Discover a thriving career in sustainable plant systems
Careers
Plants fuel our world, and to meet the needs of unprecedented growth, we need industry leaders to advance the science and technology of plants. Increasing the efficiency and safety of sustainable agriculture will improve our world’s access to food, medicines, materials and renewable fuels.
This is important work, and through hands-on, relevant learning, the B.S. in Sustainable Plant Systems positions you for success in modern agriculture and associated industries challenged with supporting our growing world with less land and fewer resources.
Potential Career Paths for Sustainable Plant Systems Majors:
Ecologist: Study the interrelationships between organisms and their environments through research about how creatures and habitats interact with each other and the environment.
Wildlife manager/technician: Inventory wildlife populations and collect samples of water, soil, and plants to evaluate the health of animals and habitats.
Horticulturist: Work in garden centers and greenhouses, advise growers on chemical-free methods of pest management, or consult landscape designers about ecologically sustainable grounds and practices.
Microbiologist: Work for government agencies, universities, agricultural companies, food safety organizations and research institutes to study microorganisms that live in the soil and their effects on the environment.
Soil and plant scientist: Study the physical and chemical properties of soil as well as the distribution, origin, and history of soils and the species that comprise them.
Forester: Manage vegetation, timber, reforestation and fuels for the government and companies involved with wood product production.
Agronomist: Expertly manage soil and field crop production, conduct research, and develop new crop hybrids and varieties for the public and private sectors.
Botanist: Study plant systems and their environment and support their identification and classification.
Research assistant: Conduct research for food, pharmaceutical, and pest management organizations.
Science teacher: Develop and teach science curriculum and guide the next generation through experiments and field experiences that advance understanding of the natural world.
Naturalist: Research and develop educational programming for national and state parks.
Plant geneticist: Research and work to isolate genes to develop certain plant traits. Jobs available in the public and private sectors.
Conservationist: Manage the use and development of forests and other natural resources.
Education and advocacy: Educate decision-makers and communities about the importance of sustainable plant systems and thoughtful stewardship of the world’s natural resources.
Advanced degree: Deepen your understanding and expand your career options through graduate school that may lead to leadership positions in research and sustainable agriculture field settings.
Create Lasting Professional Bonds
Many of our sustainable plant systems students are actively involved in UA clubs as well as the following professional societies, which offer information about careers and job listings:
- American Society of Horticultural Science
- American Society of Agronomy
- American Public Garden Association
- American Phytopathological Society