- Director: Michael C. Compton
- Office: 219 Pioneer Tower
- Phone: 608.342.1393
- E-mail: soa@uwplatt.edu
- Professors:
- Kevin Bernhardt
- Michael Compton
- Michael O. Mee
- Susan G. Price
- Rami Reddy
- John Tembei
- Mark Zidon
- Thomas Hunt
- Associate Professors:
- Christopher Baxter
- Richard Bockhop
- Annie Kinwa-Muzinga
- Assistant Professors:
- Donita Bryan
- Kris Mahoney
- Denise McNamara
- Tera Montgomery
- Charles Steiner
- Academic Staff:
- Dennis Busch
- Dawn Lee
- Jodi McDermott
- Randy Mentz
- Alicia Prill-Adams
- Cory Weigel
- Phil Wyse
- Academic Department Associates:
- Sharon Pete
- Sandy Mester
School of Agriculture Vision
The UW-Platteville School of Agriculture strives to be the best agricultural programs in the upper Midwest. Graduates of the School of Agriculture are recognized for their theoretical knowledge and its
practical application in the field of agriculture. Our graduates are also known for their ability to effectively communicate, diagnose and solve problems, think creatively, be active leaders in agriculture
and their community, understand the global nature of agriculture and embrace people of diverse cultures. Upon graduation, our graduates are prepared to serve the agricultural industry through immediate employment and career development or to pursue graduate studies. Faculty and staff in the School of Agriculture are leaders in society through teaching, research and service to the agricultural community.
Basic Values
The School of Agriculture endorses the values outlined by UW-Platteville. In addition, the School of Agriculture is guided by the following values:
- High quality educational programs that prepare students for careers in agriculture
- Student excellence in knowledge of agriculture, communication, problem-solving, global awareness, diversity awareness, work experience and leadership
- Engagement with students before, during and after their undergraduate experience at UW-Platteville
- Knowledgeable faculty and staff who strive for excellence
- Theoretical and practical experiences for students
- Research as a component of the School of Agriculture and the faculty, staff and student experiences
- Service to the community, the state of Wisconsin and society
Programs of Study
Students in the School of Agriculture may choose from six possible majors: agribusiness; agricultural education; animal science; ornamental horticulture; reclamation, environment and conservation; and soil and crop science. Emphases are available within each program that allow students to specialize their program of study, and an international emphasis is available in agribusiness, animal science, ornamental horticulture, and soil and crop science for students that desire to extend their education beyond the borders of the United States. Available minors include agribusiness, animal science, biotechnology, ornamental horticulture, and soil and crop science. Specific details about these programs are provided with the description of individual majors. Students interested in veterinary medicine may enroll in the pre-veterinary medicine program.
Facilities
Classroom instruction within the field of agriculture requires experimentation, observation and practical application of scientific principles. Students majoring in agriculture use classroom laboratories and Pioneer Farm, our 430-acre laboratory and demonstration property, for their coursework. All students have the opportunity to observe and apply approved management practices in animal science; feed processing and storage; farm power and machinery; and crops, soils and water conservation. In classroom laboratories, students learn the applications of biotechnology, computer technology and engineering technology in agriculture.
At Pioneer Farm, our activities are centered on a systems approach toward sustainable agriculture and agricultural ecology. Our livestock program includes dairy cattle, beef cattle and swine.
Global positioning systems (precision farming) are used for field crops. Agricultural field machinery and farmstead equipment are available for observation, test and analysis. Opportunities for applied research are also available at Pioneer Farm.
The Pioneer Greenhouse and Gardens Complex consist of an 8,000-square-foot, high-technology greenhouse range and the Dottie Johns Pioneer Garden. A classroom equipped with 30 student workstations is located in Pioneer Greenhouse. The Dottie Johns Pioneer Garden is an outdoor laboratory composed of 10 theme garden areas that are primarily used by students majoring in ornamental horticulture and professional landscape management.
Internship Program
The School of Agriculture internship program offers students an opportunity to experience a career firsthand while earning college credit. Internships are available in all areas of agriculture, including plant and animal breeding, soil conservation, farm equipment and machinery, food processing and canning, farm supply and service, agricultural credit, agricultural engineering, marketing and business management, federal crop insurance, statistical reporting services, plant and animal nutrition, greenhouse and nursery production, landscape design and management, public and private ornamental horticulture and farm management. Student internships are obtained by contacting individual businesses and submitting an internship application to the School of Agriculture internship coordinator. Students must register for the Agribusiness Internship Course (AGINDUS 4580) and satisfactorily complete the program requirements to receive college credit. Students majoring in agribusiness, ornamental horticulture, and soil and crop science are required to complete at least one, three-credit internship before graduation.
School of Agriculture Organizations
All students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics, music, art, drama, judging teams and student clubs, organizations, and fraternities or sororities. The School of Agriculture supports 18 campus clubs and student organizations as well as competitive judging teams that represent all of our disciplines. These organizations provide practical learning experiences as well as an excellent opportunity to meet people and improve communication and leadership skills.
General Requirements
Bachelor of Science Degree
- Total for Graduation: 120 credits
- General Education: 44-53 credits
- School of Agriculture Core Curriculum: 12 credits
- Major Studies: 36-60 credits
- Minor Studies: 24 credits
School of Agriculture Core Curriculum (12 Credits)
Students majoring in agribusiness, agricultural education, animal science, and soil and crop science must satisfactorily complete the following School of Agriculture core courses:
Agribusiness
- Contact: Annie Kinwa-Muzinga
- Office: 213 Pioneer Tower
- Phone: 608.342.1007
- E-mail: kinwamua@uwplatt.edu
Mission of the Agribusiness Program
Wisconsin's agricultural industry of production, processing, distribution, retail and services generates $84 plus billion in annual state revenue per year, making it the largest industry in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's agricultural industry means jobs; 22 percent of the workforce relies directly on agriculture. The same story can be told in the surrounding regional states of Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota. With a very high placement record, the baccalaureate degree program in agribusiness is a direct feed into the number one industry of the state and region – agriculture.
The purpose and obligation of the agribusiness program and faculty are to serve students, parents of students, employers and citizens by turning out students who excel in their preparedness and capacity to
compete for desired careers in the agribusiness industry, and be successful at accomplishing both business and personal goals. This will be accomplished through the learning and application of business,
economic and agricultural science theories, tools and processes, and through the development of the whole student via the university's general education requirements.
The agribusiness program's curriculum structure includes core courses required to be taken by all students. In addition, students must choose either a minor or one of the following agribusiness areas of emphasis:
- Commodity and Price Analysis
- Communications and Marketing
- Management
- Agricultural Engineering Technology
- Comprehensive Program of Study
- International
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will gain knowledge, comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize and/or evaluate, as appropriate, principles, tools and processes in the following overall areas:
- Agribusiness Management Principles
- Economic Principles and Concepts
- Financial Analysis and Record-Keeping
- Agricultural Science
- Mathematical and Quantitative Tools of Agribusines Management and Analysis
- Commodity and Identity-Based Marketing
- Oral and Written Communication Skills
- Professional and Personal Development
- Experiential - Crash Site - Learning
- Working understanding of the current status and trends in the local and global structure of the agriculture and food system.
Specific student learning outcomes for each of the overall areas is available upon request from the director of the program.
Agribusiness Major with Minor
Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Agribusiness Courses: (35 credits):
Minor (24 credits):
Select a 24 credit university minor to complete the degree.
Agribusiness Comprehensive Major
Course work includes completion of required core and an emphasis area.
Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Agribusiness Courses (35 credits):
Commodity and Price Analysis Emphasis (29 credits)
Required Courses (17 credits):
Select three credits from agricultural sciences, agricultural engineering technology or reclamation beyond the core courses.
Electives (12 credits):
Select electives in consultation with advisor
Management Emphasis (30 credits)
Required Courses (18 credits):
Select three credits from agricultural sciences, agricultural engineering technology or reclamation beyond the core courses.
Select one of the following (3 credits):
Electives (12 credits):
Select electives in consultation with advisor.
Communication and Marketing Emphasis (30 credits)
Required Courses (18 credits):
One of the following courses:
Select three credits from agricultural sciences, agricultural engineering technology or reclamation beyond the core courses.
Electives (12 credits):
Select electives in consultation with advisor.
Engineering Technology Emphasis (30 credits)
Required Courses (18 credits):
Electives (12 credits):
Select electives in consultation with advisor.
International Emphasis
Required (12-21 credits):
One of the following for International Experience (3-12 credits)*:
- Study Abroad experience or
- One-on-one exchange experience or
- Faculty led international experience
*Any international experience that is to be counted as credit(s) toward this emphasis must be agreed upon by the student and academic advisor prior to the experience. Of these 3-12 credits, at least three
credits must have been agriculturally related or adequately related to the student's major.
Electives (3-12 credits):
Foreign language course beyond second semester or any university course approved for international education credit not being used to meet the university international three credit requirement.
Comprehensive Emphasis (33 credits)
A specialized 24-credit program of study (plus 9 elective credits) designed in consultation with and approval of the advisor.
Agricultural Education
- Contact: Rick Bockhop
- Program Office: 206 Pioneer Tower
- Phone: 608-342-1890
- E-mail: bockhopr@uwplatt.edu
Mission Statement
The mission of the agricultural education program at UW-Platteville is to prepare students to become licensed to teach agricultural education primarily at the middle and secondary levels in Wisconsin public schools. The agricultural education and technology education emphasis prepares students to teach agricultural education, technology education or both at the middle and secondary levels in Wisconsin public schools. In addition, the purpose of the agribusiness option of agricultural education is to provide a broad-based background of agriculture that will enable the graduate to teach in industry, continue on to a master's degree, to work in the Cooperative Extension Service or work in other areas of agriculture.
Agricultural Education - Comprehensive (Teaching) Option
Students who major in agricultural education in the School of Agriculture, upon admission to teacher education, are jointly enrolled in the School of Education and must fulfill the requirements for teacher
education specified by that school. The agricultural education curriculum meets the requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for the certification of agriculture/agribusiness instructors
to teach all grades with a B-21 license. The program also meets the educational requirements for the provisional certificate issued by the Wisconsin State Board of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education
for teachers of agriculture at the post-secondary level.
Agricultural Education Major Comprehensive Emphasis
Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Agricultural Education Courses (5 credits):
- AGINDUS 2920 Introduction to Agriculture and Extension Education 2 cr
- AGINDUS 3900 Planning Cooperative Education in Agriculture 3 cr
Required Crops/Soils/Horticulture Courses (7 credits):
- AGSCI 2230 Soils 4 cr
- Soils Elective 3 cr
- Crops/Horticulture Elective 3 cr
Required Ag Business Courses (9 credits):
Required Animal Science Courses (10 credits):
- AGSCI 2020 Introduction to Dairy Science 3 cr
- AGSCI 3000 Animal Nutrition 4 cr
- Animal Science Elective 3 cr
Required Engineering Technology Courses (9 credits):
- INDUSTDY 1430 Basic Metals Processes 3 cr
- AGINDUS 4890 Structures and Environmental Control 3 cr
- Agribusiness Engineering 3 cr
- Technology Elective
Required Education Courses (40 credits):
The comprehensive agricultural education major provides a balance of coursework from among the four technical subject matter areas in agriculture. The major in agricultural education may be complemented
with a minor or an emphasis in ornamental horticulture or agribusiness management.
Graduates who qualify for certification to teach agriculture at the junior/senior high school level must have at least 2,000 hours of occupational experience in agriculture. Students not having such experience may meet this requirement through summer employment or by enrolling in AGINDUS 4580 Agricultural Business Internship.
The occupational experience required of post-secondary teachers is 12 months for the provisional certificate.
Requirements for Admission to Teacher Education
To be eligible for admission, teacher candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Successfully complete the Pre-Professional Skills Test. Passing scores for the PPST are reading 175, writing 174 and mathematics 173. Teacher candidates should take the PPST during their first year at UW-Platteville
- Earn grades of "C" or better in the following courses: Freshman Composition (ENGLISH 1130 and ENGLISH 1230), Speech (SPEECH 2010 is strongly recommended, though SPEECH 1010 will satisfy the requirement), TEACHING 1230 Introduction to Education or PHYSED 2320 Introduction to Physical Education, and COMPUTER 2010 Computer Applications in Education (or approved equivalent)
- Have earned 40 semester credits in an accredited college of which 15 credits have been earned at UW-Platteville
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.65 or better
- Prepare an admission portfolio, present it to an interview committee during Pre-Professional Days and be recommended for admission by committee
Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching
To be eligible for admission to student teaching a candidate must:
- Meet or exceed the minimum required grade point average of 2.75 overall and in major(s), teaching minor(s) and professional education courses
- Have completed appropriate methods course(s) for the major and minor, as well as Teaching 2130 and TEACHING 3320 or equivalent courses
- Have grades of "C" or better in required methods courses and in all required professional education courses
- Have documentation of an approved level II portfolio on file
- Have passed the Praxis II contest test in agricultural education; no waives allowed
- Have been admitted to the SOE for one full semester prior to student teaching
- Documentation of 2,000 hours of work experience in agriculture
Agricultural Education Major - Agricultural Education and Technology Education Emphasis
Required Core SOA Courses (16 credits):
Required Technology Education Courses (15 credits):
Electives (18 credits):
- Agriculture 6 cr
- Industrial Studies 6 cr
- Agriculture or Industrial Studies 6 cr
Required Education Courses (42 credits):
Requirements for Admission to Teacher Education
To be eligible for admission, teacher candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Successfully complete the Pre-Professional Skills Test. Passing scores for the PPST are reading 175, writing 174 and mathematics 173. Teacher candidates should take the PPST during their first year at UW-Platteville
- Earn grades of "C" or better in the following courses: Freshman Composition (ENGLISH 1130 and ENGLISH 1230), Speech (SPEECH 2010 is strongly recommended, though SPEECH 1010 will satisfy the requirement), TEACHING 1230 Introduction to Education or PHYSED 2320 Introduction to Physical Education, and COMPUTER 2010 Computer Applications in Education
- Attend and have written verification that the teacher candidate attended the STEPS presentation during TEACHING 1230 Introduction to Education
- Be recommended for admission by two people (other than friends, relatives or UW-Platteville faculty) who can assess the candidate's potential to be a teacher
- Have earned 40 semester credits in an accredited college of which 15 credits have been earned at UW-Platteville
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.65 or better
- Prepare an admission portfolio, present it to an interview committee during Pre-Professional Days and be recommended for admission by committee
Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching
To be eligible for admission to student teaching a candidate must:
- Meet or exceed the minimum required grade point average of 2.75 overall and in major(s), teaching minor(s) and professional education courses
- Have completed appropriate methods course(s) for the major and minor, as well as Teaching 2130 and TEACHING 3320 or equivalent courses
- Have grades of "C" or better in required methods courses and in all required professional education courses
- Have documentation of an approved level II portfolio on file
- Have passed the Praxis II contest test in agricultural education; no waives allowed
- Have been admitted to the SOE for one full semester prior to student teaching
- Documentation of 2,000 hours of work experience in agriculture
Agricultural Education - Agribusiness (Non-Teaching Emphasis)
The agribusiness emphasis of agricultural education is not intended to provide teacher certification for teaching in public schools. It is rather an option to prepare graduates for (a) teaching or working in the agricultural industry, (b) working in the Cooperative Extension Service, or (c) continuing to complete a Master of Science in Education. A x degree would be necessary to become employed in the Cooperative Extension Service. The M.S.E. would meet the requirements for obtaining a license to teach agriculture at the secondary level.
Requirements for this option are similar to those of the teaching option except that fewer education classes are taken and the student is not required to student teach. In addition, the students are not required to be admitted to the teacher education program. As such, they do not need to meet the G.P.A. or PPST requirements listed for the teaching option.
Agribusiness Option Comprehensive
Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Agricultural Education Courses (7 credits):
Required Crops/Soils/Horticulture Courses (14 credits):
- AGSCI 2230 Soils 4 cr or
- AGSCI 3260 Seed and Grain Crops 3 cr
- AGSCI 3350 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers 3 cr or
- AGSCI 3330 Soil Morphology and Classification 3 cr
- Crops, Soils or Horticulture Electives 5 cr
Required Animal Science Courses (14 credits):
- AGSCI 3000 Animal Nutrition 4 cr
- AGSCI 3030 Genetics of Livestock Improvement 3 cr
- AGSCI 4110 Reproductive Physiology of Domestic Animals 4 cr
- Animal Science Elective 3 cr
Required Agribusiness Courses (14 credits):
Required Agribusiness Engineering Technology Courses (14 credits):
- AGINDUS 3830 Engines and Tractor Systems 3 cr
- AGINDUS 3950 Soil and Water Conservation Engineering 3 cr
- AGINDUS 4890 Structures and Environmental Control 3 cr
- Agribusiness Engineering Technology Electives 5 cr
Agribusiness Option with Minor
Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Agricultural Education Courses (7 credits):
Required Crops/Soils/Horticulture Courses (9 credits):
- AGSCI 2230 Soils 3 cr or
- AGSCI 3260 Seed and Grain Crops 3 cr
- AGSCI 3350 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers 3 cr or
- AGSCI 3330 Soil Morphology and Classification 3 cr
- Crops, Soils or Horticulture Electives 3 cr
Required Animal Science Courses (11 credits):
Required Agribusiness Courses (9 credits):
Required Agribusiness Engineering Technology Courses (9 credits):
Other:
Agriculture courses must total 36 credits and a university minor of 24 credits must also be completed.
Animal Science
- Contact: John N. Tembei
- Office: 223 Pioneer Tower
- Phone: 608.342.1063
- E-mail: tembeij@uwplatt.edu
Mission Statement
The animal science major will prepare graduates who value and use critical thinking, communication and social skills through liberal arts and science-based technology education. They will contribute to the success and profitability of vocations involved in animal care, welfare and production of high quality animal derived food and medicine for national and international consumption. Graduates will also acquire skills that will guide them in designing and applying a synergy of animal production and land use with lasting environmental stability.
Goals
Graduates of the Animal Science program will be:
- Conscious of and sensitive to the issues involved with profitable and ethical management, care, welfare and health of animals
Outcomes:
- Students support the scientific evidence for safety of world food supplied through science-based production practices
- Students can examine and evaluate various perspectives of animal health and welfare
- Students can analyze the structure of regional, national and international policies that affect biosecurity
- Critical thinkers with effective oral and written communication skills as individuals and as team members
Outcomes:
- Students value and enhance their communication skills with liberal arts and science-based knowledge
- Increase self-confidence and comfort level during public speaking
- Students demonstrate ability to independently investigate, analyze and conclude decisions clearly and concisely
- Collect and analyze information and compose professional, technical reports
- Able to determine and measure profitable and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices
Outcomes:
- Competent in application of computerized technology
- Utilization of proven physical and chemical analyses
- Evaluate genetic selection and performance programs
- Appreciate and apply quality assurance programs for products
- Recognize and compare optimal and maximal production practices for sustainability
- Informed and aware of regional, national and international obligations, opportunities and experiences
Outcomes:
- Generate interest and increased participation in cross-cultural experiences
- Expand student's comfort zone for global pursuits
- Benefit from external professional inputs of diverse backgrounds
Animal science offers two options, a major with a university minor or a comprehensive major with emphases. AGSCI 1000 will count as an elective in the animal science minor.
Animal Science Major (36 credits)
Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Animal Science Courses (17 credits):
- AGSCI 3000 Animal Nutrition 4 cr
- AGSCI 3020 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Livestock 3 cr
- AGSCI 3030 Genetics of Livestock Improvement 3 cr
- AGSCI 4110 Reproductive Physiology of Domestic Animals 4 cr
- AGSCI 4190 Seminar in Animal Science and Biotechnology 3 cr
Two Courses From (8 credits):
One Course From (3 credits):
Electives (9 credits):
Animal Science Comprehensive Major (60 Credits)
Required Core SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Animal Science Courses (17 credits):
- AGSCI 3000 Animal Nutrition 4 cr
- AGSCI 3020 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals 3 cr
- AGSCI 3030 Genetics of Livestock Improvement 3 cr
- AGSCI 4110 Reproductive Physiology of Domestic Animals 4 cr
- AGSCI 4190 Seminar in Animal Science and Biotechnology 3 cr
At least two courses from (8 credits):
Meat and livestock emphasis must take AGSCI 4030 and AGSCI 4040. Dairy emphasis must take AGSCI 4070.
At least one course from (3 credits):
Meat and Livestock Emphasis must take AGSCI 3040. Dairy Emphasis must take AGSCI 3010.
Agribusiness Emphasis
Required Courses (12 credits):
Electives (20 credits):
- Other courses approved by advisor
Dairy Emphasis
Required Courses (12 credits):
Electives (20 credits):
- Other courses approved by advisor
International Emphasis
Required (12 credits):
One course from:
One International Experience course (3-12 credits)*:
- Study Abroad experience
- One-on-one exchange experience
- Faculty led international experience
*Any international experience that is to be counted as credit(s) toward this emphasis must be agreed upon by the student and academic advisor prior to the experience. Of these 3-12 credits, at least three credits must have been agriculturally related or adequately related to the student's major.
International Education Electives (3-12 credits):
- Foreign Language course beyond second semester
- Any university course approved for International Education credit, not being used to meet the university international 3 credit requirement.
Animal Science Electives (9 credits):
Other courses approved by advisor
Meat and Livestock Emphasis
Required Courses (15-16 credits):
One of the following
One of the following
Electives (16-17 credits):
- Other courses approved by advisor
Science Emphasis
Required Courses (26 credits):
Electives (7 credits):
Ornamental Horticulture
- Contact: Michael E. Compton
- Office: 218 Pioneer Tower
- Phone: 608.342.1393
- E-mail: compton@uwplatt.edu
Ornamental horticulture is the art and science of producing and using plants for their aesthetic value. It is a division of the broader field of horticulture involved in the production and sales of greenhouse, florist and nursery plants as well as the design and management of landscapes and interior spaces for public and private use.
Mission Statement
The ornamental horticulture program prepares graduates that value and use creative and critical thinking, are effective communicators and act as responsible, ethical and competent horticulturists. This is achieved by combining a solid liberal arts education with professional curricular and educational opportunities aimed at combining the important theoretical and practical aspects of the horticultural and biological sciences with the managerial skills necessary for preparing students for a successful career.
Goals and Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Ornamental Horticulture program will:
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
Outcomes:
- Students will enhance and value their written and oral communication skills with liberal arts and science-based knowledge
- Students will improve their self confidence and comfort level during public speaking
- Students will be able to communicate with their peers in the ornamental horticulture and botanic fields using professional terminology
- Exhibit working knowledge of ornamental plant species in Midwest landscapes, greenhouses, athletic fields, and public and interior spaces.
Outcomes:
- Students will possess working knowledge of current plant nomenclature for important ornamental plant species
- Students will possess working knowledge of the care, use and placement of ornamental plant species in a variety of settings
- Demonstrate an in-depth comprehension of the horticultural and biological sciences, and be able to apply their knowledge as it relates to ornamental horticulture in a variety of settings.
Outcomes:
- Comprehend and apply knowledge of plant physiological processes on plant growth and development of natural and bioengineered plants in production and landscape settings
- Comprehend and apply knowledge of genotypic and environmental influences on plant growth and development
- Comprehend and apply knowledge of the influence of soils and soil-less growing media on plant growth and development in protected and unprotected ornamental horticulture
- Comprehend and apply the basic principles of integrated pest management to control weeds, pests, diseases and physiological disorders of ornamental plants
- Comprehend and apply the basic principles of landscape design and management
- Possess the ability to think creatively and recognize, analyze, diagnose and critically evaluate problems and practices, as well as employ problem-solving techniques individually or using a team-oriented approach
Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an ability to observe, investigate and evaluate problem situations to achieve clear and concise deductions
- Possess the ability to apply a logical, stepwise approach to solving practical problems
- Demonstrate an ability to collect and analyze information and compose professional, technical reports
- Possess a comprehension of the administrative and managerial skills necessary when managing and operating a horticultural business
Outcomes:
- Competent in the application of computerized technology
- Comprehend effective management of employees and colleagues of diverse backgrounds
- Comprehend effective management and attainment of nonhuman resources
- Recognize and compare efficient and optimal production practices for sustainability
- Be professionals and leaders in society and ornamental horticulture that act in a courteous, ethical and responsible manner.
Outcomes:
- Seek and participate in campus, community, professional and international opportunities
- Comprehend the need to act ethically and responsibly in professional and personal matters
- Appreciate the contribution of colleagues regardless of rank, race, gender or sexual orientation
Ornamental horticulture is a 36-credit major. Students must also choose a 24-credit emphasis offered through the ornamental horticulture major or 24-credit minor. Emphasis areas associated directly with the ornamental horticulture major include business and marketing, breeding and genetics, professional landscape management and international.
Experiential learning is an important part of the ornamental horticulture curricula. For this reason, students are required to complete a three-credit internship. Internships are available throughout the year across the United States, and provide excellent practical experience to earn college credits.
Students who complete the program qualify for jobs in landscape horticulture, turf management, nursery and garden center operations, bedding plant production, greenhouse management, retail floral shops, seed production, or education and research. High school students should prepare for the ornamental horticulture major by completing courses in math, science and ornamental horticulture. Two or more years of Spanish is highly recommended.
Summer jobs with a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping firm arebeneficial.
Ornamental Horticulture Major (36 Credits)
Required Courses (30 credits):
Electives (6 credits):
** Counts as an elective if not used to fulfill requirement for ornamental horticulture major.
Areas of Emphasis
Business and Marketing Emphasis
Requirements for Ornamental Horticulture Major(30 credits)
Required Courses (8 credits):
Ornamental Horticulture Electives (7-10 credits):
** Counts as an elective if not used to fulfill requirement for ornamental horticulture major.
Business and Marketing Electives (12-15 credits):
Professional Landscape Management Emphasis
Requirements for Ornamental Horticulture Major (30 credits)
Required Courses (14 credits):
Professional Landscape Management Electives (16 credits):
Breeding and Genetics Emphasis
Requirements for Ornamental Horticulture Major (30 credits)
Required (15 credits):
Breeding and Genetics Electives (6-12 credits):
** Counts as an elective if not used to fulfill requirements for ornamental horticulture major.
Ornamental Horticulture Breeding and Genetics Business Electives (3-9 credits):
International Emphasis
Requirements for Ornamental Horticulture Major (30 credits)
Required Courses (14-23 credits):
One of the following for International Experience (3-12 credits)*:
- Study abroad experience
- One-on-one exchange experience
- Faculty led international experience
*Any international experience that is to be counted as credit(s) toward this emphasis must be agreed upon by the student and academic advisor prior to the experience. Of these 3-12 credits, at least three credits must have been agriculturally related or adequately related to the student's major.
Ornamental Horticulture Electives (4 credits):
International Electives (3-12 credits):
Students may select any International Education course not already used to fulfill the general education International requirement and/ or a foreign language course beyond the second semester.
Reclamation, Environment and Conservation
- Contact: Thomas Hunt
- Program Office: 207 Pioneer Tower
- Phone: 608.342.1898
- E-mail: huntt@uwplatt.edu
Program Description
Reclamation, environment and conservation is an applied environmental science, which addresses the restoration and management of natural resources by the practical application of science, design and technology. Its basis lies in both ethics and sound management of the planet. REC is a natural adjunct to land use activities such as mining, timber management and grazing; construction, development and agriculture; and includes the preservation, conservation and restoration of our natural and cultural heritage.
Program Mission
The mission of the REC program is to promote environmental awareness and actions through interdisciplinary instruction and outreach. Its goal is to help protect, restore and conserve the environment for future generations.
Program Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Reclamation, Environment and Conservation program will:
- Describe land management and reclamation/restoration activities and outcomes and explain their importance to a wide range of audiences
- Characterize and apply interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and ethics necessary to restore and manage cultural and natural landscapes
- Apply site analyses techniques to predict and assess difficulties and challenges unique to a given reclamation/restoration site
- Compare and evaluate the roles and responsibilities of stake holders such as agencies, groups and organizations engaged in land management and reclamation/restoration
- Apply the skills to plan, design and construct a reclamation/restoration project
- Analyze and evaluate the reclamation/restoration results and the efficacy of methods and materials used in reclamation project management
- Demonstrate knowledge and perform administrative and technical tasks of reclamation project management
The interdisciplinary courses in the REC program are established and coordinated by the director and a council comprised of faculty across the university. Within the REC major, a student may elect to focus upon a physical, biological or chemistry emphasis. This division arises from the general division of emphases at the professional level. The physical emphasis is closely allied with geology and civil engineering, whereas the biological emphasis is closely allied with ecology, soils, agriculture and natural sciences. It is possible to obtain a double major in one of the closely related fields while completing requirements for the REC major. Students who elect a major in REC should have an aptitude for science, engineering, technology and design, and a strong commitment to the environment.
Reclamation, Environment and Conservation Major
Required Courses (52-68 credits):
Physical Emphasis
Required Courses (10-11 credits):
Chemistry Emphasis
Required Courses (10 credits):
Biology Emphasis
Required Courses (15 credits):
Soil and Crop Science
- Contact: Chris Baxter
- Program Office: 310 Pioneer Tower
- Phone: 608.342.1388
- E-mail: baxterch@uwplatt.edu
Mission and Purpose of the Soil and Crop Science Program
Students majoring in soil and crop science will be prepared for careers as resourceful, ethically responsible and competent agronomists by combining their liberal arts education with professional coursework and practical experience.
Program Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
Students that complete the soil and crop science program are able to:
- Conceptualize, understand and apply chemical, physical, biological and agronomic sciences to address practical agronomic problems
- Apply scientific principles to gather, analyze and interpret agronomic data.
- Effectively and accurately communicate agronomic information in written and oral forms.
- Use and become familiar with new technologies in agronomy and related sciences.
- Understand the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities associated with careers in agronomy.
Soil and crop science is a 36-credit major. Students majoring in soil and crop science must complete a set of required courses along with either a 24-credit emphasis or a university minor. Emphasis areas associated directly with the soil and crop science major include plant breeding and genetics, comprehensive and international.
The soil and crop science program supports the UW-Platteville mission of providing baccalaureate degree programs that meet regional needs. Students completing this program will be prepared to pursue careers in agronomy or to continue their education through advanced study. Our graduates have enjoyed job placements near 100 percent in careers that support agriculture, the leading state and regional industry.
Soil and Crop Science Major
Required SOA Courses (12 credits):
Required Courses (27 credits):
Electives (9 credits):
A 24-credit emphasis or minor must be selected.
Plant Breeding and Genetics Emphasis
Required Courses (13 credits):
Soil and Crop Science Electives (9 credits):
Plant Breeding and Genetics Emphasis Electives (11 credits):
Comprehensive Soil and Crop Science Emphasis
Required Courses (12 credits):
Biological or Physical Science Electives (7-9 credits):
Comprehensive Electives (12-14 credits):
Select any agriculture courses approved by advisor
International Emphasis
Required Courses (44-53 credits):
One course from:
One International Experience Course (3-12 credits)*:
- Study abroad experience or
- One-on-one exchange experience or
- Faculty led international experience
*Any international experience that is to be counted as credit(s) toward this emphasis must be agreed upon by the student and academic advisor prior to the experience. Of these 3-12 credits, at least 3 credits must have been agriculturally related or adequately related to the student's major.
Soil and Crop Science Electives (9 credits):
International Electives (3-12 credits):
Students may select any International Education course not already used to fulfill the general education International requirement and/or a foreign language course beyond second semester.
Agribusiness Minor (24 credits)
The remaining credits are selected from agribusiness classes.
Animal Science Minor (24 credits)
Required Courses (8 credits):
One course from (4 credits):
One course from (3 credits):
Electives to complete the minor
Ornamental Horticulture Minor (24 credits)
Required Horticulture Courses (16 credits):
One Plant Identification Course (3-4 credits):
Electives (4-5 credits):
*Cannot be used as an elective if used to fulfill a college or major requirement.
Soil and Crop Science Minor (24 credits)
Required Courses (14 credits):
Soil and Crop Science Electives (6-7 credits):
Required Biology/Physical Sciences Courses (3-5 credits):
Biotechnology Minor (29 credits)
See requirements outlined by the UW-Platteville Biology Department.