You want to be part of the agricultural trend toward innovations in plant breeding that create stronger variations and better production.

About Plant & Soil Systems

Study ways to improve crops and discover new crossbreeds of plants, and learn the latest approaches to the cultivation, marketing, and processing of ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables. Topics include soil science and conservation, ornamentals and grasses, urban landscape management, sustainable horticulture, and much more.

Concentrations Available

Agricultural Pest Management/Entomology or Plant Pathology: Learn about agriculture biology and physical science through class instruction and internships with a specific emphasis on either entomology or plant pathology.
Crop Science: Study food and fiber production with an emphasis on subjects from crop pests to economics.
Horticulture Science: Horticulture is the science and art of cultivation, propagation, marketing, and processing of ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Horticulture is unique among plant sciences because it also incorporates art and the principles of design. With opportunities such as internships, hands-on learning, and faculty-led research, you will gain valuable experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.
Soil Science: Learn how soils are used as a natural resource to support agronomic production and environmental quality.
Sustainable Production Systems: In this concentration, you will gain a background in applied agronomy and horticulture with a focus on production and economics.
Turf & Landscape Management: From football fields to suburban landscapes, study the applications of turf and ornamental grass, pest identification and control, landscape design, small engine maintenance, and financial management. Also learn about the construction of landscape sites, including planting and maintaining woody and herbaceous plants and other herbaceous crops.
Urban Entomology: Learn about insects found in urban environments and how to manage for them.

Possible Careers

Agricultural business consultant
Crop scientist
Entomologist
Golf course superintendent
Horticulturist
Landscape manager
Soil scientist

Program Requirements

Once you're an LSU student, you'll need to meet the requirements below to continue pursuing this major.

2.0 GPA in all coursework (2.5 GPA for transfer)
2.0 cumulative GPA in courses toward degree requirements
grade of "C" or better in ENGL 1001 and MATH 1021 or higher

Senior College

College of Agriculture

Degree

B.S., Bachelor of Science

Course Load by Subject Area

Agriculture: ⚫︎⚫︎⚫︎
Science: ⚫︎⚫︎⚪︎
Communication: ⚫︎⚪︎⚪︎
Electives: ⚫︎⚪︎⚪︎
Lab Hours or Field Work: ⚫︎⚪︎⚪︎
View all course loads