Agribusiness: Plant and Soil Science

Degree: BS Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus Location: Regional
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
Regional Campus - Kennett
Regional Campus - Sikeston
College
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Department
Agriculture
Careers
<span class="TextRun SCXW7389072 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW7389072 BCX0">Learn<span>&amp;#160;</span></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW7389072 BCX0">about the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW7389072 BCX0"><span>&amp;#160;</span>produc</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW7389072 BCX0">tion of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW7389072 BCX0"><span>&amp;#160;</span>food and how to package and transport it, market it, regulate its production, and finance it.</span></span>
Apply Now
a barton farms tractor plants soybeans in a recently harvested wheat field by plant and soil science majors

Learn the science and business of agriculture: you'll do that here.

Plant & Soil Science students take a variety of business-related courses, such as computer applications, accounting, economics, management, marketing, sales, and finance. Many of these courses focus specifically on agriculture. Students also focus on the scientific aspects of plants and soils, such as soils and soil fertility; pest management; plant breeding, nutrition, and pathology; crop production and physiology, as well as the management of natural resources.

What You’ll Do in Your Plant and Soil Science Degree

  • Take a variety of business-related courses, such as computer applications, accounting, economics, management, marketing, sales, and finance. Many of these courses focus specifically on agriculture.
  • Spend a good deal of time in courses focusing on the scientific aspects of plants and soils, such as soils and soil fertility; pest management; plant breeding, nutrition, and pathology; crop production and physiology, as well as the management of natural resources.
  • Be prepared for scientific and technical careers related to field crops, precision agriculture, soils, farm management, sales, marketing, finance, policy, production, consulting, and related areas.
  • Be provided with a basis for graduate work.

What Can You Do with a Plant & Soil Science Degree?

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time. 

Career Options for Plant and Soil Science Graduates

  • Agronomist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Crop Consultant
  • Crop and Pest Advisor
  • Extension Agent
  • Farm Manager
  • Field Inspector
  • Grain Merchandiser
  • Loan Officer
  • Operations Manager
  • Production Representative
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Research Investigator
  • Research Technician
  • Rice Breeder
  • Rice Buyer
  • Soil Conservationist

Agribusiness: Plant & Soil Science (BS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

Plant and Soil Science Outcomes & Careers

  • $79k  

    Agricultural and Food Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an agricultural and food scientist is $78,770.

  • $89k  

    Farmer, Rancher, and Other Agricultural Manager

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a farmer, rancher, and other agricultural manager is $88,980.   

  • $69k  

    Conservation Scientist and Forester

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a conservation scientist and forester is $69,060.

What You'll Study in Plant and Soil Science

Degree Map

Agribusiness: Plant and Soil Science students take a variety of business-related courses, such as computer applications, accounting, economics, management, marketing, sales, and finance. Many of these courses focus specifically on agriculture. Students also focus on the scientific aspects of plants and soils, such as soils and soil fertility; pest management; plant breeding, nutrition, and pathology; crop production and physiology, as well as the management of natural resources. Degree requirements for all students: a minimum of 120 credit hours, completion of the General Education program, and 39 senior division hours (300-599). Refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin or Degree Works for additional graduation requirements for your program.  

 

What will it cost?

Calculate Your Cost
Explore Financial Aid

Get Funding for Your Education

Missouri’s opened the door to a more educated workforce. We want to help you walk through it. If you’re an adult learner and a Missouri resident returning to college, learn about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. It’s a statewide financial aid program that can be used to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in a high need area in Missouri. This major is eligible for the Fast Track grant.

Read More About Fast Track

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Request Info
Apply Now

Paying for College

Your hard work can pay off big because the Department of Agriculture offers about $650,000 in scholarships to students.

Scholarships

Explore Plant and Soil Science

  • three plant and soil science majors work together performing tests on soil
  • agriculture plant and soil bachelors students work with a drone for field inspection
  • two agriculture plant and soil students work with a patch of grass to do soil and plant testing
  • a plant and soil science student examines samples under a microscope. Ripe soybean stalks lay on the table beside her

Hands-on Learning in Ag Communications

There’s no better way to learn than by getting your hands dirty, and you’ll do just that at SEMO. From digging in the dirt at our greenhouse to working with animals at the Agriculture Research Center, you’ll get real-world experience from day one.

Agriculture Facilities

Additional Resources

Related Programs

View All Programs
Agriculture
Contact Us
Phone
(573) 651-2106
Location
Office
Rhodes Hall 102
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 6100
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

Take the Next Step

Apply
Visit
Request Info