Plants & Animals

Pre-professional program for students interested in going to veterinary school.

Individual Studies (IVSP) students enjoy broad academic freedom and flexibility to pursue their degrees in ways that best suit their intellectual interests and passions. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor and the IVSP staff, students create their own unique, interdisciplinary majors that approach important issues, questions, and problems from a range of disciplines and perspectives. 

This undergraduate minor recognizes concentrated study in Surficial Geology, a designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The award of a minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The minor in Paleobiology will provide students with a broad understanding of the application of the methods of biology and geology to the study of the history of life, and develop students’ appreciation of how issues in the study of paleobiology connect with larger trends in those sciences. It is intended for all students with an interest in the study of the history of life, be it professional or avocational.

The Entomology minor provides students with a broad understanding of insects, their interactions with people and society, and their role as model species for fundamental and applied research. It is intended for students with an interest in insects and their relatives, whether from a professional or hobbyist perspective. Students from a wide range of majors may be interested in incorporating Entomology with their majors.

The Soil Science minor will provide students with a sophisticated understanding of soil resources, its development, characteristics, and principles for its use and management. Building on a basic introduction to the broad field of soil science, the program is completed by adding four or five upper division soils courses balanced between underlying principles and field applications.

This minor is catered to the aspiring landscape manager who is seeking a strong foundation in plant sciences and business management. Courses teach the science behind plant growth and development, the plant's responses to the environment, the skills needed to recommend best management practices to identify plant abnormalities, and business, human resource, and financial management skills.

The Plant Science major offers three unique concentrations: Plant Biology, Turf and Golf Course Management, and Urban Forestry. This program features world class faculty with diverse expertise and research that spans genetics, molecular biology, physiology, pathology, food safety and security, ecology, and conservation biology. Graduates enter into in-demand fields including biotech firms and startups, sports turf management, research labs, government management and policy, and much more.

Landscape architecture educates licensed professionals who analyze, plan, design, manage, and preserve the built and natural environment. Program graduates go into a wide range of career fields including community design, park and transportation planning, urban development, environmental engineering, and more. Students will practice and master skills driven by real world design projects with real clients in D.C., Baltimore and the Mid-Atlantic region.

The newest major in AGNR prepares students for workforce demand in a broad array of fermentation industries that include beverages (beer, wine, distilled spirits, and kombucha), vegetable foods (kimchi, tempeh and miso), dairy foods (cheese and yogurt), and biotechnology industries (biofuels and pharmaceuticals). Graduates will be prepared for careers in breweries, wineries and distilleries, cheese shops, environmental engineering, research labs, and much more.

Environmental Science and Policy is a broadly multi-disciplinary, undergraduate major, drawing courses and faculty from 9 departments and three colleges exploring environmental systems and teaching students to address human-environment issues. The major prepares students to tackle environmental change such as global food security, environmental justice, and the development of green technologies.

Animal and Avian Sciences provides a challenging program for students interested in the application of biology and technology to the care, management, and study of domestic and aquatic animals. Many animal sciences graduates enter veterinary school, while others pursue careers such as research technicians, educators, sales or marketing reps and animal producers. Students receive hands on training with animals here on site at our campus farm.

Agricultural Science and Technology offers 3 distinct specializations in Agricultural & Extension Education, Agronomy, and Environmental Horticulture. Specific areas of study include crop science, sustainable production, precision agriculture, agriculture education, greenhouses and nurseries, urban agriculture, viticulture, and much more. Graduates enter a wide range of fields including K-12 teacher, specialty crop and greenhouse production, food safety, and Extension educator.