Introduction                                                                             Program goals Academic programs in the Department of Plant Sciences span the art, science and technology of plant use in society. Students receive preparation for careers in horticulture and agronomy within four concentrations: (1) landscape design and construction; (2) turfgrass science and management; (3) public horticulture; and (4) plant science, biotechnology and horticulture. With the increasing emphasis placed on plants in urban areas, we offer particularly extensive training in landscape horticulture: planning, implementation and management for landscapes, turf and gardens. We also offer comprehensive programs in plant biotechnology and plant production. Upon entering our department, each student is assigned a faculty advisor to guide them in selection of career specialties and elective courses. The curriculum builds upon the university-wide general education requirements with critical courses in botany, soils, and business, and adds a set of required departmental courses specific to each concentration. Students are able to customize their program by selecting electives. Students in all concentrations are trained to work knowledgeably in general plant culture. Students are encouraged to earn a minor degree in a supportive field to further enhance their academic training and professional competitiveness. While firmly grounding students in the knowledge and skills of the plant sciences and arts, our curricula emphasize critical thinking and creative activity. Our students also gain the theoretical education necessary for continuing on for advanced degrees in plant related fields. Internship or undergraduate research participation is required for each concentration. Full-time summer internships are available at selected local, regional, and national companies or institutions. Part-time summer or semester internships and research experiences are available from the Department of Plant Sciences, other university departments and laboratories, and local commercial firms. Our graduates find employment in a wide variety of professions. In working for others or within their own business, graduates of the landscape concentration design residential landscapes, select proper woody and herbaceous plant materials for specific sites, restore native landscapes, specify specialty components dealing with landscape construction (irrigation, lighting, water features), prepare materials lists and cost estimates for landscape installations, and manage landscape crews. Turf majors have career opportunities in the industries involved with lawn management, athletic fields, golf courses, sales, and park and grounds maintenance. The public horticulture concentration prepares students for careers in botanic gardens, zoos and national parks; professional writing, television and radio; urban forestry; teaching; and municipal and university horticulture. Graduates in plant science, biotechnology and horticulture find employment in education, consulting, sales, agricultural extension, and research and development.                                         See also: Fun stuff! Study areas/Specialties in Plant Sciences Courses:   Undergraduate   Graduate Financial Aid / Scholarships / Loans Tennessee Scholar Dollars Professional opportunities: jobs for our grads Application procedures Bursar / maps / housing / parking / VolCard / grades / transcripts / more... College Honors Research & Creative Achievements Program International Programs for Agriculture Sciences & Natural Resources Helpful online links for student information at UT Plant Sciences UG Committee Page