Plant Production and Protection

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Study In Wide-Open Spaces

Plants play a role in our daily lives. They provide raw materials that are used for food to eat, clothing to wear, resources for building, and ornamentals to beautify our communities. Without plants and the research involved in growing plant-based raw materials in economically and environmentally sustainable ways, our world could not function. Do you want to make a difference?

The University of Wyoming's Bachelor's Degree in Plant Production and Protection can help you become a part of this critical agriculture and environment sector. 

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This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

What is Plant Production and Protection?

The Bachelor of Science in Plant Production and Protection at the University of Wyoming is an interdisciplinary program that integrates plant, soil, pest management, and natural resources sciences. Offered by our multi-disciplinary department, the Plant Production and Protection degree is an innovative and highly practical program.

This interdisciplinary plant sciences degree strives to capture all components of plant-based agriculture into a complete picture, to hand you the tools for today's global economy and environment. The Plant Production and Protection program emphasizes natural interrelationships among crops, weeds, insects, vegetation diseases, soil, the environment and other components of agricultural systems. 

Three students look at plants

 

 

With our Plant Production and Protection degree program, you have the opportunity to tailor your degree to suit your particular interests through four specialized concentrations, maximizing the benefits of your degree.

Concentrations:

  • Agronomy
  • Horticulture
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Agroecology


Four minors are also available for students pursuing other majors at UW, and may be an excellent complement to your education.

Minors:

Group of students looks at a plant

 

 

Plant Production and Protection Bachelor’s Degree Program Highlights

Internships

All Plant Production and Protection students are required to complete an internship that is related to your degree program. These internships provide an opportunity for students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to on-the-ground experiences, give them valuable experience and focus on career options they might pursue post-graduation. Upon graduation, students are frequently offered a position with the private company or public agency where they completed their internship.

 

The Plant Sciences faculty studies an array of subject areas such as agronomy, agroecology, horticulture, forage crops, breeding and genetics, plant pathology, sustainability and weed science. Several Plant Sciences faculty members are located off-campus at Agricultural and Extension Centers in Powell, Sheridan and Lingle, giving students broader knowledge in plant science from around the state.

Meet Our Faculty

There are numerous scholarship and financial aid options available for Plant Production and Protection majors. Students will automatically be considered for all scholarship and financial aid opportunities within the college after filling out just ONE general application.

Browse scholarships

Plant Production and Protection majors have the chance to join student-operated clubs and organizations on campus to expand their network and learn outside of the classroom. In addition to the Agroecology Club, ACRES Student Farm and other groups, there are honorary organizations such as Gamma Sigma Delta and Pi Alpha Xi.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Internships

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What Can You Do With a Plant Production and Protection Bachelor’s Degree?

A Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Production and Protection prepares you for careers in sustainable agriculture, crop science and plant health. Graduates may work as agronomists, crop consultants, plant breeders, pest management specialists, soil scientists and greenhouse managers. You can also pursue roles in agricultural extension, precision agriculture or regulatory agencies like the USDA. Our program offers hands-on experience and a solid foundation for graduate study in plant science, agronomy or related fields.

  • Agronomist
  • Crop consultant
  • Plant breeder
  • Pest management specialist
  • Soil and crop scientist
  • Agricultural extension agent
  • Greenhouse or nursery manager
  • Precision agriculture technician
  • Regulatory inspector (e.g. USDA or EPA)
  • Research assistant in plant or agricultural sciences
  • And more!

Here are just a few places where our alumni are changing the plant sciences world:

  • Seed and crop protection industries (Bayer, BASF, and others)
  • Federal agencies (US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation
  • Service, Bureau of Land Management)
  • Horticultural operations (Plenty, golf courses, greenhouses, and others)
  • State and local agencies (Wyoming Seed Certification, Weed & Pest Districts)
  • Private farms and other production operations

Yes, our program prepares students well for graduate studies in plant sciences and related disciplines. Our students get accepted into some of the top graduate programs in the country. Many of our students also choose to remain at the University of Wyoming to earn their graduate degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.). 

A plant sciences degree offers a strong foundation in biology, ecology and agriculture, preparing you to address global challenges like food security, climate change and sustainable resource management. You’ll gain hands-on experience with plant breeding, pest control, soil health and biotechnology, and develop skills in research, problem-solving and data analysis. This degree opens doors to careers in agriculture, environmental science, biotechnology, conservation and education, while also providing a pathway to graduate or professional study.

100% of Plant Production and Protection majors complete an internship or research apprenticeship

During your time as a plant production and protection student at the University of Wyoming, you will have plenty of hands-on experience and learn from a variety of well-equipped mentors that are ready to develop your knowledge. Plant sciences are not meant to be learned only in a classroom setting, and at UW, you’ll get up close and personal with the materials you’re learning about.

Student trims vines

"This department has done so much for me and my career. I accepted an agronomist position, where I use my degree to assist farmers, ranchers, and landowners to manage their land with fertilizer, pesticide, and seed recommendations. Not only do I enjoy giving back to the community I grew up in, but I get to use the amazing knowledge gained from the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Wyoming!"

- Micah McClure | B.S. Agroecology '19, M.S. Plant Sciences '21

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Related Programs

If you have a passion for plant production and protection or other areas within the field of agriculture, you may want to explore some of the following programs that could capture your interest: