Program Overview
Introduction to the Plant Sciences Program
The Plant Sciences program at the University of California, Davis, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological and physical sciences, as well as hands-on experience with plants and agriculture. This program prepares graduates to be innovators in sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental quality.
Program Description
The Plant Sciences major offers a solid foundation in the biological and physical sciences, followed by advanced courses that develop an understanding of how plants obtain and utilize resources from their environment to sustain their growth and development. Students will learn how genetics, management systems, and environmental inputs influence crop development and productivity, along with the technologies for post-harvest preservation and marketing of plant products.
Major Requirements
The Plant Sciences major requires students to gain a solid foundation in the biological and physical sciences. This foundation is followed by advanced courses to develop an understanding of how plants obtain and utilize resources from their environment to sustain their growth and development. The major offers optional specializations in:
- Crop production
- Plant genetics and breeding
- Postharvest biology and technology Students in the major can also design an individual option to match specific interests or career goals in the plant sciences.
Careers
Graduates of the Plant Sciences program can pursue a wide variety of careers, including:
- Agronomist
- Farm operations manager
- Farmer/rancher
- Horticulturist
- Pest control advisor
- Plant breeder
- Plant geneticist
- Post-harvest technology manager
- Precision agriculture specialist
- Seed producer
Graduate Study
The Plant Sciences program also offers opportunities for graduate study in fields such as:
- Horticulture and agronomy
- Plant pathology
- Plant biology
- Agricultural science
- Environmental science
Alumni Employers
Graduates of the Plant Sciences program have gone on to work for a variety of employers, including:
- Bayer
- Marrone Bio Innovations
- Driscoll's
- United Genetics Seed Company
- UC Davis
Related Degrees
Related degrees to the Plant Sciences program include:
- Plant Biology
- Biotechnology
Internship Opportunities
The Plant Sciences program offers internship opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Course Roadmap
Students can find the detailed course requirements for the Plant Sciences program and map out their path to graduation.
Faculty
The Plant Sciences program is taught by a faculty of experienced researchers and educators who work directly with students through research projects and labs.
Global Learning Programs
The Plant Sciences program offers opportunities for global learning, including study abroad programs and global learning on campus.
Undergraduate Research
The Plant Sciences program offers opportunities for undergraduate research, with hundreds of research opportunities available to students.
What Can I Do with My Major?
The Plant Sciences program provides students with a wide range of career opportunities, and students can learn how to connect their major to career opportunities.