Loading...

Applied Biology and Biotechnology, through theoretical and practical training, prepares students to apply biology to meet current and future needs of our society for well-trained biologists. This program includes rigorous training in biology, covering genetics, physiology, and laboratory methods. Students focus their work in one of two general areas: plant science or general applied biology. They may also choose to focus their advanced coursework in plant biotechnology, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science or a related discipline. Successful graduates work in research or applied aspects of the biotechnology industries, pest management, agricultural and horticultural businesses, and environmental consulting arenas; and many go on for advanced graduate training for careers in business, the public sector, or academia.

Sustainable Horticulture is focused on giving students the tools to work in horticultural fields. Students receive technical training in the production of woody and herbaceous ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables. Students in this concentration have the option of selecting a science or business management option. If they choose, students can focus their coursework in commercial floriculture and garden center management, landscape horticulture and nursery management, food crops, plant breeding and propagation, plant nutrition and soils, crop physiology, or pest management. The university’s location in the Pioneer Valley affords students access to local farms and the university’s nearby orchard serves as a living laboratory where students study commercial  production of various fruit crops. The program stresses the concepts and practices vital to the preservation of natural resources in managed plant systems. Successful graduates of this program find employment in plant conservatories and arboreta, parks and recreation, as well as in businesses such as direct-market farms, greenhouse operations, landscaping firms, seed companies, and nurseries.

Sustainable Food and Farming allows students who are focused on social, political, and scientific issues of sustainable agriculture and food systems to seek a broad exposure to this discipline in the liberal arts tradition. Students are exposed to a range of courses including the biophysical aspects of agriculture, economic aspects of food production and distribution, and also the social elements affecting food policy and access issues. The curriculum combines a solid foundation in horticulture and pest management, and then allows customizing by the student in areas such as business administration, nonprofit organization, sociology, political science, community outreach, and education, among others. By combining crop production training with skills in communication, education, grant writing, nutrition, resource economics, land-use planning, cultural sensitivity, community organizing, and/or policy development, students gain a broader understanding of the many socioeconomic aspects surrounding food production, access, and distribution. Students can tailor their individual programs to prepare for careers in policy, advocacy, community outreach, and education on topics related to crop production, food access, and hunger issues, and many other fields. Graduates are uniquely qualified to compete successfully for a wide array of emerging careers in the growing field of food systems.

Turfgrass Science and Management is an applied science program that focuses on the production and maintenance of grassed areas, including home lawns, parks, and golf courses and other athletic surfaces. This concentration integrates scientific theory with practical experience, and covers such topics as grass and seed identification, turfgrass culture and physiology, pest control, and equipment maintenance. Students in this concentration will have the option of selecting a science or business management focus. Many graduates find employment in the golf course industry, while others choose to specialize in sports turf management. The lawn care industry also employs many graduates in jobs as varied as research, sales, and direct lawn maintenance.Excellent career opportunities exist in turf management, and job placement of graduates is nearly 100 percent.