Plant Sciences
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
Why study plants? Because we need them! We need plants for food, shelter, clothes, biofuels and to improve and beautify our environment. When you study plant sciences, you get hands-on experience with plants and agriculture, experience that can lead to a lucrative, rewarding career and a healthier planet for us all. The combination of science and practical experience prepares graduates to be innovators in sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental quality.
Major Requirements
Students in the plant sciences major will gain a solid foundation in the biological and physical sciences. This foundation is followed by advanced courses to develop an understanding of how plants obtain and utilize resources from their environment to sustain their growth and development.
Students will learn how genetics, management systems and environmental inputs influence crop development and productivity along with the technologies for post-harvest preservation and marketing of plant products.
The plant sciences major offers optional specializations in crop production; plant genetics and breeding; and postharvest biology and technology. Students in the major can also design an individual option to match specific interests or career goals in the plant sciences. This major offers valuable practical experience in the plant sciences through a combination of laboratory courses and internships, leading to successful careers in a wide variety of plant related fields.
Contact Information
Careers
- Agronomist
- Farm operations manager
- Farmer/rancher
- Horticulturist
- Pest control advisor
- Plant breeder
- Plant geneticist
- Post-harvest technology manager
- Precision agriculture specialist
- Seed producer
Graduate Study
- Horticulture and agronomy
- Plant pathology
- Plant biology
- Agricultural science
- Environmental science
Alumni Employers
- Bayer
- Marrone Bio Innovations
- Driscoll's
- United Genetics Seed Company
- 69³ÉÈË
![Students smile and listen in a lecture.](/sites/default/files/styles/sf_landscape_4x3/public/media/images/majors-aggie-first-year-uc-davis.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=09wZD_15)
Your course roadmap
Find the detailed course requirements for your program and map out your path to graduation.
![Two people in safety goggles inspect a test.](/sites/default/files/styles/sf_landscape_4x3/public/media/images/majors-wind-tunnel-uc-davis.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=uiaOaRWV)
The faculty you will work with
Our undergraduates work directly with our faculty through research projects and labs.
![study abroad student explores europe](/sites/default/files/styles/sf_landscape_4x3/public/media/images/study-abroad-programs-uc-davis.jpg?h=b4e301e9&itok=1hNfC6Ch)
Global learning programs
Expand your horizons by studying abroad or pursuing global learning on campus.
![rebecca hernandez examines plants as part of her energy ecology work](/sites/default/files/styles/sf_landscape_4x3/public/media/images/rebecca-hernandez-stem.jpg?h=1cce0a37&itok=IgK7_Ni1)
Undergraduate research
Get hands on with your interests. Participate in one of our hundreds of research opportunities.