | HORT 408, 431, 432, 433, or 453 (HORT Production Selection) | 3-4 |
| HORT 238 or AGRO 438 | 3-4 | AGBM 200, 407, BLAW 243, BA 301, BA 303, SPAN 1, SPAN 2, SPAN 3, or SPAN 105 (Business/Spanish Selection) | 3-4 |
| HORT 408, 431, 432, 433, or 453 (HORT Production Selection) | 3-4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15-17 | 15-17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | HORT 407 | 3 |
| PPEM 405 or 300 | 3 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| HORT 445 | 3 | HORT 402W | 3 |
| AGBM 200, 407, BLAW 243, BA 301, BA 303, SPAN 1, SPAN 2, SPAN 3, or SPAN 105 (Business/Spanish Selection) | 3-4 | HORT 495 or 496 | 1 |
| Elective or Supporting Course | 3-6 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Elective or Supporting Course | 1-6 | ||
| 15-19 | 12.5-17.5 | ||
| Total Credits 120-137 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PLANT 150S | 2 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | SOILS 101*‡† | 3 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 |
| AGRO 28 or HORT 101 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15-17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 112 | 3 | STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 |
| CHEM 113 | 1 | CHEM 210 | 3 |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | BIOL 230W, 240W, BMB 211 and BMB 212, MICRB 201 and MICRB 202, or MICRB 251 and MICRB 252 (Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Selection) | 4-5 |
| BIOL 222 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104† | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| PHYS 250 | 4 | ||
| 17 | 14.5-16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | AGRO 410W | 4 |
| CHEM 212 | 3 | HORT/BIOTC/BIOL 459 | 3 |
| HORT 407 | 3 | ENT 313 | 2 |
| AGRO 423, 425, HORT 202, HORT 315, HORT 431, HORT 432, HORT 433, or SOILS 418 (Production Selection) | 3 | ENT 314 or 316 | 1 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PPEM 405* | 3 | AGRO/BIOTC 460 | 3 |
| BMB 400 | 2 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| AGECO 495, AGRO 495, HORT 495, or HORT 496 | 1 | BIOL 407, 424, 441, HORT 402W, HORT 412W, or HORT 420 (General Plant Science Selection) | 3 |
| BIOL 412, 414, 427, 428, 436, 448, ENT 420, HORT 445, or PPEM 425 (Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Selection) | 3 | ENT 402W, 410, PPEM 416, or PPEM 425 (Plant Microbiology and Entomology Selection) | 3-4 |
| BIOL 439, BIOTC 479, or HORT 497 (Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Selection) | 2-3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 14-15 | 13.5-14.5 | ||
| Total Credits 121-127 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Plant Science Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PLANT 150S | 2 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | SOILS 101*‡† | 3 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 |
| AGRO 28 or HORT 101 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15-17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 112 | 3 | STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 |
| CHEM 113 | 1 | CHEM 210 | 3 |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 |
| AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104† | 3 | BIOL 230W, 230W, BMB 211 and BMB 212, MICRB 201 and MICRB 202, MICRB 251, or MICRB 252 (Mircobiology Selection) | 4-5 |
| PHYS 250 | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16-18 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | BIOL 222 | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | 3 | CHEM 213 | 2 |
| AGRO 410W, 460, BIOL 407, BIOL 441, BIOL 424, HORT 402W, HORT 407, HORT 412W, HORT 420, or PPEM 430 (General Plant Science Selection) | 3-4 | AGRO 410W, HORT 412W, or SOILS 412W (Writing Across the Curriculum Selection) | 3-4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15-16 | 14-15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PPEM 405* | 3 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| AGECO 495 | 1 | AGRO 410W, 460, BIOL 407, BIOL 441, BIOL 424, HORT 402W, HORT 407, HORT 412W, HORT 420, or PPEM 430 (General Plant Science Selection) | 3-4 |
| ENT 313 | 2 | BIOL 439, ENT 402W, ENT 410, or PPEM 425 (Plant Microbiology and Entomology Selection) | 3 |
| ENT 314 | 1 | AGRO 460, BIOL 439, HORT 407, or HORT 459 (Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Selection) | 3 |
| BIOL 412, 414, 427, 428, 436, 448, ENT 402W, ENT 420, HORT 445, or PPEM 425 (Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Selection) | 3 | Elective | 2-3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 13 | 14-16 | ||
| Total Credits 120-128 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Agroecology Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| First Year Seminar | 1-3 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | AG 160, GEOG 30N, PHIL 13, PHIL 103, or PHIL 132 (Ethics Selection) | 3 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | Elective | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 14-18 | 14.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104† | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 |
| CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 | Supporting Course or Elective | 3 |
| STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 | Supporting Course | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 15-16 | 14.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOILS 101*† | 3 | ENT 313 | 2 |
| SOILS 102 | 1 | ENT 316 | 1 |
| PPEM 405 | 3 | AGECO 201* | 3 |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | AGRO 410W, HORT 412W, or SOILS 412W (Writing Across the Curriculum) | 3-4 |
| AGRO 28 or HORT 101* | 3 | AGECO 122, AGECO 134, AGECO 144, AGECO 154, or AGECO 496 (Agroecology Selection) | 3 |
| AGRO 423, 425, HORT 202, HORT 315, HORT 431, HORT 432, HORT 433, or SOILS 418 (Production Selection) | 3 | AGRO 423, 425, HORT 202, HORT 315, HORT 431, HORT 432, HORT 433, or SOILS 418 (Production Selection) | 3 |
| 16 | 15-16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 295 | 1 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | SOILS 401 | 3 |
| AGECO 438 | 4 | SOILS 402 | 3 |
| BIOL 222 or HORT 407 (Plant Breeding/Genetics Selection) | 3 | AGECO 495 (or Elective) | 1 |
| Supporting Course | 4 | Supporting Course | 3 |
| Supporting Course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 120-126 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Crop Production Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| First Year Seminar | 1-3 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 111‡† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | Supporting Course | 3-4 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 3 |
| 14-18 | 13-14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104† | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 |
| AG 160, PHIL 13, PHIL 103, or PHIL 132 (Ethics Selection)† | 3 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | AGRO 28 or HORT 101* | 3 |
| Elective | 4 | Supporting Course | 3 |
| 16 | 15-16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SOILS 101*‡† | 3 | AGECO 201 | 3 |
| SOILS 102 | 1 | ENT 313 | 2 |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | ENT 314 or 316 | 1 |
| AGECO 438 | 4 | AGRO 410W, SOILS 412W, or HORT 412W (Writing Across the Curriculum) | 3-4 |
| AGRO 423 | 3 | AGRO 425 | 3 |
| AGECO 154 (or Supporting Course) | 2 | AGECO 418, ANSC 201, GEOG 160, or SOILS 450 (Special Interest Selection) | 3 |
| 16 | 15-16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| AEE 201, 360, 460, or 465 (Leadership Selection) | 3 | SOILS 401 | 3 |
| AGBM 102, 106, 200, or 407 (Business Selection) | 3 | SOILS 402 | 3 |
| AGECO 429 | 2 | AGECO 295 (or Supporting Course) | 1-3 |
| AGECO 495 or AGRO 495 | 1 | HORT 407 | 3 |
| PPEM 405 | 3 | Supporting Course | 3 |
| 15 | 16-18 | ||
| Total Credits 120-129 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Horticulture Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| First Year Seminar | 1-3 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104† | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | AGBM 200, 407, BLAW 243, BA 301, BA 303, SPAN 1, SPAN 2, SPAN 3, or SPAN 105 (Business/Spanish Selection) | 3-4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 12.5-16.5 | 16-17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 | AGBM 200, 407, BLAW 243, BA 301, BA 303, SPAN 1, SPAN 2, SPAN 3, or SPAN 105 (Business/Spanish Selection) | 3-4 |
| STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 | Elective or Supporting Course | 3 |
| AGBM 200, 407, BLAW 243, BA 301, BA 303, SPAN 1, SPAN 2, SPAN 3, or SPAN 105 (Business/Spanish Selection) | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16-17 | 13.5-14.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HORT 101* | 3 | HORT 202* | 3 |
| SOILS 101*‡† | 3 | HORT 232 | 3 |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | HORT 315* | 3 |
| HORT 455 | 3 | ENT 313 | 2 |
| HORT 238 or AGRO 438 | 3-4 | ENT 314 or 316 | 1 |
| HORT 408, 431, 432, 433, or 453 (HORT Production Selection) | 3-4 | ||
| 15-16 | 15-16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | HORT 407 | 3 |
| PPEM 405 or 300 | 3 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| HORT 445 | 3 | HORT 402W | 3 |
| HORT 408, 431, 432, 433, or 453 (HORT Production Selection) | 4 | HORT 495 or 496 | 1 |
| HORT 131, 137, 138, 431, 432, or 433 (HORT Plant Materials Selection) | 3 | HORT 412W* | 3 |
| Elective or Supporting Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 120-129 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| First Year Seminar | 1-3 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 14-18 | 13 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 112 | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 |
| CHEM 113 | 1 | STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 |
| AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104‡† | 3 | BIOL 230W, 240W, BMB 211 and BMB 212, MICRB 201 and MICRB 202, or MICRB 251 and MICRB 252 (Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Selection) | 4-5 |
| PHYS 250 | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 15.5 | 14.5-16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 222 | 3 | AGRO 410W | 4 |
| CHEM 210 | 3 | HORT/BIOTC/BIOL 459 | 3 |
| AGRO 28 or HORT 101 | 3 | CHEM 212 | 3 |
| PPEM 405* | 3 | ENT 313 | 2 |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | ENT 314 or 316 | 1 |
| AGRO 423, 425, HORT 202, HORT 315, HORT 431, HORT 432, HORT 433, or SOILS 418 (Production Selection) | 3 | SOILS 101*‡† | 3 |
| 18 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | AGRO/BIOTC 460 | 3 |
| BMB 400 | 2 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| HORT 407 | 3 | BIOL 407, 424, 441, HORT 402W, HORT 412W, or HORT 420 (General Plant Science Selection) | 3 |
| AGECO 495, AGRO 495, HORT 495, or HORT 496 | 1 | ENT 402W, 410, PPEM 416, or PPEM 425 (Plant Microbiology and Entomology Selection) | 3 |
| BIOL 412, 414, 427, 428, 436, 448, ENT 420, HORT 445, or PPEM 425 (Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Selection) | 3-4 | Elective | 3-4 |
| BIOL 439, BIOTC 479, or HORT 497 (Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Option) | 2-3 | ||
| 14-16 | 15-16 | ||
| Total Credits 120-129 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Plant Science Option: Plant Sciences, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| First Year Seminar | 1-3 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| BIOL 110† | 4 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡† | 3 | SOILS 101*‡† | 3 |
| MATH 22, 26, MATH 40, MATH 41, MATH 110, or MATH 140‡† | 3-5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 14-18 | 14.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 112 | 3 | STAT 200, 240, or 250‡† | 3-4 |
| CHEM 113 | 1 | CHEM 210 | 3 |
| AGBM 101, ECON 14, ECON 102, or ECON 104‡† | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C‡† | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 17 | 16.5-17.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 457* | 3 | BIOL 222 | 3 |
| PPEM 405* | 3 | CHEM 213 | 2 |
| CHEM 212 | 3 | AGRO 410W, HORT 412W, or SOILS 412W | 3-4 |
| PLANT 200 | 3 | BIOL 230W, 240W, BMB 211 and BMB 212, MICRB 201 and MICRB 202, MICRB 251, or MICRB 252 (Microbiology Selection) | 3-4 |
| AGRO 28 or HORT 101 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 14-16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| AGECO 495 | 1 | PLANT 461* | 3 |
| ENT 313 | 2 | AGRO 410W, 460, BIOL 407, BIOL 441, BIOL 424, HORT 402W, HORT 407, HORT 412W, HORT 420, or PPEM 430 (General Plant Science Selection) | 4 |
| ENT 314 | 1 | AGRO 460, BIOL 439, HORT 407, or HORT 459 (Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Selection) | 3 |
| BIOL 412, 414, 427, 428, 436, 448, ENT 402W, ENT 420, HORT 445, or PPEM 425 (Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Selection) | 3-4 | Elective | 3 |
| BIOL 439, ENT 402W, ENT 410, PPEM 416, or PPEM 425 (Plant Microbiology and Entomology Selection) | 3-4 | Elective | 3 |
| AGRO 410W, 460, BIOL 407, BIOL 441, BIOL 424, HORT 402W, HORT 407, HORT 412W, HORT 420, or PPEM 430 (General Plant Science Selection) | 4 | ||
| 14-16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 121-130 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Note:
Please consult with your academic adviser regarding the appropriate selection of elective and supporting courses. Supporting courses must be selected from the “Approved List of Additional Courses”.
Career Paths
Careers opportunities exist in agronomic and horticultural crop production systems, sustainable agriculture and ecosystem science, crop protection, applied plant physiology, plant science research, and plant biotechnology. Students may also pursue graduate studies; however, most students find fulfilling careers upon graduation and do not pursue graduate studies.
Careers
Careers are available in plant science research, marketing and sales, plant health and protection, sustainable agriculture and food systems, public gardens and arboretums, greenhouse and nursery production and management, cooperative extension, plant biotechnology, resource protection, farm management, and with government or non-government agencies.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Students may pursue graduate studies in areas related to ecology, plant pathology, soil science, horticulture, agronomy, international agriculture, and entomology, or in other biological areas.