Department of Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology

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CURRICULUM:

• Plant and Soil Systems (Agricultural Pest Management Area)

Plant & Soil Systems

The curriculum in plant and soil systems consolidates the curricula in the areas of agronomy, entomology, horticulture, and plant pathology and crop physiology. Students in this curriculum take core courses that provide a basic knowledge required for specialization in one of the nine areas of concentration: agricultural pest management, crop science, environmental horticulture, horticultural science, landscape management, soil science, sustainable production systems, turf grass management, and urban entomology. Each area is further individualized by the addition of approved and free electives.

Students interested in pursuing a minor in agricultural pest management, agronomy, entomology, or horticulture may take suggested courses for the minor as part of the approved and free electives. (See the section on “Minor Field Requirements ” in this chapter for details.)

The Department of Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology and the Department of Entomology offer an area of concentration in agricultural pest management and the Department of Entomology offers an additional area of concentration in urban entomology. The agricultural pest management concentration is an interdisciplinary program of study in weed science, plant pathology, and entomology. Effective management of pest problems in agriculture requires a broad base of knowledge in the pest disciplines and practical field experience. The agricultural pest management concentration features a strong core of courses in the three pest management disciplines; a strong background in agriculture, life and physical sciences; and practical training through an internship work experience. The urban entomology concentration is well suited for students who are interested in urban pest control, mosquito control, public health insect management, and forensic entomology for criminal justice.

In both concentrations, a range of restricted and non-restricted electives allows students to personalize their degree program for employment with agricultural industries such as chemical, seed, or biotechnology companies; state and federal research, extension, and regulatory agencies; private agricultural consulting firms; farmer cooperatives; nurseries, home, and garden centers; golf courses; greenhouse plant production; corporate farms; urban pest control; public health insect management; and forensic entomology. Both concentrations require students to complete an internship providing practical experience in agricultural or urban pest management areas.

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