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 WELCOME to the web site for the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology at Montana State University. We are pleased to see that you are interested in continuing your education at Montana State University and may be interested in studying in the area of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology. Our B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs in the options of Plant Sciences, Biotechnology and Horticulture along with our faculty are outlined in our brochure.
Our faculty is involved in both teaching and research which gives students the benefit of hands on experience in the laboratory in addition to their time in the classroom. We excel in designing a program of study that will meet each student's needs and prepare them for a professional career.
If there is any way we can be of assistance or if you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (campus map). If you have the opportunity to visit us, we would enjoy meeting you and giving you any additional information you require to make your decision. We wish you the best as you pursue your education.
Sincerely,
John Sherwood
Department Head
Montana State University Career Services
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Undergraduate Degree Options
Continued increases in food and fiber crop production are essential for the future of humankind. Yet, increased production places increased pressure on our soil, water, and other finite resources. The challenge for crop scientists is to implement crop and soil management schemes that maintain and/or increase production, but at the same time conserve our soil and water resources and preserve the delicate balance in the agroecosystems. Course requirements in the Crop Management option are designed to acquaint students with the principles underlying crop and soil management. Thus soil fertility, plant physiology, crop production, crop breeding, and pest management, along with courses in the biological and physical sciences are included in this area of study. Graduates from this option find careers in farming and ranching; as crop production specialists; in pest management; in seed, fertilizer, and chemical industries; with banks and other lending institutions; Cooperative Extension Service and with a government agency such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service. For more information contact Jack Martin.
Crop Science Option Curriculum
Crop Science Non-Teaching minor Option Curriculum
Plant biology provides a broad education in the plant sciences. The expertise of the Plant Sciences faculty provides an opportunity to focus at the cellular and molecular level, but opportunities also exist for emphasis in plant ecology and systematics. Course requirements inlcude beginning and advanced courses in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, plant development, ecology, and systematics.
Graduates are prepared for post-graduate school, and academic and professional careers. For more information contact Rich Stout.
Plant Biology Option Curriculum
Ornamental Horticulture is the science and art of growing and maintaining ornamental plants for the enjoyment and improvement of the human environment. Its application through research has led to improved varieties of plants to benefit our daily lives. Students studying horticulture take fundamental courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics prior to taking specialized courses such as plant materials, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant reproduction, and arboriculture. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in such areas as floral and nursery crop production, grounds care, landscape nurseries, and greenhouse businesses; and in research with private companies, public agencies or institutions of higher learning. For more information contact Tracy Dougher.
Horticulture Science Option Curriculum
Horticulture Non-teaching minor Option Curriculum
The landscape design option will prepare students to solve aesthetic and functional landscape problems. Technical and creative studies lead to problem-solving skills which are used to create beautiful, functional, and efficient landscape design solutions. Emphasis is placed on the use of plant materials to solve site problems. Graduates are employed by landscape nurseries, landscape contractors, and planning agencies; others become self-employed as landscape designers and contractors. Many students have chosen to continue advanced studies in programs of landscape architecture. For more information contact Bill Pond.
Landscape Design Option Curriculum
B.S. Biotechnology, Plant Systems Option
Rapid changes in the biotechnology industry have occurred as a result of molecular, genetic and cell biological techniques. Students working in the field of biotechnology emphasize both molecular and cellular biological concepts and associated techniques to address problems facing plant, animal or microbial production systems. A strong foundation is developed through coursework in chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, genetics, and allied sciences during the first two years of the program (College of Agriculture). During the third and fourth years, students in the Plant Biotechnology option concentrate on coursework specific to plant systems and will participate in an internship (Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences). Graduates with a degree in Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology Option will find employment in technical positions with the biotechnology industry; university, state, and federal research or regulatory agencies; graduate degrees or professional degrees in medical or veterinary schools. For more information contact John Sherwood.
Plant Biotechnology-Plant Systems Option Curriculum
Undergraduate Minors
Undergraduate minors are offered in animal science, agricultural education-extension, horticulture, range and soil science. The minor in animal science is designed to give students outside of agriculture a general exposure to the nature of the livestock industry. The agricultural education-extension minor is designed to give students a broad-based agriculture and agricultural education background in preparation for extension work. The horticulture minor gives students the opportunity to gain a broad-based background in the production and care of ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables. A range science minor will provide students with a general overview of managing rangeland ecosystems for livestock production, wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation. The Soil and Water Science Option provides students with fundamental training in basic biological, chemical, and physical sciences and advanced training in soil and water science. For more information regarding the Horticulture Minor, contact Tracy Dougher. For more information on the Water and Soil Science Minor, contact Linda McDonald
Crop Science Non-Teaching minor Option Curriculum
Horticulture Non-teaching minor Option Curriculum
College of Agriculture
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