Undergraduate Programs
ABOUT SPES
Inspired by our land grant mission and motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences trains the next generation of professionals in the fields of plant breeding and genetics, agronomic and horticultural crop production, plant protection, soil and water systems management, agricultural technologies, environmental restoration, and agro-environmental stewardship.
We conduct research to improve agricultural productivity, reduce negative impacts on the environment, and improve soil and water health.
Through our Extension programs, we provide science-based information to stakeholders to help them feed the world while protecting the environment.
SPES GRADUATES
4 out of 5
“SPES has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion, while working hands-on in my future field of study.”
- Kevin Painchaud, Environmental Horticulture major
-
Job and Graduate School Placement After Graduation
“The diversity of the courses offered in Environmental Sciences helped me explore different opportunities and chose a career path that was right for me.”
Sara Peters, Environmental Science major
Ecological Restoration
What you will learn:
Ecology
Hydrology
Plant science
Restoration principles
Soil science
Potential Careers:
Landscape ecology technician
Mine rehabilitation specialist
Natural resource manager
Restoration program representative
Curriculum designed in conjunction with the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Ecological Restoration Practitioner In-Training program.
Environmental Science
What you will learn:
Environmental monitoring
Groundwater Hydrology
Microbiology
Soil chemistry
Where graduates work:
Dominion Soil Science
Ramboll US Corp.
Textron
USDA
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
WestRock
Potential careers:
Consulting
Environmental engineering
Lab manager
Regulatory agent
Plant Science
What you will learn:
Biotechnology
Molecular biology
Plant breeding
Plant pathology
Weed science
Where graduates work:
Altria
Berry Hill Farm
National Park Service
Syngenta
Timmons Group
Potential Careers:
Consultant
Crop breeder
Molecular biologist
Weed scientist
Crop and Soil Sciences
What you will learn:
Crop production
Nutrient management
Pest management
Plant and soil science
Where graduates work:
Borlaug Institute
Dominion Soil Science
Helena Agri-Enterprises
Synagro
Timmons Group
Potential Careers:
Agriculture educator
Agronomist
Crop advisor
Extension agent
Soil conservationist
Environmental Horticulture
What you will learn:
Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems
Floriculture
Fruit/vegetable management
Greenhouse management
Plant propagation
Where graduates work:
American Color
National Wildlife Federation
Peace Corps
Riverbend Nursery, LLC
Va. Cooperative Extension
Potential Careers:
Flower shop owner
Garden director
Greenhouse manager
Orchard manager
Vegetable farmer
Vertical farm technician
Landscape Design and Turfgrass Science
What you will learn:
Landscape contracting
Landscape design
Turfgrass management
Turf pest management
Where graduates work:
Bartlett Tree Experts
Burning Tree Club
Longwood Cricket Club
New York State Parks
Vanderbilt University
Potential Careers:
Athletic field consultant
Extension agent
Golf course superintendent
Landscape contractor
Turfgrass management
Integrated Agricultural Technologies
What you will learn:
Data analytics
Drone and robot operation
Environmental sensors
Plant and soil sciences
Satellite imaging
Potential Careers:
Conservationist
Crop consultant
Data systems analyst
Precision agriculture specialist
Common Minors
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Civic Agriculture and Food Systems
Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
Ecosystem for Human Well-Being
Entomology
Environmental Science
Global Food Security and Health
Horticulture
Plant Health Sciences
Turfgrass Management
Viticulture
Wetland Science
Virginia Tech is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination or accessibility should contact the Office for Equity and Accessibility at equityandaccess@vt.edu or 540-231-2010.
Hands-on Learning Opportunities Study
Abroad & Study in the U.S.A.
Field Study
SPES offers many opportunities for study abroad and study in the U.S.A. SPES professors have sponsored trips to Australia, Ecuador, South Africa, and Thailand. Learn more about upcoming programs from the Virginia Tech Global Education Office, globaleducation.vt.edu.
Opportunities exist to participate in field work with professors and graduate students. They are a great way to practice what is learned in the classroom and a chance to learn new skills. Field work is appealing to employers and graduate schools.
Internships
Internships are a great way to gain experience outside the classroom. Students can find internships by networking with professors and employers, and VT Career and Professional Development. The school provides resources to help you find and apply for internships.
Clubs & Teams
Student Organizations
Involvement in student clubs and teams gives you a chance to make friends, learn skills that will benefit you professionally, and develop as a leader. Our teams are typically top-ranked in regional and national competitions.
Agronomy Club
Crops Judging Team
Environmental Student Organization
Horticulture Club
Society for Ecological Restoration Student Association at Virginia Tech
Soil Judging Club and Team
Turf Club
185 Ag Quad Lane 328 Smyth Hall Blacksburg, Va. 24061
https://spes.vt.edu
Karen Drake-Whitney Undergraduate Student Coordinator 540-231-9785
kdrake@vt.edu
facebook twitter instagram
@vtspes
