Department of Plant Sciences

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.

M. ANOWARUL ISLAM, B.S. Bangladesh Agricultural University 1990; M.S. Institute of Postgraduate Studies in Agriculture, Bangladesh 1996; Ph.D. University of Sydney, Australia 2003; Professor of Forage Agronomy 2019, 2008.

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.

Associate Professors:

RANDA JABBOUR, B.S. Rochester Institute of Technology 2003; Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University 2009; Associate Professor of Agroecology 2019, 2013.

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; Associate Professor of Rangeland Restoration and Weed Science 2015, 2009.

URSZULA NORTON, B.S. Warsaw Agricultural University 1988; M.S. 1990; M.S. Iowa State University 1995; Ph.D. University of Montana 2000; Associate Professor of Agroecology and Soil Science 2015, 2009.

WILLIAM STUMP, B.S. Purdue University 1981; M.S. Colorado State University 1984; B.F.A. 1991; Ph.D. 1997; Associate Professor of Plant Pathology 2020, 2014.

Assistant Professors:

CARRIE EBERLE, B.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison 2005; Ph.D. University of Minnesota 2012; Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Cropping Systems 2016.

DONNA HARRIS, B.S. University of Georgia 1998; M.S. 2001; Ph.D. 2014; Assistant Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics 2020.

Academic Professionals:

CHRIS HILGERT, B.S. Oregon State University 2001; M.S. 2003; Extension Horticulture Specialist, Master Gardener Coordinator 2011.

ELIZABETH MOORE, B.S. West Texas A&M University 2001; M.S. 2004; Assistant Lecturer of Horticulture and Plant Production 2021.

KAREN PANTER, B.S. Colorado State University 1979; M.S. University of Nebraska 1981; Ph.D. Colorado State University 1985; Extension Horticulture Specialist 1998; Senior Extension Educator 2012.

Emeritus/Retired Faculty:

Rollin H. Abernethy, Jack Cecil, James Cook, Ron Delaney, Mark Ferrell, Alan Gray, Robin W. Groose, Bernie Kolp, James M. Krall, Stephen D. Miller, Thomas D. Whitson, David Wilson

Agroecology Major

The Department of Plant Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Agroecology jointly with the Ecosystem Science and Management Department, and three minors. Minors offered by Plant Sciences include Agroecology, Horticulture, and Plant Protection. The minor in Horticulture includes courses in plant propagation, organic food production, greenhouse design and management, and introductory horticulture. The minor in Plant Protection includes courses in agronomy, plant genetics, plant pathology, and weed science. These minors allow students within many bachelors programs to obtain an added emphasis in areas that enjoy strong employment opportunities.

A B.S. degree in agroecology 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 agroecology 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 agroecology 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 agroecology 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 special agroecology capstone courses. Special emphasis is given to development of critical thinking and communication skills, problem solving, and application of science. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for “real world” situations.

Agroecology 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 either Agroecology or Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management and the M.S. degree in Plant Sciences. Please see additional information under the Plant Sciences Graduate Study section or online at http://www.uwyo.edu/plantsciences/.

Course Requirements for Agroecology Majors:

Agroecology: 22 Hrs.

AECL 1000, 3030, 4990, SOIL 2010, 4140, and 4 hrs from a combination of AECL 4920, 4930 or 4960

Supporting Science Biology/Genetics: 25-26 Hrs.

ENTO 1000 or 1001 or ANSC 1010, and AGEC 1010 or 1020 and LIFE 1010, 2023, 3400, and CHEM 1000, 2300

Math/Statistics: 7 Hrs.

MATH 1400, STAT 2050

Communications: 3 Hrs.

COJO 2010

Agriculture Science Electives: 9 Hrs.

Select 9 hours of upper division courses from those with the following course prefixes: ANSC (Animal Science), BOT (Botany), ENTO (Entomology), MICR (Microbiology), MOLB (Molecular Biology), PLNT (Plant Sciences), REWM (Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management), or SOIL (Soil Science).

Supporting Electives: 9 Hrs.

Select 9 hours of upper division courses from those with the following course prefixes: AGEC (Agricultural Economics), AECL (Agroecology), ANSC (Animal Science), BOT (Botany), CHEM (Chemistry), COJO (Communication and Journalism), ENR (Environment and Natural Resources), ENTO (Entomology), FDSC (Food Science), GEOG (Geography), GIST (Geospatial Information Science and Technology), LIFE (Life Sciences), MICR (Microbiology), MOLB (Molecular Biology), PATB (Pathobiology), PLNT (Plant Sciences), REWM (Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management), SOIL (Soil Science), or ZOO (Zoology and Physiology).

Additional University Studies: 12 Hrs.

Electives (minimum): 33 Hrs.

Total: 120 Hrs.

Agroecology/Environment and Natural Resources Program, B.S.

(ENR, Plant Sciences, and Ecosystem Science and Management)

Students with an especially strong interest in the environment and natural resources may choose to pursue the B.S. in Agroecology/ 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.

Agroecology Minor

(Plant Sciences & Ecosystem Science and Management)

Minimum requirements: 20-21 Hrs.

AECL 1000; two of the following: SOIL 2010, LIFE 2023, AECL 3030; and 9 additional upper division hours from the following: ENTO, PLNT, and/or SOIL

Horticulture Minor

(Plant Sciences)

Minimum requirements: 16 Hrs.

PLNT 2025 and 2026, and 12 additional hours from the following: PLNT 3000, 3036, 3300, 4120, 4180, 4190, 4200, 4975

Plant Protection Minor

(Plant Sciences)

Minimum requirements: 17 Hrs.

AECL 1000, AECL 3030, and 10 additional hours from the following: PLNT 3220, 4000, 4070, and 4120

Graduate Study

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.

Plant Sciences B.S/M.S. QuickStart Program

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 either Agroecology 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.

Admission to the program

Minimum requirements for admission to the accelerated program are:

1. completion of sophomore year, 60 credit hours,

2. a minimum overall GPA of 3.0,

3. a minimum GPA of 3.0 in AECL, PLNT, RNEW, and REWM courses,

4. a minimum of three letters of recommendation (at least two must be from faculty at UW),

5. a DPS fculty member willing to serve as M.S. advisor, and

6. a research proposal submitted to, and approved by, the student’s M.S. advisor and at least one other Plant Sciences faculty member as a presumptive graduate committee member.

Transfer students must have also completed at least 15 credit hours of coursework at UW to be eligible for admission to this program.

If interested in this program, please visit our website at http://www.uwyo.edu/plantsciences/ for further information on additional requirements.

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, TOEFL scores (if English is not your primary language), and three letters of recommendation. Our regular deadline for fall semester admission is February 15, although we will accept applications any time during the year (including for spring semester admission as well).

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.

Programs

Major

Minor

Graduate