Getting Started (Majors Guide)

College: CNS

 (Revised Spring 2018)

Stockbridge School of Agriculture

How to Explore/Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

Under the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus.  For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track.  Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

NOTE: Interested students should check with Program Coordinator listed below for the most current information since this major is evolving.

Required prerequisites, including recommended sequence:

  • ENGLWRIT 112 (CW)
  • BIOLOGY 151
  • BIOLOGY 152
  • STOCKSCH 108 for students interested in plant sciences
  • MATH 104 (R1) NOTE: An R1 waiver does not satisfy this requirement.
  • CHEM 111 (PS) for students who are exempt from or have completed MATH 104
  • CHEM 112 (PS) for students who have completed CHEM 111

Suggested Electives:
Students should consult the Program Coordinator listed below, since electives for each student vary depending on their focus and interests.

How to Declare the Major

Students should declare the major prior to the fourth semester (but as soon as possible to avoid a delay in graduation). See the Program Coordinator listed below to declare.

Transfer Students:

Students should see the departmental advisor as soon as possible.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Total # or range of credits required: 71-75

  • Core Requirements (15 cr.)
    STOCKSCH 105, STOCKSCH 108, STOCKSCH 384, and STOCKSCH 505.
  • Additional Life Science Requirements (44-48 cr.)
    Selected from a list of additional courses in biology, chemistry, experimental techniques, and independent study.
  • Restricted Electives (12 cr.)
    Selected from the areas of horticultural science, plant biotechnology, plant pathology, or soil sciences, with approval of the Program Coordinator.

Is there a minor? If so, what are the requirements?
Yes. The School currently offers two minors: Plant & Soil Sciences and Plant Pathology. Consult the Program Coordinator to obtain specific requirements for each minor.

For further information, contact:
Professor Susan Han, Program Coordinator
102B Fernald Hall; (413) 545-5228
susanh@umass.edu