Agricultural Science and Technology (AGST)

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
2102 Plant Sciences Building, 301-405-4355
www.psla.umd.edu
khunt@umd.edu
Chair: W. Kenworthy (Professor and Chair)
Director: D. Glenn (Assoc Prof)

The Major

Agricultural Sciences and Technology is a science based curriculum that allows students to obtain technological skills in a broad area of agricultural studies.  Agricultural Sciences and Technology students are required to take courses in Agricultural Economics, Animal Sciences, Environmental Science and Technology, Plant Science and Pest Management.  The high number of restricted and non-restricted electives in this curriculum allows students the flexibility to develop an academic program compatible with their personal interests.   Students majoring in this curriculum are strongly advised to choose two primary areas of concentration.   For example, students may want to develop expertise in both Animal Science and Crop Science.  

In addition to offering this curriculum, the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture offers two other undergraduate degrees:  the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Plant Sciences and the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA).   These programs are described elsewhere in the catalog under "Plant Sciences" and "Landscape Architecture."

Courses offered by this department may be found under the following acronyms:  PLSC and LARC.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop technical and knowledge-based skills in the required areas of study.
• Students will use technical and basic learned knowledge to collaborate, solve problems and then articulate conclusions.
• Students shall develop effective communication skills and demonstrate the ability to present ideas with clarity to an appropriate audience.
• Students will connect and build relationships with external groups in the appropriate fields of study.

Requirements for the Major

 

		Credits
ANSC101	Principles of Animal Science	3
ANSC	ANSC**	3
ANSC220	Livestock Management	3
ANSC340	Health Management of Animal Populations, OR	3-4
PLSC420	Principles of Plant Pathology
AREC250	Elements of Agricultural and Resource Economics	3
AREC	AREC**	3
BSCI105	Principles of Biology I	4
BSCI106	Principles of Biology II, OR
PLSC201	Plant Structure and Function	4
BSCI	BSCI**Insect Pest Type Course	3
CHEM104	Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry	4
CHEM131/132	General Chemistry I and Lab	4
ENST200	Fundamentals of Soil Science	4
ENST	ENST**	3
MATH113	MATH 113 or higher	3
PLSC389	Internship	3
PLSC398	Seminar	1
PLSC101	Introductory Crop Science	4
PLSC453	Weed Science	3
PLSC	PLSC**	3
	PLSC, ANSC, or LARC**	3
	Accounting, Education, Computer, or Policy	3
	General Education and General Agricultural Program Requirements
ELECT	Electives	20-21

**Students may select any course(s) having required hours in the area indicated.

Advising

The Department has mandatory faculty advising for each of its major and minor programs.  Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor at least twice a year.  See the Director, Dr. D.S. Glenn (301-405-1331), or the Program Management Specialist in Undergraduate Studies in 2102 Plant Sciences Building (301-405-4355) for additional information.

Internships

Internships with scientists are available at nearby federal and state agencies.  Numerous internships also exist and can be readily arranged for students interested in private sector employment.

Student Societies and Professional Organizations

The department sponsors student teams that participate in regional and national contests.  These teams prepare in the following areas: turf, weeds and crops, and landscape contracting.

AGST majors are encouraged to join the Agricultural Science Club. This club is open to all UMCP students who have an interest in agriculture and related areas. The AG Science Club is affiliated with the national student organization of the Agronomy, Crop Science and Soil Science Society of America. The function of the club is to bring together students of like interests to participate in College, academic and social activities.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Several scholarships and awards are available to PLSC students. Contact the Associate Dean's office at 301-405-2078 for additional information.  The Department also maintains a listing of scholarships. Contact Kathy Hunt in 2102 Plant Sciences, 301-405-4355.

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) administers all types of federal, state and institutional financial assistance programs and, in cooperation with other university offices, participates in the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. For information, visit: www.financialaid.umd.edu.

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