Plant Science, Biotechnology and Horticulture . . .
What is Plant Science, Biotechnology and Horticulture?
Plant Science, Biotechnology and Horticulture, a concentration of study in the Department of Plant Sciences, is designed for students desiring to pursue professions in plant biotechnology or commercial production of horticultural and agronomic crops. Areas of focus include nursery and greenhouse management; genetic engineering technologies; plant breeding; production of ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables; and crop science. This concentration consists of two tracks of study: (1) Production Horticulture, and (2) Science and Biotechnology.
The Plant Science, Biotechnology and Horticulture concentration
Plant Science, Biotechnology and Horticulture is the Plant Sciences department's premier undergraduate concentration in science. The curriculum builds upon university-wide general education requirements with critical courses in botany, biology, soils and business, and adds departmental courses specific to one of the two tracks in this concentration. Students customize their program by selecting electives. Students in all of the concentrations within the Department of Plant Sciences are trained to work knowledgeably with plants. While firmly grounding students in the knowledge and skills of the plant sciences, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and creative activity. Our students also gain the theoretical education necessary to pursue advanced degrees in plant-related fields.
Where can I get a job with this background?
Graduates of the Production Horticulture track enter a wide variety of productive careers. These include agribusinesses; agricultural Extension and outreach; education (community colleges, high schools); and professional consulting on horticultural or agronomic topics. Graduates of the Science and Biotechnology track move into research, sales and technical positions in agricultural and biotechnology industries. Students may also continue their education in graduate school, earning M.S. or Ph.D. degrees that enable them to pursue careers in research and/or higher education.
What student activities are available to Public Horticulture students?
A variety of student activities is available on campus, ranging from intramural sports to student branches of professional horticulture and agronomy societies (e.g., American Society for Horticulture Science, American Society of Agronomy). Our students have traveled across the country participating in contests, attending conferences and accepting awards. Students may perform research in the cutting-edge area of plant biology, or gain valuable hands-on experience through employment as student workers or interns in research labs.
Check out other CASNR programs:
- Agricultural Economics and Business
- Agricultural and Extension Education
- Agricultural Science
- Animal Science
- Biosystems Engineering
- Environmental and Soil Science
- Food Science and Technology
- Forest Resource Management and Wildlife Recreation
- Landscape Design and Construction
- Public Horticulture
- Turfgrass Science and Management
- Wildlife and Fisheries
Quick Links
Contact Us. . .
Plant Sciences Department
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4561
Phone: (865) 974-7324
Fax: (865) 974-1947
Email: plantsciences@utk.edu
Web: http://plantsciences.utk.edu/
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
2621 Morgan Circle
125 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-7303
Fax: (865) 974-9329
Email: casnr@utk.edu