Bachelor of Science, Major in Plant and Soil Sciences

The Plant and Soil Sciences curriculum provides an educational background to those interested in employment in fields related to production, marketing and/or management of horticultural or agronomic crops; landscape design, installation, and maintenance; and other related businesses. Employment opportunities include, but are not limited to, nursery management, greenhouse plant production, turf management, landscape design and maintenance, floral industry, field crop production or consulting, natural resource conservation programs, chemical and seed production and sales, agricultural extension, and research/teaching.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

Bachelor of Science, Major in Plant and Soil Sciences
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics)3
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) 18
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences)3
Component Area IX (Component Area Option) 24
Degree Specific Requirements
ACOM 3360Communication Skills for Agriculturists3
or ENGL 3330 Introduction to Technical Writing
AGRI 1309Computers in Agriculture3
or CSTE 1330 Introduction to Computers
CHEM 1406Inorganic & Environmental Chemistry 14
CHEM 1407Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry 14
COMS 1361Public Speaking 23
or COMS 2382 Communication for Business & the Professions
or AGRI 4388 Principles of Agriculture Leadership & Community Development
MATH or STAT Elective3
Major: Foundation
AGRI 4120Professional Career Skills1
ANSC 1319
ANSC 1119
Animal Science
and Animal Science Laboratory (Or approved BIOL 4 hour Elective)
4
PLSC 1307
PLSC 1107
Plant Science
and Plant Science Laboratory
4
PLSC 2395Ornamental Plant Identification3
PLSC 3300Applied Plant Physiology3
PLSC 3395Plant Propagation Techniques3
PLSC 3440Soil Science4
Major: Prescribed Electives
Select 26 advanced hours from the following:26
Independent Studies
Landscape Plant Materials
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Turfgrass Culture
Landscape Design I
Fruit & Vegetable Production
Soil Fertility Management and Fertilizers
Landscape Operations
Landscape Design II
Forage Crops and Pasture Management
Integrated Pest Management
Select 3 hour elective from: AGBU, AGET, AGRI, ANSC, EQSC, PLSC or WGMT3
Minor: Required 3
Minor 312
Minor Advanced Hours6
Total Hours120
1

CHEM 1406 and CHEM 1407 satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) and the Degree Specific Requirement.

2

COMS 1361 and COMS 2382 satisfies three hours of Component Area IX and degree specific area.  AGRI 4388 does not satisfy this requirement.

3

The following minors cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Early Childhood Education and Minor in Plant and Soil Sciences.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.5 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.5 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area I3Component Area I3
Component Area II3Component Area VI3
Component Area VI3Component Area VII3
PLSC 1307
PLSC 1107
4AGRI 1309 or CSTE 13303
 ANSC 1319
ANSC 11191
4
 13 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area IV3Component Area VII3
Component Area V3Component Area VIII3
CHEM 140624CHEM 140724
PLSC 23953PLSC 33953
MATH or STAT Elective3Minor33
 16 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area IX1PLSC 33003
ACOM 3360 or ENGL 33303Major: Prescribed Electives56
COMS 1361, 2382, or AGRI 438843Minor36
PLSC 34404 
Major: Prescribed Electives53 
 14 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
AGBU, AGET, AGRI, ANSC, EQSC, PLSC or WGMT Elective3AGRI 41201
Minor Advanced 36Minor33
Major: Prescribed Electives56Major: Prescribed Electives511
 15 15
Total Hours: 120
1

Or an approved BIOL four semester credit hour elective.

2

CHEM 1406 and CHEM 1407 satisfy the Component Area III (Science) requirement and the Degree Specific Requirement.

3

The following minors cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Early Childhood Education and Minor in Plant and Soil Sciences.

4

COMS 1361 and COMS 2382 satisfies three hours of Component Area IX and degree specific area.  AGRI 4388 does not satisfy this requirement.

5

See, Prescribed Electives course list below. 

Major: Prescribed Electives 5
Select 26 advanced hours from the following:
Independent Studies
Landscape Plant Materials
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Turfgrass Culture
Landscape Design I
Fruit & Vegetable Production
Soil Fertility Management and Fertilizers
Landscape Operations
Landscape Design II
Forage Crops and Pasture Management
Integrated Pest Management

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.5 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.5 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BS in Plant and Soil Sciences is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Recognize soil characteristics for optimum plant growth.
  • Evaluate plants of importance in our society and how those plants are utilized.
  • Analyze major insect, disease and weed pests, and control strategies.
  • Apply independent and team-working skills to accomplish objectives and meet organizational goals.
  • Demonstrate a work ethic and soft skills that are desirable of an employee.
  • Use professional oral and written communication skills for the transfer of technologically-rich knowledge.