Program Overview

Program Overview

The Plant and Environmental Sciences program at Clemson University is designed to prepare students for a future career in protecting the environment through laboratory experience and discovery of new agricultural practices.

Program Details

• Program Type: B.S.
• Credits: 120-122
• Format: On Campus
• Time to Complete: 4 years

About This Program

Students in this program choose to focus their studies in one of three concentrations: agricultural biotechnology, agronomy, or soil and water science. The rigorous curriculum offers instruction in the comprehensive management of biological systems in plant agriculture, reflecting the scientific complexity and sophistication of modern agronomic practices. Students develop a deep understanding of topics in plant biology, soil science, ecology, applied genetics, and biotechnology.

Concentrations

• Agricultural Biotechnology Concentration: Studies the scientific advances helping production agriculture keep up with the demands of a growing global population while balancing the constraints on natural resources. This includes learning to use advances such as drought- or pest-resistant plant varieties.
• Agronomy Concentration: Focuses on managing and adapting farming systems to cope with population growth demands and the instability of markets and weather, understanding environmental and social concerns of modern-day farming.
• Soil and Water Science Concentration: Addresses the management of agricultural and industrial wastes, reduction of contamination of ground and surface waters, and soil and water use in the production of food and fiber crops.

Coursework

The program is lab-intensive and prepares students well for their career and possible graduate studies. Coursework is multidisciplinary and science-based, with high academic expectations, but is also easily adaptable to students' interests and needs with the three concentrations.

Popular Minors

• Agricultural Business Management
• Biological Sciences
• Entomology
• Environmental Science and Policy
• Genetics

Career Opportunities

After graduation, common career areas include:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Plant Pathology
• Plant Physiology
• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• Biofuels
• Soil Scientist
• Research and Development
• Greenhouse or Nursery Management
• Conservation
• Extension and Education

Salary Information

• Environmental scientists and specialists: $80,000 (median annual salary)

Similar Majors

• Biological Sciences: Lay the foundation for a career in fields as diverse as medicine, dentistry, law, industry, or education.
• Environmental and Natural Resources: Learn about the human impact on ecosystems and methods for confronting some of the world's most pressing environmental issues.
• Horticulture: Be part of a green future and prepare for a vast range of careers related to the art of cultivating plants.
• Turfgrass: Deepen your understanding of the science and business behind the greens to reach your career aspirations.