BS Plant Sciences at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

The Plant Sciences major is an applied science program for students interested in understanding how plants grow and how we use that knowledge to improve crop production, protect natural resources, and support sustainable food, fuel, fiber, and ornamental systems. The major prepares students for careers across agronomy, horticulture, agroecology, crop protection, applied plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and plant-focused industries.

Faculty: College of Agricultural Sciences | Duration: minimum 120 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Chemical Principles I, Experimental Chemistry I, Introduction to Entomology, Introduction to Crop Genetics, Biotechnology and Genomics, Introduction to Agricultural Crop Growth, Form, and Function, Emerging Issues in Plant Sciences.

Career pathways

Plant Sciences majors are prepared for a wide range of careers across agronomic and horticultural production systems, sustainable agriculture, ecosystem science, crop protection, applied plant physiology, plant science research, and plant biotechnology. Through hands-on coursework, engaging classroom learning, and the opportunity to learn directly from leading scientists, students develop the skills needed to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or for pursuing graduate studies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must: attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and have at least third-semester classification . Read Senate Policy 37-30: Entrance to and Changes in Major Programs of Study

Undergraduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer entry; the application opens August 1 for Fall and Summer and June 1 for Spring.

Early Action: apply by November 1 to receive a decision by December 24. Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1. Applicants apply through the MyPennState application or the Common App. A nonrefundable application fee is paid by credit card; fee waivers are available to eligible students.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/

Explore more study programmes

Engineering