Plant and Soil Sciences Minor

The Plant Science minor provides students with hands-on, foundational knowledge in plant biology and soil science, enhancing their understanding of how ecosystems function, crops grow, and soils support sustainable agriculture. This minor is an excellent complement to majors in agriculture, environmental science, life sciences, or related fields, offering practical skills applicable to careers in agronomy, conservation, environmental consulting, and agricultural technology. By integrating scientific principles with hands-on learning, the minor prepares students for opportunities in agriculture, environmental science, or life science industries.

Preminor Requirement

CHE 105 - General College Chemistry I 4 Credit Hours
OR
CHE 109 - General Chemistry 1A 4 Credit Hours
and
CHE 110 - General Chemistry 1B 4 Credit Hours

Minor Requirements

Required: 19

PLS 103 - Plants, Soils, and People: A Global Perspective 3 Credit Hours
OR
PLS 104 - Plants, Soils, and People: A Science Perspective 3 Credit Hours
PLS 210 - The Life Processes of Plants 3 Credit Hours
PLS 366 - Fundamentals of Soil Science 4 Credit Hours

Guided Electives

Plus, complete a minimum of 3 credits from each of the following areas (soils, plant, supporting) totaling 9 credit hours. Other courses may be substituted pending approval of the Plant & Soil Sciences Academic Programs Steering Committee.

Soils Courses

PLS 396 - Soil Judging 1 - 2 Credit Hours *
PLS 406 - Advanced Soil Judging 1 Credit Hours *
PLS 468G - Soil Use and Management 3 Credit Hours
PLS 470G - Soil Nutrient Management 3 Credit Hours
PLS 566 - Soil Microbiology 3 Credit Hours
PLS 567 - Methods in Soil Microbiology 1 Credit Hours
PLS 573 - Soil Morphology and Classification 3 Credit Hours
PLS 575 - Soil Physics 3 Credit Hours
PLS 576 - Laboratory in Soil Physics 1 Credit Hours
*Note: These courses can be repeated, but only one instance (up to 3 credits total) can count towards the minor.

Plant Courses

PLS 220 - Introduction to Plant Identification 3 Credit Hours
PLS 386 - Plant Production Systems 4 Credit Hours
PLS 502 - Ecology of Economic Plants 3 Credit Hours
PLS 504 - Integrated Weed Management 4 Credit Hours
PLS 510 - Forage Management and Utilization 3 Credit Hours
PLS 512 - Grains and Oilseeds Production 3 Credit Hours
PLS 514 - Grass Taxonomy and Identification 3 Credit Hours

Supporting Courses

PLS 302 - Climate Change and Agriculture 3 Credit Hours
PLS 390 - Agroecology 3 Credit Hours
PLS 416G - Cover Crops in Agroecosystems 3 Credit Hours
PLS 560 - Ecotoxicology 4 Credit Hours
PLS 581 - Chemical Analysis of Soils and Plants 4 Credit Hours
PPA 300 - Gmos: Facts, Myths, and Their Impact on Society 3 Credit Hours
PPA 400G - Principles of Plant Pathology 3 Credit Hours