Agriculture Department
Wondering whether a degree in Plant and Soil might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5844
Email: AgOutreach@csuchico.edu
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- Plant and Soil Science BS
Plant and Soil Science BS
Program Type Undergraduate Major
Delivery Type On Campus
A degree in plant science will give you the tools and knowledge to improve the production of crops—an in-demand career in a state that produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other food products. Learn how to improve quality and yield, the science of plant breeding and propagation, and how to control pests and weeds safely while conserving soil and water.
With the University Farm’s orchards, row crops, and greenhouses as your living laboratory, you’ll work side by side with faculty on innovative research, can farm your own plot, and learn the nuances of mushrooms and aquaponics while learning all aspects of agricultural resource management.
Improving Crop Production
After fundamental courses in biology, water, and soils, you’ll study topics ranging from agricultural issues to soil quality and fertility and greenhouse management to farm accounting. With an option to focus your studies more exclusively on crops or soils, you can adapt your education to a targeted career path.
Specializations and Options
Blend plant science with a holistic understanding of resources to become an expert in sustainable crop production.
Crops and Horticulture
Learn how to manage agricultural operations for the production of food, feed, fuel, fiber, and ornamental crops. With classes in irrigation, horticultural therapy, weed science, and more, you’ll study how to protect crops from pests and disease, steward natural resources, and the nuances of conservation and regulation.
Land and Soil Resource Management
Explore the ecology, management and conservation of landscapes in the rural-urban interface. You’ll dive deep into rangelands, wetlands, agro-forestry, and other ecosystems with classes in California’s geology, environmental impact analysis, and wildfire as fuel management.
Pick Your Path
Our graduates find rewarding careers as pest control advisors, certified crop advisors, quality assurance specialists and field, greenhouse and nursery managers, food safety technicians, and regulatory specialists. Top employers include:
- University of California, Cooperative Extension
- US Forest Service
- Pacific Coast Producers
- US Environmental Protection Agency
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An issue in the agriculture industry is having a worldwide stable food supply. My goal is to promote social justice, especially within the agriculture industry.
Farming for the Future
Whether you are conducting trials of cover crops, running the almond harvesters at the University Farm, or visiting with tomato producers in the Central Valley, you’ll get an up-close look at what it means to strategize how to feed the world of tomorrow.
Organic Vegetable Project
Students take the lead in a three-acre plot growing more than 50 varieties of vegetables to supply the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry and clients of a Community Supported Agriculture subscription. They share information with farmers while learning management and research skills.
Literal Field Trips
Destination trips across California take you to meet with industry experts and witness firsthand the logistical challenges that producers face, such as water, labor, regulatory demands, and sustainability so you can help devise solutions.
International Perspective
With global relevance, agriculture has no borders. Our faculty immerse students in 10-day or semester-long trips to other countries to learn alternate techniques. They also teach internationally in destinations like Turkey and Nepal, then bring those lessons back home to students in Chico.
Fast Facts
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Pursue Your Passion
No matter the angle of agriculture that interests you, we have a club or team for you. With more than 25 options to choose from, showcase your knowledge on the Agricultural Economics Quiz Bowl Team or the Food Marketing Team. Or put down roots and make lifelong friends in the Crop Science and Horticulture Club and Womxn of Agriculture.
More to Explore
University Farm
The 800-acre Paul L. Byrne Memorial University Farm is the centerpiece of the Chico State ag program, and it’s a key part of your educational experience. Working directly with farms and ranchers, it’s perhaps the most diversified operation in Northern California.
Greenhouses
Students embrace the chance to grow plants in a wide range of environments, using five greenhouses and an 8,000-square-foot outdoor growing area with shade systems. In addition to lab and research activities, students utilize the greenhouses to produce plant material for local restoration projects.
Row Crops and Orchards
Row crops such as alfalfa, hay, and corn to feed our livestock, or work on our orchard management team as you monitor 70 acres of almonds, 120 acres of walnuts, 10 acres of pecans, 10 acres of high-density olives for oil production, and a small U-pick peach orchard.
Regenerative Agriculture
Healthy soil is the cornerstone of any farm. At the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems, you will investigate, develop, and demonstrate how to use regenerative practices to deliver ecological, economic and cultural benefits to a farm or ranch.
Related Programs
Agriculture Department
Wondering whether a degree in Plant and Soil might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5844
Email: AgOutreach@csuchico.edu