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Integrated Plant Sciences

Agricultural Biotechnology

Students develop a broad knowledge of genetics, plant pathology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology.
CAHNRS > Academics > Undergraduate Programs > Agricultural Biotechnology

Explore the Possibilities

Ag Biotech emphasizes the development and application of new technologies to ensure a safe and abundant food and fiber supply.

Students are passionate about scientific methodology and real-world application, enjoying the vast opportunities available in faculty- and student-led research.

IPS Degree

The Integrated Plant Sciences (IPS) interdisciplinary degree program includes horticulture, crop and soil sciences, entomology, plant pathology and molecular science. You will learn the science and technology used to optimize plant life from molecule to market. 

Apple and DNA strain.

Contact

509-335-9502
horticulture@wsu.edu

Integrated Plant Sciences website

Career Opportunities

  • Plant Geneticist or Breeder
  • Research or Laboratory Technician
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Bioinformaticist
  • MS or PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics
Young scientist holding tray with seedlings above microscope in greenhouse. Plant protection and biotechnology concept.

Quick Facts

$93,219 Average starting salary of Ag Biotech graduates
$1,000+ Awarded to each student in the major
100% Engage in student-led research projects
16:1 Student to faculty ratio

Major Requirements

Minimum Total Credits: 120 credits

Below is an example of a 4-year plan. Your program may include different courses. Consult with your advisor about the best combination and order of courses for you. Visit the WSU Catalog for a list of required courses for this major and course descriptions.

General Education Requirements: 40 credits

IPS Degree Core Requirements: 30 credits

  • BIOLOGY 106 or BIOLOGY 120 – 4 credits
  • CHEM 102: Chemistry Related to Life Sciences – 4 credits
  • CROP_SCI/HORT 102: Cultivated Plants – 3 credits
  • CROP_SCI/HORT 202: Crop Growth and Development – 4 credits
  • CROP_SCI 411: [M] Crop Environmental Interactions or HORT 416: Advanced Hort Crop Physiology – 3 credits
  • ENTOM 343: [M] General Entomology – 3 credits
  • ENTOM 351: Ecological & Integrated Pest Management – 3 credits
  • PL_P 300: Diseases of Fruit Crops or PL_P 429: General Plant Pathology – 2–3 credits
  • SOIL_SCI 201: Soil: A Living System – 3 credits

Major Core Requirements: 45 credits

  • BIOLOGY 107: Intro to Cell Bio & Genetics – 4 credits
  • BIOLOGY 420: Plant Physiology – 3 credits
  • BIOS 303: Intro. Biochemistry – 4 credits
  • CHEM 105 & 106: Principles of Chemistry I & II – 4 credits
  • CHEM 345: Organic Chemistry I – 4 credits
  • CROP_SCI 445: Plant Breeding – 4 credits
  • HORT 480: Plant Genomics & Biotechnology – 3 credits
  • MBIOS 301: General Genetics – 4 credits
  • MBIOS 401: Cell Biology – 3 credits
  • MBIOS 404: Molecular Biology – 3 credits
  • MBIOS 478: Bioinformatics – 3 credits

Electives Outside the Major: 13-22 credits

The best thing about WSU was the opportunity to work in different labs on campus. Classes in plant breeding, genetics, chemistry, and soil science gave me necessary information to do research. WSU taught me how to be confident and independent.

Grace Murekatete, Matching Grant Case Specialist, International Institute