The Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems major, with concentrations in Environmental Horticulture, Sustainable Agriculture, and Turfgrass Science, focuses on the science and practices associated with sustainable plant production and/or use within managed systems. Courses emphasize practices and concepts related to reducing environmental impact during production and in managed land use systems.
Click here to view all of the Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems (SPSS) course offerings.
Concentrations focus on the production of ornamental and edible crops in controlled environments, greenhouses, nurseries and on farms; management practices for built landscapes and surfaces used for recreational and sporting activities, and the selection and management of ornamental trees, shrubs, grasses, native species, and plants and soils that perform ecosystem services in recreational, urban, and suburban settings to meet functional and aesthetic requirements. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, and developing and applying knowledge to solve contemporary problems in individual and team approaches. Students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships
THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG YEAR
(Click here to view past catalogs)
All students in this major must complete the following courses:
All of:
BIOL 1108: Principles of Biology (or
1110: Introduction to Botany)
SPSS 2110W: Sustainable Plant Pest Management Communication or
SPSS 2560W: Written Communications in Horticulture
Environmental Horticulture Concentration
All of:
Two of:
SPSS 3410: Woody Plants: Common Trees, Shrubs and Vines
SPSS 3560: Interior Plants and Interioriscaping
Two of:
Three of:
SPSS 3550: Urban Plant Systems Construction & Maintenance
SPSS 3610: Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Production
SPSS 3670: Greenhouse Technology and Operations
Sustainable Agriculture Concentration
All of:
SPSS 2100: Environmental Sustainability of Food Production in Developed Countries
SPSS 2500: Principles and Concepts of Agroecology
SPSS 3610: Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Production
Two of:
SPSS 3410: Woody Plants: Common Trees, Shrubs and Vines
SPSS 3550: Urban Plant Systems Construction and Maintenance