The Plant Science and Landscape Architecture department houses three majors: Agricultural Science and Technology; Plant Science; and Landscape Architecture. The Agricultural Science and Technology major (AGST) has three specializations: Agronomy, Environmental Horticulture, and Agricultural and Extension Education. These tracks work very well for Ag Forward; both specializations are broad-based, applied courses of study that offer hands-on learning. Career options for AGST students include agricultural management, regulatory work, teaching, extension, technology support, and marketing.
Pathways
Agronomy Major
Agronomy students learn about a broad range of agricultural disciplines, which gives them a comprehensive education in crop, soil, and animal sciences. The Agronomy program at UMD focuses on a sustainable perspective. There is room for customization of this major—some students may focus more on crops or animal science, while others may take more courses in environmental science or international agriculture. Students emerge ready to take jobs in agricultural extension, management, marketing, regulation, or education or to begin graduate school.
Environmental Horticulture Major
Environmental Horticulture is designed to lead students toward becoming an owner-operator or a manager in fields such as: environmental horticulture; greenhouse management; container nursery production; fresh fruit and vegetable production; and plant protection. For students who have a strong interest in education, numerous possibilities for rewarding careers also exist in agricultural extension, public gardens, and ornamental horticulture.
Landscape Architecture Major
The PSLA department also holds the Landscape Architecture major. This major can be quite compatible with Ag Forward, as long as the student begins the sequence of landscape architecture courses in the first year. Students interested in landscape architecture should consult the Landscape Architecture program directly as well as their Ag Forward advisor.
Admission into the studio sequence is contingent upon attaining a successful benchmark review of a portfolio to meet content and quality standards as outlined by the LARC program. More information is available here. You must apply and be admitted to the University of Maryland before LARC can review your portfolio for acceptance into the program.
Note: Pairing the Ornamental Horticulture concentration with a Landscape Architecture degree will usually require more than 130 credits. It is included here, however, because the content is so complementary to a Landscape Architecture curriculum that the pairing may still be advantageous, even if the student needs to add a semester or take summer courses.
