Undergraduate Careers, Department of Plant Sciences

CAREER SPECIALITIES Program goals Job searching

Examples of career choices of some of our graduates:

Landscape Turf Public Hort Production Hort Biotech Agronomy Physiol/Ecology

Landscape Design & Construction

Landscape designers create aesthetic concepts and practical designs for improved outdoor living. Students study fundamental and advanced landscape design, landscape design graphics, computer aided landscape design, surveying, art, socio-economic impact of plants, field botany, professional practices, contracting, basic woody plant identification, landscape construction and maintenance methods. The development of comprehensive design projects helps students prepare for careers in landscape design or advanced studies in landscape architecture. Graduates in design and construction are prepared for employment in several professions in ornamental horticulture. Careful selection of departmental courses and other electives in consultation with the assigned academic advisor will allow graduates to pursue suitable career paths.

Turfgrass Science & Management

The Turfgrass Science and Management Concentration is designed for the student desiring to pursue professions that include growing and managing turfgrasses used for golf courses, parks, athletic fields, sports complexes, and residential and commercial lawns. This concentration also prepares students for graduate studies in turfgrass science. Students are encouraged to earn a minor degree in a supportive field such as agricultural economics or environmental and soil sciences. Careful selection of departmental courses and other electives in consultation with the assigned academic advisor will prepare graduates for the career of their choice.

Public Horticulture

The Public Horticulture Concentration is intended for students interested in professional careers which promote horticulture and emphasize people and their education and enjoyment of plants. Such careers include director of a botanical garden or park; city or urban horticulturist; extension agent, teacher, educational director, or program coordinator; professional garden writer/editor or publication manager; horticulture therapist; public garden curator; and plant collections manager. Technical electives allow students to concentrate in specialties of their interest while encouraging the development of strong communication skills. Students are encouraged to earn a minor degree in a supportive field such as education, communications or journalism, or earn a Non-Profit Management Certificate.

Plant Science, Biotechnology & Production Horticulture

The Plant Science, Biotechnology and Horticulture Concentration is designed students desiring to pursue professions in biotechnology or commercial production of agronomic and horticultural crops. This concentration also prepares students for graduate studies in plant sciences. Careful selection of departmental courses and other electives in consultation with the assigned academic advisor will prepare graduates for the career of their choice. The concentration consists of two tracks of study: (1) emphasis in production horticulture and (2) emphasis in science and biotechnology.

The department provides quality academic instruction to undergraduate and graduate students. Experienced instructors who are committed to the success of their students staff the department. Advisors give students sound advice in the selection of career specialties, elective courses, and provide students the best education possible. Professors want their students to be successful and enjoy positive student-teacher relationships. They keep track of job openings and assist students during the job selection process. Since most teachers in the department are also research scientists, undergraduate students interested in advanced studies are directed into appropriate courses necessary for admission to graduate school. Students are also encouraged to work with faculty researchers in a variety of laboratory, greenhouse, or field experiments.

Helpful online links for student information at UT

Plant Sciences UG Committee Page

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