Our Programs

The Plant and Earth Science Department is home to six different, yet interrelated majors – community and environmental planning, conservation, crop and soil science, environmental science, geology and horticulture, each encompassing issues very relevant in today's complex world. We also offer minors in conservation, crop science, earth science, geology, horticulture, hydrogeology, soil science, sustainability studies and sustainable agriculture. Explore to learn more about each major and minor. 

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Majors

A female student stands in front of her research poster
Community and Environmental Planning
A collaborative program designed to provide you with hands-on, high-impact opportunities throughout your college career, this major focuses on topics such as sustainability, land use and urban design.
Three students (one female, two male) pose for the photo standing with waders in the Kinnikinnic River holding crawfish
Conservation
In this major, you’ll focus on the scientific, field-based management of our natural resources. This major offers four options for you to choose from: environmental conservation, ecological restoration, natural history and interpretation and GIS.
Multiple students handle dirt samples in the campus crop field
Crop and Soil Science
As a crop and soil science major, you’ll learn the ins and outs of food, fiber and energy production. Within the major, you have three track options to choose from: crop science, soil science and sustainable agriculture.
Four students sit on ice in the winter studying the water through a hold in the ice
Environmental Science
An interdisciplinary major designed to prepare you to face increasingly complex environmental challenges, this major integrates math, chemistry, physics, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, soil science, biology and geospatial data analysis.
Four students sit beneath a cliff in orange safety vests and hard hats studying the earth
Geology
An applied and interdisciplinary field, geology is the science of the earth, including the interior of the earth and other planets. Option areas include geology, earth science and earth and space science and general science education
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Horticulture
Horticulture studies the sustainable use of plants to improve the world by generating healthy foods and more. We offer three options: landscape design and management, fruit and vegetable sustainable systems and a professional track.

Conservation (Minor)

This minor focuses on land use theory and practice and conservation principles and techniques for soil, water and forests. Choosing a conservation minor would complement and add depth to a major like crop and soil science, biology or geography. 

Crop Science (Minor)

A crop science minor is a popular option for agricultural business or engineering technology majors interested in the crop side of production agriculture. This minor may provide sufficient background and coursework for becoming a Certified Crop Adviser.


Earth Science (Minor)

The earth science minor focuses on the dynamics of the surface of the earth. This minor is a great choice for students in environmental science, soil science or geography who want to broaden their understanding of the earth system.  

Geology (Minor)

The geology major is designed for students in a variety of fields who desire a scientific understanding of the structure of the planet Earth, earth materials/resources and processes, the history of the planet and its life. 


Horticulture (Minor)

Plants provide many practical benefits to society. A horticulture minor can be a good choice for students who want to learn more about managing landscape, ornamental and fruit/vegetable plants.  
  

Applied Hydrology and Hydrogeology (Minor)

Water is an essential natural resource. This minor gives students and understanding of the water cycle, surface and groundwater dynamics and water quality. It's is a great choice for environmental science, geology, conservation, soil science and geography majors. 


Soil Science (Minor)

This minor provides knowledge across the field of soil science, including soil morphology and conservation. It complements geology, environmental science, conservation or engineering technology majors and may provide the background and coursework to meet federal government employment requirements and national licensure. 

Sustainability Studies (Minor)

A minor in sustainability studies provides a multi-disciplinary foundation for thinking and learning about the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability. This minor pairs very well with many majors across the college.
  
  


Sustainable Agriculture (Minor)

Students will learn about sustainable agriculture in its broadest sense, including issues related to maintaining and/or improving crop and animal productivity, preserving environmental resources for future generations, ensuring farm profitability and enhancing rural communities' vitality and viability.  


Plant and Earth Science

324 Agricultural Science
611 S. 3rd St.
River Falls, WI 54022

pes@uwrf.edu

715-425-3345