Bachelor of Science Degree
The department offers the Bachelor of Science Degree in four areas: (1) Crop Science, which deals with agronomic (commonly called field) crops, such as forages, grains, corn, pasture, etc.; (2) Horticulture, which deals with tree fruits, berries, vine fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants (ornamental includes all aspects of landscape plant production and use); (3) Environmental Soil/Water Science, which deals with soil and water in relation to plant growth and environmental quality; and (4) Residential Landscape Design and Construction, which deals with design, construction, and maintenance of residential and small-scale, commercial landscapes. All courses used to fill major requirements must be taken on an A-B-C-D-F basis. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required for courses used for the major. Transfer students are required to take at least 18 credits of major subject courses in residence at USU. A minor may be earned in Agronomy, Crop Biotechnology, Horticulture, Ornamental Horticulture, Climate Change and Energy, and Soil Science. A minimum of 16 approved credits are required (see lists below). All courses must be taken on an A-B-C-D-F basis and passed with a grade of C- or better. For information about receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, consult the departmental undergraduate advisor.
The course requirements for the Crop Science Major are designed to prepare students for a career related to the production of agronomic crops. These courses allow students to function well in a rapidly changing technological environment and to acquire new skills and understanding as their career evolves. Each of the emphases within this major has been designed to allow students the flexibility to add courses or a minor to meet their own goals. The Agronomy Emphasis is designed for students interested in learning more about the applied aspects of crop production. Some courses emphasize production techniques and systems, while others provide the student with an understanding of the principles underlying crop production. The Research/Biotechnology Emphasis is designed for students who wish to participate in the development of plant-oriented technologies at any level of employment, and for those who intend to pursue a career in private or public research requiring graduate degrees. Courses provide the fundamental tools for a twenty-first century career in agriculture.
The Horticulture Major prepares students for production of fruits, vegetables, turf, or ornamentals and for landscape construction and maintenance. Course topics include biology, chemistry, and control of insects, diseases, and weeds. The Ornamental Horticulture Emphasis adds courses in production management techniques, such as pruning, spraying, and landscaping (materials, design, and maintenance); and greenhouse management. In the Turfgrass Management Emphasis, students complete courses in turfgrass management to prepare them for careers in golf course, park, athletic field, and landscaping management. The Science Emphasis prepares students for graduate study and for employment in technical occupations. The Business Emphasis joins courses necessary for a minor in Business with those necessary for obtaining expertise in horticulture.
The Environmental Soil/Water Science Major is intended to provide each student with a fundamental understanding of the basic sciences and mathematics, as well as a strong background in both soil and water sciences. Preparatory requirements include chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, geology, and statistics. The core courses for Environmental Soil/Water Science emphasize the interactive soil/water processes in the soil’s plant-rooting zone—from the microscopic to the landscape perspective. From this base, each student can design his or her own program of specialization in one of the many aspects of soil science, water science, or the integration of both soil and water sciences. Students may choose complementary classes in the Soil Emphasis, Water Emphasis, or Plant Emphasis in preparation for a variety of career opportunities. The Environmental Soil/Water Science Major is complementary to existing undergraduate programs at Utah State University in Geology, Environmental Studies, Watershed and Earth Systems, and Environmental Engineering.
The Residential Landscape Design and Construction (RLDC) Major prepares students for careers in the design, construction, and maintenance of small-scale, residential landscapes. Within these career areas, students will foster sustainable water-conserving landscape development by consumers. The overall curriculum strives to balance both landscape horticulture and landscape design. The core curriculum includes preparatory courses in chemistry, mathematics, biology, design, and graphics. Required program courses emphasize the plant sciences (i.e., plant materials, landscape management, weed control, and turfgrass management), soil sciences (fundamentals of soil science, soil reclamation, and remote sensing), and design/construction (i.e., residential landscape design, irrigation design, bidding and estimating, landscape construction, computer-based design, and water conservation). The RLDC Major is complementary to the existing undergraduate majors in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture.
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