Undergraduate Programs
Understand microbial connections to solve global problems.
Microorganisms can be beneficial or harmful. Understanding the role microbes play in agricultural and natural ecosystems is essential to meet urgent global challenges.
The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology is dedicated to protecting plants, mushrooms, and other living things from diseases caused by microbes and to harnessing the beneficial power of microbes for health and sustainability. Students are trained in diverse areas of plant pathology, environmental microbiology, and microbial ecology through course work and make a difference every day through authentic research with faculty.
Majors and Minors
Plant Sciences Major
Plant Science majors tackle the hands-on science of growth, physiology, development, genetics, and disease and pest-proofing plants for food, fiber, beauty, and sustainability. Students choose from five options that match their academic and professional interests: Agroecology, Crop Production, Horticulture, Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, and Plant Science.
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Plant Pathology Minor
Research-focused learning about the causes of plant diseases and organic and inorganic control measures
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Mushroom Science and Technology Minor
Interdisciplinary minor that helps prepare students for a career in the mushroom industry, with practical experience at the University's Mushroom Research Center
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Your hub for academic advising, undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, student clubs, scholarships, and more.
PPEM's Blooms and Shrooms undergraduate club builds awareness of plant pathology, encourages networking between undergraduates and researchers, and develops professional skills while providing a social atmosphere among students.
