COURSE CURRICULUM

The Plant and Soil Science program at Southeast Missouri State University combines a strong agribusiness foundation with advanced scientific training in crop and soil systems. The curriculum begins with core agribusiness courses such as Agribusiness Orientation, Communicating in Agriculture, Agriculture Business Data Analysis, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, and Agribusiness Finance. These courses provide students with essential knowledge of business operations, financial decision-making, and market dynamics within the agricultural sector. Additional courses like Agriculture Safety, Agriculture Seminar, Marketing of Agricultural Products, and Agribusiness Sales focus on professional development and industry readiness. Students also complete foundational agricultural science courses, including Plant Science with lab, Animal Science, and Introduction to Horticulture, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of agricultural systems. They may further strengthen their business skills by choosing Agribusiness Management II or Principles of Accounting I, along with gaining practical experience through an internship or undergraduate research.The specialized Plant and Soil Science component focuses on the scientific principles behind crop production and sustainable land management. Required courses such as Precision Agriculture, Soils, Integrated Pest Management, Plant Pathology, Crop Physiology, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, and Crop Production provide in-depth knowledge of how plants grow, how soils support productivity, and how to manage pests and diseases effectively. These subjects prepare students to optimize agricultural output while maintaining environmental sustainability.Students also select 11–12 credit hours of electives, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests. Options include water management, sustainable agriculture, plant breeding, weed science, spatial analysis, agroecosystems, and natural resource management. These courses help students develop expertise in areas such as conservation, advanced crop systems, and data-driven agriculture. Additional requirements in chemistry and mathematics strengthen analytical and scientific skills.Overall, this program equips graduates with a balanced mix of business knowledge and scientific expertise, preparing them for careers in crop consulting, soil analysis, agronomy, environmental management, and agricultural research, as well as for advanced studies in plant and soil sciences.