Tropical Plant Science and Agroecology Specialty
General Information
The Tropical Plant Science & Agroecology specialization is designed to provide an opportunity for students Interested in tropical crop science or a plant-related field to have access to selected courses or topics in their area of interest. The curriculum is structured to offer a well-rounded undergraduate education emphasizing the long-term sustainability of our managed crop production systems and the surrounding ecosystems.
Why Study Tropical Plant Science & Agroecology?
Graduates in Tropical Plant Science & Agroecology can obtain employment with private enterprises or government agencies concerned with conservation and environmental protection, crop production, plant pest control, plant ecology, laboratories specializing in plant and soil analyses and farm services/agribusiness. Other graduates may elect to start their own enterprises or proceed to graduate school for advance degrees.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Explain the principles, concepts, applications, and inter-relations of biology, chemistry, soil science, and mathematics as they apply to natural and agrarian "crop-based" plant ecosystems.
- Use the principles of scientific inquiry to describe, analyze, solve, and report on scientific problems involving tropical plant science and related fields.
- Exhibit proficiency in the use of technology, critical thinking, and quantitative tools used in plant-science applications.
- Interact and communicate effectively with peers, mentors, and the larger community through internships, work-related activities, presentations and reports.
- Exhibit proficiency and practical skills in various areas of crop production, and demonstrate awareness of the impact of agriculture on our environment and natural resources.
- Successfully pursue diverse careers or enter graduate programs in plant science, applied ecology and other related fields.
Requirements for Graduation
This specialization is no longer accepting new students into the program, effective Fall 2020. If you are interested in these subjects, you may pursue a specialty in Tropical Agroecology.
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with a specialization in Tropical Plant Science & Agroecology, a student must complete a minimum of 123 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0. See the B.S. in Agriculture: Tropical Plant Science and Agroecology Specialty Requirements in the UH Hilo Catalog. Also see the Curriculum sheet effective Fall 2016 (PDF).