Plant Sciences Major, BS in Plant Sciences – Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Concentration

The plant genetics and biotechnology concentration is designed for students wishing to pursue advanced degrees in plant molecular biology, bioenergy, and biotechnology and/or careers in the plant biotechnology industry. For example, the curriculum will prepare students to be competitive for entrance into MS and PhD degree programs, which in turn, prepare students for life as professional scientists. Alternatively, the plant biotechnology industry and biotechnology-affiliated industries have recurrent demand for competent BS-level scientists. One hallmark of the degree is requirement for students to participate in research directly in an affiliated faculty member’s lab or outside internship. This hands-on experience is reported by students to be a highlight of their degree program. A minimum grade point average of 2.25 is required for all plant sciences courses taken in the major.

uTrack Requirements

Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect full-time, degree-seeking students who first entered Fall 2013 or later. uTrack does not apply to transfer students who entered prior to Fall 2015.