 |
|
|
Undergraduate Programs Quick Links The Department of Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences currently offers an Undergraduate Major Degree Program in Plant & Soil Sciences. In addition, for University students with a major outside of our Department, we offer three Minor Degree Programs in Plant & Soil Sciences, Entomology, and Plant Pathology. If you have any questions after looking over the material presented, please do not hesitate to contact the Department. The Undergraduate Major Degree Program The Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences is the academic home to faculty, staff, and students interested in environmentally-conscious and socially-responsible management of plant, soil, and entomological systems. This includes managed crop production and the interface of managed and natural systems within urban and suburban settings, focusing on plant, soil, and water resource management. Research, teaching, and out-reach programs emphasize the study and technology transfer related to growth of food and ornamental crops, protection of soil and water resources, improvement of plants, development of new crops, management of harvested materials, remediation of pollution in soil and water, and use of urban and agricultural by-products. A degree in Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences is for students interested in such issues as:
Much of the students’ learning comes through work with actual problems in the classroom, laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings. The department has a number of greenhouses on campus, and off-campus facilities include a 200-acre experimental orchard, a research and teaching farm for weed science, vegetable and field crops, as well as an experimental turf farm. Faculty members in the department are actively engaged in research that facilitates instruction on the most up-to-date information and technologies. Curriculum | Career/Academic Opportunities The Curriculum Career and Graduate School Opportunities Recent Plant and Soil Sciences graduates are employed as:
A significant number of our graduates continue working towards advanced degrees which provide additional opportunities in research, teaching, consulting and public service in their chosen area of specialization. Several recent graduates are presently enrolled in M.S. and Ph.D. programs studying environmental soil chemistry, wetland science, developmental plant biology, and plant pathology. The Complete Undergraduate Major Guide Areas of Concentration Ornamental Horticulture focuses on the identification, production, marketing, and use of herbaceous and woody ornamental plants. Course work includes classes in plant identification, greenhouse management, woody plant production, floricultural crop production, plant propagation, and integrated pest management. Cultural practices and environmental effects on plant growth and health are covered in detail. The curriculum provides up-to-date information on relevant topics such as optimizing plant yield and quality, reducing groundwater pollution, conserving energy, and using environmentally safe and economically feasible methods of pest control. The Ornamental Horticulture concentration prepares students for rewarding careers in private industry, state and federal agencies, public gardens, and conservatories. Soil Science examines the role of soil in the environment, focusing on physical, biological, chemical, and morphological properties. Courses also focus on the need for productive soils in plant growth, prevention of soil degradation, bio-remediation, pollution transport processes, waste treatment, wetland issues, and control of water pollution by soil-borne contaminants. With an emphasis on protecting valuable resources, students study soil chemistry, plant nutrition, soil physics, soil microbiology, soil and water conservation, and soil classification. Graduates of this program are eligible for professional certification at both regional and national levels. Employment is found in both public and private sectors, working for state and federal natural resource agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research institutions. Sustainable Agriculture — Crop Production focuses on the production of food, fiber, and other plant commodities through ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially conscience approaches. Students have the opportunity to focus their studies in the areas of agronomy, fruit and/or vegetable production. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable crop production, cultural requirements, crop physiology, soil productivity, prevention of soil and water degradation, integrated pest management, food quality, and post-harvest handling and storage. The University’s location in the Pioneer Valley, a major vegetable production area, affords students access to local farms for first-hand views of modern cultural practices. Our nearby orchard serves as a living laboratory where students study commercial apple production as well as learning about stone fruits, small fruits, and berry crop production. The program stresses the concepts and practices vital to the preservation of natural resources in managed plant systems. Sustainable Agriculture — Food Systems prepares students for careers in policy, advocacy, community outreach and education on topics related to crop production, food access, and hunger issues, just to name a few. The curriculum combines a solid foundation in horticulture and pest management, and then allows customizing by the student in areas such as business administration, non-profit organization, sociology, political science, community outreach and education, among others. By combining crop production training with skills in communication, education, grant writing, nutrition, resource economics, land use planning, cultural sensitivity, community organizing, and/or policy development, students will gain a broader understanding of the many socioeconomic aspects surrounding food production, access and distribution. Graduates will be uniquely qualified to compete successfully for a wide array of emerging careers in the growing field of food systems. Turf Management focuses on the production and maintenance of grassed areas, including home lawns, parks, golf courses and other athletic surfaces. This concentration integrates scientific theory with practical experience, and covers such topics as grass and seed identification, turfgrass culture and physiology, pest control, and equipment maintenance. Many graduates find employment in the golf course industry, while others choose to specialize in sports turf management. The lawn care industry also employs many of our graduates in jobs as varied as research, sales, and direct lawn maintenance. Excellent career opportunities exist in turf management, and job placement of our graduates is nearly 100 percent. Program OptionsMost of our program areas can be further customized by selecting either a Business Management Track or a Science Track. Selection of a track is usually dependent upon a student’s long-term career goals. Consultation with an academic advisor is recommended if a student is not certain which Track is most appropriate.
Internships and Independent Study The Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences encourages majors to enhance their programs of study with an Internship experience or an Independent Study. These opportunities provide students with experience and training that will be useful in career planning as well as in decision-making about fields of possible graduate study. Students must have attained at least sophomore status and be in good academic standing. No more than three (3) credits of independent study or internship can be used to satisfy departmental credit requirements. Internships: An Internship is a summer or semester-long work experience that allows students to “apprentice” with professionals from their field. Internships are intended to be a learning experience, and most do not provide significant monetary compensation. Instead, academic credits are earned. Usually 12 credits are earned during one semester and 3 to 6 credits are earned for a summer program. Prior to undertaking an internship, an Academic Contract must be completed by the student and his/her faculty sponsor including planned activities, a statement of objectives, as well as criteria for evaluation and grading. Note: The University will accept up to 15 practicum credits towards the 120 credits required for graduation. Independent Study: Students wishing to complete a research project or independent learning project must select a faculty member within the department who will approve the project and provide guidance. An Independent Study Form must be completed which specifies the number of credits to be earned, a statement of objectives, planned activities, and criteria to be used for evaluation and grading. This form must be filed with the Department’s Undergraduate Program Office before the project is initiated. Transferring From Another College or University? Undergraduate Minor Program Offerings Deborah Picking
|
|
| about psis l personnel l academics l research l outreach & services l alumni & friends employment and financial assistance l seminar schedule l psis in the news l insiders information |
||
 |
 |
|