Wondering whether a degree in Plant and Soil science 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
Grow your future with a degree that blends plant biology, soil science, and hands-on experience to meet the world’s food, fiber, and sustainability needs. Whether you're interested in crop production, ecosystem restoration, or climate-smart farming, you’ll explore how to boost yield and quality, steward natural resources, and manage pests and weeds safely and effectively.
At the University Farm, you’ll dig into real-world learning—from tending orchards and row crops to experimenting in greenhouses and aquaponics. You’ll work with expert faculty on applied research, manage your own farm plot, and graduate ready to make an impact in agriculture and beyond.
Root Your Learning Here
Explore plant biology, soil science, irrigation, pest management, and sustainable agriculture. With courses in everything from greenhouse management to ecosystem restoration, you’ll build the skills to grow healthy crops, steward resources, and lead in regenerative practices.
Major Options
Specialize in sustainable crop production or regenerative agriculture. With access to hands-on labs and expert faculty, you’ll study everything from plant and soil science to climate-smart farming and resource conservation.
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.
Regenerative Agriculture
Tackle today’s agricultural challenges with practices that restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and strengthen food systems. You’ll get hands-on experience with climate-smart farming, learn directly from regenerative experts, and explore how to create thriving, sustainable communities through agriculture.
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:
- Pacific Coast Producers
- University of California, Cooperative Extension
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- US Forest Service
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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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- #12
Ag Degree in Nation
- $190K
Scholarships Awarded Annually
- 25
Ag Clubs, Teams, and Programs to Join
- 26-to-1
Student-to-Teacher Ratio
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
Grow 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 science 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