We strive to allow every student to make a difference in the world by ensuring they gain expertise in an area they are passionate about related to food, grain and fiber production, plant biology, ecology, education and landscape architecture.
We aspire to ensure every student can have a rewarding, profitable career. Our students learn how to 1) grow food (fruit and vegetables), grain, fiber and ornamental crops (flowers, trees and shrubs) profitably and sustainably, 2) lead, educate, and participate in the careful stewardship, planning, and artful co-creation of our cultural and natural landscapes, 3) use new cutting-edge technologies in plant molecular biology and genomics and plant breeding to solve crop production challenges in a changing world, 4) educate the agricultural and extension educators of the future, and 5) to reduce chemical use and increase farm profitability and number. We offer course options in horticulture (fruit, vegetable and ornamentals), agronomy (grain and fiber crops), controlled environment agriculture (fruit, vegetable and vegetable crops in hydroponic systems as well as aquaponics), urban agriculture, plant molecular biology and genetics, plant breeding, plant pathology and microbiology, ecology, food safety, landscape architecture and ecological design, and fermentation science including winemaking and beer brewing.
Programs
Agricultural Science and Technology
Our Agricultural Science and Technology Program is a science based curriculum that allows students to obtain technological skills in a broad area of agricultural studies. Agricultural Science and Technology students are required to choose a specialization in Agricultural and Extension Education, Agronomy, or Environmental Horticulture. Students take courses in agronomy or environmental horticulture, plant science, agricultural economics, animal sciences, environmental science, and pest management. We also have a dual degree option within Agricultural & Extension Education!
Specializations:
- Agricultural & Extension Education
- Agronomy
- Environmental Horticulture
Keywords: agronomy, environmental horticulture, agricultural education, soil science, greenhouse management, container nursery production, fresh fruit and vegetable production, plant protection, food safety, education, Agriculture, Extension, Education, Ag Education, Outreach, teachers, FFA, Agronomic, Precision Agriculture, Sustainability, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant Protection (Includes - Weed Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology), Crop Production, Soils, Grain Production, Small Grains, Corn, Soybean, Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye, Alfalfa, "Feed, Food, Fiber, Fuel", Science, Technology, Crop Physiology, Agronomist, Crop Specialists, Food Production, Pest Management, Agronomy Student, Land Grant, Field Crops, Row Crops, Agroecology, Interdisciplinary, Hay, Silage, Haylage
Landscape Architecture
The Landscape Architecture Program helps landscape architects lead, educate, and participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our built and natural environments. The undergraduate Landscape Architecture curriculum is a four-year professional program (BLA). We also have a graduate program for those interested in pursuing their MLA.
Areas of interest:
- Community Design
- Creative Design
- Ecological Design
- Urban Design
Keywords: design, urban agriculture, planning, community, sustainable planning, management, Landscape architecture, Ecological Design Ecological restoration, Natural resources conservation, Green infrastructure, Bioretention, Phytoremediation, Mine reclamation, Green roofs, Living walls, Constructed wetlands, Floodplain restoration, Living shorelines, Streambank stabilization, Greenways, Urban Design, Waterfronts, Plazas, Streetscapes, Community parks, Corporate campuses, Sports complexes, Light rail stations, Green roofs, Urban greenways, Complete streets, Arts districts, Arboreta, Redevelopment zones, Boulevards, Tactical urbanism, Green streets, Creative Design Earthworks, Metal fabrication, Concept and meaning, Lighting design, Materials and methods, Public art, Soundscapes, Digital modeling and visualization, Civic monuments, Form generation, Pop-up parks, Placemaking, Theatrical urban spaces, Community Design, Community response to sea level rise, Cultural resource preservation, Action research, Neighborhood design, Workshops, Urban agriculture, Face-to-face interviews, Participatory design, Crime prevention through environmental design, Healthy cities, Therapeutic landscapes
Plant Sciences
The Plant Sciences Program combines basic science courses with applied technical classes to prepare students for the many and varied careers in this growing field. Students seeking a Plant Science degree must complete requirements in one of the following areas of concentration: plant biology, turf and golf course management, or urban forestry.
Concentrations:
- Plant Biology
- Turf & Golf Course Management
- Urban Forestry
Keywords: biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, molecular genetics, pathology, physiology, business, management, entrepreneurship, design, turfgrass, plant biology, trees and forest ecology, business management, food safety, growth and development, genetics, genomics, breeding, molecular genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, metabolism, pathology
Fermentation Science
This program is collaboration between our department and the Department of Nutrition and Food Science. Learn more below!
"Fermentation Science will prepare students for workforce demand of the broadly defined 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). In addition to general education courses, students will take core required courses on fermentation science and participate in industrial internships for practical experiences and experiential learning with fermentation industries and possible placement in those companies." - Department of Nutrition and Food Science
Environmental Science & Policy: Environment and Agriculture
Both locally and internationally, there is increasing concern about how humans manage soils, use water, raise animals, and modify the genetic base of crops. Students will be able to take an ecosystems approach in analyzing the relationship between agricultural science and social science through a local and global lens. Environment and Agriculture is also a fitting concentration for those interested in food security or food systems, and for those wishing to work with national and international governments, non-profits, and non-governmental organizations.
Students re prepared to work in:
- agroecology
- biodiversity
- sustainable agriculture
- integrated pest management
- production science.
Resources
Prospective Students
How to Apply
High School Students
Admissions to the University of Maryland go through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Admission application forms and deadlines may be obtained at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.
Transfer Students & Special Audiences
Transfer to one of our programs! Admission of transfer students is encouraged. Many community colleges provide courses that can be transferred to one of our programs. We highly encourage you apply by the Fall Admission Priority Application Deadline. Contact as us early as you know you will be applying. The earlier you contact us the sooner we are able to provide you with information tailored to your specific educational background.
Useful Tools
- Transfer Credit Services. A very useful tool for Transfer Students is the Transfer Credit Services website. There you will find the Database of Transfer Credit Evaluations which allows you to see what courses the University of Maryland accepts from community colleges across the country. We only evaluate transcripts of students who have been accepted to the University of Maryland so this database will help you get an idea of where you currently stand.
- General Education. Another useful practice for Transfer Students is to become familiar with the General Program Requirements for Undergraduate Students. First, determine if you fall into CORE or GenEd. General Education | GenEd Transfer Policy
- Pre-Transfer Advising. Check out the Pre-Transfer Advising website that has some useful information for prospective students, admitted students, community college advisors, parents, and a FAQs section.
Current UMD Students Interested in Adding/Changing Majors
Changing to or adding one of our majors or minors? If you are interested in declaring your major to AGST, PLSC, or LARC please sign up for a Change Your Major Workshop offered by the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.
Change of Major Workshop: Sign up today!
Also, set-up a time to meet with the faculty advisor for that major. If you have additional questions, please email Diana Cortez at dcortez@umd.edu.
Current Students
Already majoring in one of our undergraduate programs? Access information on advising, internships, study abroad, and other support services.
