Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science
We are a multidisciplinary department with the size and breadth to address today’s complex scientific issues while retaining the student-centered focus, an SDSU plant science hallmark. All of our programs feature a carefully designed balance of theoretical principles and hands-on experience to produce a well-rounded graduate who is prepared for the 21st century workplace. As a result, our graduates are in high demand and frequently have jobs before graduation.
Graduate training includes classroom instruction, teaching experience and meaningful experiences in laboratory, greenhouse and/or field research techniques. SDSU also offers two specializations:
If your interests are in the production of specialty crops, local food production or ornamentals, our Local Foods Education Center will provide you with hands-on experience in sustainable food production. It is based on a foundation of student learning, ecosystem sustainability and consumer access to a safe and stable food supply.
The Local Foods Education Center is a novel approach to addressing food security in South Dakota. The outdoor classroom is over an acre in size and is fully dedicated to student and public teaching. It emphasizes hands-on field experience, with small-scale food production and distribution practices, ecosystem sustainability and consumer access to a safe and stable food supply.
The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science is also proud of a strong tradition of research and Extension. Our research has led to increased agricultural productivity, a better understanding of plant diseases and new plant varieties. Our Extension activities have translated research advances into useful public knowledge. We continue to develop and disseminate knowledge on topics as varied as the impacts of tillage on soil carbon levels, the genomic basis of grape quality, to crop-seeding rates for optimized yields.
There are many student clubs and organizations available at SDSU, including ones specific to the agronomy and plant sciences such as the Horticulture Club and the Agronomy and Conservation Club.
Meet the administrators, faculty and staff of the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science.
