Sustainable Plant Systems

Overview

As the population continues to expand, there is an increasing need to limit our reliance upon imports while protecting the environment and ecosystem. Each of these disciplines play a special role in providing the world with plants for food, pleasure and recreation, and environmental improvement.

Possible careers

Graduates of the The Sustainable Plant Systems program from The Ohio State University can find careers as conservation scientists, farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers; secondary and postsecondary agricultural sciences and conservation science teachers; and first-line supervisors of farming, fishing and forestry workers. Graduates can also find careers in the Peace Corps and graduate school. 

Agronomy graduates are employed by agrochemical, seed, grain and food processing companies and may become independent crop producers or professional agricultural consultants. Within the public sector, agronomists find employment with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), local and regional planning agencies, and the Cooperative Extension Service. 

With a specialization in horticulture, a student could be employed as a fruit/vegetable production manager, grower/manager in a greenhouse growing vegetables or ornamentals, nursery grower/manager, garden center manager or plant care specialist, farm market manager, community garden manager, research assistant, or horticulture pest management consultant. Students interested in landscape design and management may find employment as a designer, landscaper, landscape company manager or sales representative, interiorscaper, public or private garden manager or curator, tree care specialist, or landscape pest management consultant. 

Plant bioscience opens doors to a diverse array of career pathways including business, research in both governmental and private sectors, teaching, and agricultural extension. Students in plant bioscience are prepared for careers in plant biotechnology, pharmaceutical, energy, and chemical industries; in food and seed companies; in botanical gardens, museums and herbaria; or for graduate study in the field of plant biology and related plant science disciplines.

Turfgrass science graduates may find positions as golf course superintendents and assistants, athletic field managers, grounds maintenance managers, lawn care operators and sod producers.