Plants are fundamental to all aspects of our existence; they provide the oxygen we breathe and contribute to our nutrition, the clothes we wear, the infrastructure we inhabit, and the natural beauty that surrounds us. Given the growth of the human population and the effects of this growth on the environment, research and training in the Plant Sciences has never been more critical. After solid training in fundamental sciences, Plant Science majors customize their education with diverse and interdisciplinary electives in fields such as genetics, genomics, development, biotechnology, plant pathology, environmental horticulture, and sustainable agriculture. Coursework and optional research training prepare majors for post-graduate studies in research, medicine, and pharmacy, or careers in horticulture, agriculture, microbiology, or biotechnology.

The knowledge of chemistry, biology, genomics, and mathematics gained from a major in Plant Sciences provides a scientific background that can be applied to a variety of specialized fields, including biotechnology, environmental horticulture, sustainable agriculture, and developmental and cell biology. Graduates might work as researchers, consultants, conservation advocates, educators, or project managers. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in microbiology, pharmacy, agriculture, or medicine.