Department of Plant Sciences

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Strategic plan
College facts
Experiment station
Extension Service

Educational and career

opportunities in

Crop & Weed Sciences

and Horticulture & Forestry

THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCES at North Dakota State University is a diverse department with regional, national, and world-respected expertise. The department-part of the NDSU College of Agriculture-offers educational programs in Crop and Weed Sciences and Horticulture and Forestry that prepare students for careers in expanding job markets.
Plant sciences are hands-on sciences. A low student-to-faculty ratio gives students numerous opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors, both in and outside the classroom, and in relevant research activities that range from laboratory to greenhouse to field research.
Agriculture is a fascinating and complex industry with international dimensions. The Department of Plant Sciences provides students with the knowledge, skills and understanding critical for professional success in a changing world. If you have an interest in plants and an interest in making a difference, this department is for you. Invest in your career by investing in Plant Sciences.
THE DEMAND FOR PLANT SCIENCES GRADUATES is high, not only in North Dakota and the region, but throughout the United States and the world. A bachelor of science degree in one of the Plant Sciences areas provides a strong base for advanced degrees and prepares you for a variety of careers. Here are a few examples of areas in which students may be employed:
- Crop consulting
- Crop production/management
- Farming
- Pesticide, fertilizer, or seed sales
- Greenhouse or nursery management
- Ornamental horticulture
- Technical service for a private or public research institution or university
- Plant biotechnology
- International programs
- Natural resources conservation service
- Extension service
PROGRAM OF STUDY-By choosing Plant Sciences, you have chosen an opportunity to meet new people, to become professionally involved, and to prepare for your future career. The Department of Plant Sciences offers two majors and also cooperates in the interdisciplinary majors in Biotechnology and Plant Protection.
- The Crop and Weed Sciences major offers options in production, agribusiness, weed science, biotechnology and science.
- The Horticulture and Forestry major offers options in production, science, biotechnology, landscape, and urban forestry and parks.
Within most of the options, you can become a generalist or you can specialize in one or more of the several diverse areas such as crop science, weed science, plant breeding, genetics, horticulture, laboratory sciences, or field sciences.
PLANT SCIENCE FACULTY AND STUDENTS are a close-knit group where almost everyone knows everyone else by name. Most Plant Sciences students belong to either the Agronomy Club or the Horticulture Club, both recognized by national organizations. As a member of one of these clubs, you can cultivate your professional interest in plant sciences while developing valuable friendships and associations with faculty members and fellow students.
INTERNSHIPS-Plant Sciences students have numerous opportunities for field experience internships, especially during the summer. Some examples include scouting for crop consulting firms, research assistants for plant protection and plant breeding companies, and sales assistants for chemical companies. International opportunities also are available.
FACILITIES-Plant Sciences offices, laboratories and greenhouses are located in modern facilities that include special classrooms and laboratories devoted to subjects such as plant identification, computer-aided class materials, biotechnology and plant growth. Large field research areas and an 80-acre arboretum also are available. The Plant Sciences Learning Center offers a unique atmosphere for students to work together, learn from one another with assistance from faculty and staff, and hands-on experience with Plant Sciences at NDSU.
SCHOLARSHIPS-Numerous scholarships are available in the Plant Sciences department and are awarded based on scholastic merit. They range from $300-$500 per year and total about $10,000 annually. Plant Sciences students also are eligible for scholarships available through the College of Agriculture.
TRANSFER STUDENTS-Students transferring from other colleges and universities, including graduates of two-year programs, are encouraged to consider Plant Sciences at NDSU.
AGRICULTURE IS NORTH DAKOTA'S LARGEST INDUSTRY-Crops account for more than 60 percent of the state's total cash farm income, not including crops grown as feed and forage for the livestock industry. North Dakota is a major producer of hard red spring wheat, durum wheat, barley, sunflower, flaxseed, dry edible beans, and potatoes. By attending NDSU-located in the heart of one of the world's most productive agricultural regions-Plant Sciences students have access to an impressive breadth of scholarship, internship, research and career opportunities.
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY to do meaningful work in the world of people and plants. The Department of Plant Sciences can provide you with the opportunity to develop a competitive edge and prepare for a career that will make a difference, help feed the world, and pave the way to an unlimited future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about NDSU and its application procedure, call the NDSU Office of Admission. Local phone number is 231-8643; the toll-free nationwide number is 800/488/NDSU. The Admissions Office will be happy to help you arrange a visit to campus, including the Department of Plant Sciences.
For information about a Plant Sciences major, you may call the Department of Plant Sciences direct at 701/231-7971, contact us by fax 701/231-8474, or e-mail buringru@plains.nodak.edu or complete and return this form.