Program Overview

Sustainable Plant Systems: Urban Horticulture Emphasis

Overview

Become a leader who designs and builds gardens and landscapes resilient to the impacts of an increasingly urban world and changing climate. The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Plant Systems has four tracks; students in the Urban Horticulture track learn the best management practices for producing and managing edible and ornamental plants. The interdisciplinary program of study focuses on ways of assessing, designing and managing urban landscapes to reduce inputs and environmental impact while promoting human health and economic well-being. Students build a solid foundation in plant, soil and water science; gain practical skills in sustainable agricultural practices; engage in hands-on learning with internationally recognized faculty; and graduate fully prepared for careers in urban landscape design and management.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply science to agricultural systems; Apply understanding of plant and soil science concepts to sustainable agricultural systems.
• Communicate effectively; Communicate in both oral and written forms the importance of plant and soil sciences in addressing global challenges for agriculture and the environment.
• Master plant and soil science concepts; Demonstrate mastery of key plant biology and soil science concepts including interactions with the biotic and abiotic environment.
• Think critically; Critically evaluate information considering diverse perspectives, drawing reasonable conclusions, and defending them rationally.

Program Details

Career Fields

• Horticulturist
• Agronomist
• Landscape Designer
• Landscape Consultant
• Landscape Contractor

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sci

Degree

• Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Sustainable Plant Systems: Urban Horticulture Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • ENGL 101 First Year Composition (3)
  • MATH 113 Elements of Calculus (3)
  • CHEM 151 General Chemistry I (4)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • CALS 195C (1)
• 2nd Semester
  • Second Language (4)
  • CHEM 152 General Chemsitry II (4)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • ENVS 200 General Soils (3)
  • ENVS 201 General Soils Lab (1)
  • ENGL 102 First Year Composition (3)

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • CHEM 241A Organic Chemistry (3)
  • PLS 240 Plant Biology (4)
  • PLS 195A (1)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • Second Language (4)
• 4th Semester
  • Statistics (3)
  • ENVS 316 Plant and Soil Nutrition (3)
  • PLS 312 Animal & Plant Genetics (4)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • Subplan Course (3)

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • Insect Pest Management Course (3)
  • PLS 330 Plant Propagation & Production (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • Upper Division Communication Course (3)
  • Subplan Course (3)
• 6th Semester
  • PLS 475A Applied Plant Physiology (3)
  • Subplan Course (3)
  • Subplan Course (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • PHYS 102 Introduction to Physics (3)

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • ENVS 300 Soil Ecology of Sustainable Systems (3)
  • PLP 305 Introduction to Plant Pathology (3)
  • Internship/Applied Course (3)
  • Subplan Course (3)
  • Subplan Course (3)
• 8th Semester
  • PLS 498 Senior Captsone (2)
  • Subplan Course (3)
  • Subplan Course (3)
  • Subplan Course (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)