2024-2025 University of Wyoming Catalog
Department of Plant Sciences
|
|
 Return to: Colleges and Schools
Room 50 Agriculture Building
PHONE: (307) 766-3103
Website: www.uwyo.edu/plantsciences
Department Head: Andrew Kniss
Professors:
JIM HEITHOLT, B.S. Western Illinois University 1978; M.S. University of Missouri 1980; Ph.D. University of Kentucky 1984; Professor of Crop Physiology 2014.
ANDREW R. KNISS, B.S. University of Wyoming 2001; M.S. University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2003; Ph.D. University of Wyoming 2006; Professor of Weed Ecology and Management in Cropping Systems 2018, 2007.
BRIAN A. MEALOR, B.S. North Georgia College and State University 1999; M.S. University of Wyoming 2003; Ph.D. 2006; Director, Sheridan Research and Extension Center; Professor of Rangeland Restoration and Weed Science 2023, 2009.
URSZULA NORTON, B.S. Warsaw Agricultural University 1988; M.S. 1990; M.S. Iowa State University 1995; Ph.D. University of Montana 2000; Professor of Agroecology and Soil Science 2022, 2009.
Associate Professors:
RANDA JABBOUR, B.S. Rochester Institute of Technology 2003; Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University 2009; Associate Professor of Agroecology 2019, 2013.
Assistant Professors:
CLINT BEIERMANN, B.S. University of Wyoming 2012; M.S. 2017; Ph.D. University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2020; Assistant Professor, Forage Crop Production and Weed Management 2023.
KELSEY BROCK, B.S. University of Alberta 2010; M.S. 2014; Ph.D. University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa 2021; Assistant Professor, Extension Weed Specialist (Invasive Plants) 2022.
JI-JHONG “JJ” CHEN, B.S. National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan 2018; M.S. Utah State University 2020; Ph.D. 2023; Assistant Professor, Horticultural Crop Physiologist 2023.
DONNA HARRIS, B.S. University of Georgia 1998; M.S. 2001; Ph.D. 2014; Assistant Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics 2020.
Academic Professionals:
JENNA MEEKS, B.S. Colorado State University 2010; M.S. University of Wyoming 2016; Assistant Research Scientist 2021.
ELIZABETH MOORE, B.S. West Texas A&M University 2001; M.S. 2004; Assistant Lecturer of Horticulture and Plant Production 2021.
Emeritus/Retired Faculty:
Rollin H. Abernethy, James Cook, Ron Delaney, Mark Ferrell, Alan Gray, Robin W. Groose, Bernie Kolp, James M. Krall, Karen Panter, William Stump, Thomas D. Whitson, David Wilson
Plant Production and Protection Major (B.S.)
The Department of Plant Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Production and Protection (Plant Production and Protection, B.S. ), with four optional concentrations and four minors. Optional concentrations for Plant Production and Protection majors are:
- Agronomy
- Horticulture
- Integrated Pest Management
- Agroecology and Evolution
Minors available for students pursuing other majors at UW are: Agronomy, Agroecology, Horticulture, and Plant Protection. These minors allow students within many bachelor’s programs to obtain an added emphasis in areas that enjoy strong employment opportunities.
A B.S. degree in Plant Production and Protection prepares students for careers in agriculture, natural resources, environmental and life sciences and for advanced graduate studies in specific subdisciplines within these areas. It is a broad, interdisciplinary, undergraduate curriculum that combines and integrates courses in the crop, horticulture, disease, weeds, soil, and insect sciences and is supported by a science-based curriculum and general education. Flexibility is built into the curriculum to readily accommodate students seeking to pursue an emphasis or obtain a minor in a specific discipline. To that end the breadth of the curriculum is balanced with greater depth in biology, chemistry, crop science, entomology, environmental studies, natural resource management, soil science, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, turf management, pre-veterinary medicine, rangeland ecology and watershed management, animal science, microbiology, and molecular biology. A liberal number of electives permits design of a program that best meets individual career and educational objectives. The Plant Production and Protection program is well suited for students who possess a strong interest in, and an aptitude for, science, agriculture, the environment, life sciences, or natural resources.
The core curriculum is comprised of freshman- through senior-level courses that illustrate dynamic and complex interactions of plants, soils, and plant pests (diseases, insects, weeds) with the environment. Academic training is enhanced with experiential learning through research apprenticeships, internships, field studies, and a special Plant Sciences Capstone course. Special emphasis is given to development of critical thinking and communication skills, problem solving, and application of science. It is an interdisciplinary and highly practical degree program designed to prepare students for “real world” situations.
Plant Production and Protection B.S. degree recipients are prepared for careers with private and public institutions and agencies in such areas as: agricultural consulting, production or sales, research, product development, education, extension education, international programs, and scientific and technological support. These careers include but are not limited to: soil scientist, conservationist, entomologist, consultant, plant scientist, integrated pest management specialist, ecologist, research associate or technician, agronomist, biotechnician, and agroecologist. Degree recipients are also prepared for graduate education in biological and environmental sciences.
The combined Plant Sciences, B.S./M.S. QuickStart program enables highly qualified students to be admitted to the M.S. program during the junior year of their B.S. program, and to work thereafter toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Accepted students would earn a B.S. degree in Agroecology, Plant Production and Protection, or Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management, and the M.S. degree in Plant Sciences. Please see additional information under the QuickStart Program section below or online at https://www.uwyo.edu/plantsciences/graduate-studies/quickstart-program.html.
Minimum Requirements: 19 Hours
Minimum Requirements: 20 Hours
Minimum Requirements: 20 Hours
Minimum Requirements: 19 Hours
Plant Production and Protection/Environment and Natural Resources Program, B.S.
(ENR and Plant Sciences)
Students interested in the environment and natural resources may choose to pursue the B.S. in Plant Production and Protection/ENR. This degree is offered in conjunction with the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. See the ENR Information and Advising Guide for details.
Graduate Study (M.S. and Ph.D.)
The Department of Plant Sciences offers curricula leading to the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in Plant Sciences. Courses within the department are offered in crop science, horticulture, plant pathology, weed science, and agronomy. Interdisciplinary coursework and research projects are common for Plant Sciences graduate students.
Program Specific Admission Requirements
In addition to university minimum requirements, a majority of the department faculty and department head must approve the admission. To be considered for admission, candidates must establish a faculty member willing to serve as advisor.
In order to apply, please submit the following via the University of Wyoming’s online application system (http://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/apply.html): a statement of purpose that describes your professional objectives and scientific interests, a current Curriculum Vitae, current academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if English is not your primary language) - TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests are currently accepted, and three letters of recommendation (to be submitted directly by references through the online application). At least two of the letters must be from current or previous university instructors or professional supervisors. Our regular deadlines for fall and spring semester admission are February 15 and October 15, respectively, although we will accept applications any time during the year.
Applicants whose undergraduate cumulative GPA is below 3.0 may be considered via the Professional Experience Track Admissions process if they have had at least two years of relevant professional experience. For more information about Professional Experience Track Admissions, please see the Graduate Admissions section under the “Admission to the University” section of this Catalog.
Please see the Graduate Admissions and Graduate Student Regulations and Policies entries in the front section of the UW Catalog for more information, or visit UW’s Graduate Education website at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwgrad/.
Program Specific Graduate Assistantship Information
M.S. assistantships include a stipend, plus tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance. Ph.D. assistantships include a stipend, plus tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance. These assistantships are for the 9-month academic year, but summer support is typically available.
Program Specific Degree Requirements
Master of Science in Plant Sciences
Plan A (thesis)
Requirements for the master of science degree include 26 hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree numbered 4000 or above, 4 hours of thesis research, a research proposal, original research, and oral defense of the thesis.
The M.S. degree is typically completed in two years. The student’s coursework is selected to fit the student’s individual needs by mutual consultation among the student, his/her major professor, and graduate committee.
Doctoral Program
The requirements for the doctor of philosophy degree include 60 hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree numbered 4000 or above, 12 hours of dissertation research, a research proposal, original research, written and oral preliminary exams to be taken when most or all coursework is completed, and an oral defense of the dissertation.
Dissertations may be in a modified journal article format but must meet university formatting requirements.
The student’s coursework is selected to fit the student’s individual needs by mutual consultation among the student, his/her major professor, and graduate committee.
The student is expected to participate in the usual activities of scientific research such as attending and presenting at research seminars and professional meetings and publishing his/her research.
QuickStart Program (Plant Sciences B.S/M.S.)
The combined Plant Sciences, B.S./M.S. QuickStart program enables highly qualified students to be admitted to the M.S. program during the junior year of their B.S. program, and to work thereafter toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Accepted students would earn a B.S. degree in Agroecology , Plant Production and Protection , or Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management , and the M.S. degree in Plant Sciences . This program allows for early planning of the M.S. portion of the student’s education, along with beginning a thesis research project before the completion of the B.S. degree. It offers increased flexibility in the order in which courses are taken, and more efficient use of what would otherwise be a final semester with a light credit hour load. Up to six credit hours may be counted toward both the B.S. and M.S. degree programs.
ProgramsMajorMinorGraduateQuickStart ProgramCourses
Return to: Colleges and Schools
|