Explore what makes each online bachelor’s degree unique and find the best fit for your academic or career goals
Plants are an integral part of life on Earth — providing us with oxygen, food, medicine, shelter, fiber and fuel. Understanding and researching them is critical to the health of our planet and our ability to survive and thrive.
There are many promising career paths in fields related to plant and agricultural sciences. Whether you want to find new ways to produce sustainable and nutritious crops, help restore damaged ecosystems or breed plants to better withstand the effects of climate change, Oregon State University offers plant science degrees online that can help you meet your goals.
Each of our online programs will give you the applied skills and training you need to be successful, and Oregon State offers innovative online learning experiences across the sciences, including a virtual greenhouse, at-home lab kits and other experiential learning opportunities.
Read on to better understand the benefits of earning your bachelor’s degree online in:
- Agricultural sciences
- Botany
- Crop and soil science
- Horticulture
While these programs share certain similarities, each offers unique features and areas of focus that will make a big impact as you plot your career. Use the links below to explore each program’s curriculum and find the best fit for you.
Agricultural sciences
The lowdown
Rooted in over 150 years of agricultural teaching expertise, Oregon State’s agricultural sciences bachelor’s degree allows students to learn from expert faculty across the College of Agricultural Sciences to receive a wide-ranging education that covers agricultural production, innovations, agribusiness, agricultural communications, agricultural education, and natural resource management, among other focus areas.
This flexible online agriculture degree program allows you to choose credits and electives that meet your unique interests and goals. You’ll work with an academic advisor to create a customized degree plan, which can include coursework from any department within the College of Agricultural Sciences.
You’ll learn from leading faculty who can help you understand and address critical agricultural challenges like resource conservation, social and public issues in agriculture, food system sustainability and agricultural resilience.
They said it
“For students looking for innovation and impact, the agricultural sciences program empowers you to help shape the future of agriculture through an integrated approach that incorporates foundational knowledge, practical skills and leadership training that will boost your future opportunities.” — Jonathan Velez, professor, Department of Agricultural Education and Agricultural Sciences
Learn more about agricultural sciences online at Oregon State »
Botany
The lowdown
Want to understand the science behind the food we eat, the fibers we wear and the medicines we take? Oregon State’s online botany degree will teach you the fundamental biology of plants and fungi from the molecular and cellular to the global ecosystem level. You’ll take core classes in plant structure, systematics, ecology and physiology, along with courses in biochemistry, cell biology and genetics.
Additionally, you’ll choose a focus area for your upper-division coursework — going deeper into plant pathology and mycology or creating a customizable option that serves your unique career goals.
No matter your focus, you’ll learn how to apply your knowledge to current issues and challenges in areas like food production, conservation and healthy ecosystems.
They said it
“Plants and fungi are at the heart of all terrestrial landscapes and provide us with indispensable products. The botany degree gives students a broad and deep understanding of their evolution, ecology, development, physiology, molecular biology and genetics. This program is a fantastic way to learn what and how life is and find one’s place in it.” — Marc Curtis, senior instructor, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology
Learn more about botany online at Oregon State »
Crop and soil science
The lowdown
Healthy soil is a critical resource for our food systems, clean drinking water and our planet’s biodiversity. In addition to protecting Earth’s natural resources, crop and soil scientists play an important role in ensuring food security for a growing population by improving techniques that optimize crop production, provide better nutrition and reduce chemical inputs.
When you earn a bachelor’s degree in crop and soil science online, you’ll learn how to help communities develop greater climate resiliency through the creation of more sustainable agricultural ecosystems as well as through the study and implementation of things like soil carbon sequestration and regenerative soil management.
They said it
“Through project-based, hands-on experiences, our students learn how to feed the world, apply soil health research to lower the human carbon footprint, and breed crops that enhance environmental quality. Whether you want to be involved in these endeavors on a small or large scale, in the local or international arena, you can learn how to make a difference in your community.” — Stefan Seiter, senior lecturer and undergraduate advisor, College of Agricultural Sciences
Learn more about crop and soil science online at Oregon State »
Horticulture
The lowdown
With an increased focus on sustainable food production, green spaces and environmental conservation, skilled horticulturalists are in demand globally. Whether you’re interested in crop production, permaculture, creating beautiful gardens or exploring the therapeutic wonders of plants, earning an online horticulture degree will give you the applied skills you need to build a hands-on career in plant growth and management.
You’ll study plant biology, genetics, soils, ecology, plant nutrition and pest management. You’ll also learn contemporary skills for managing environmentally sound farms, landscapes, athletic fields and golf courses.
They said it
“My nursery operates at a much lower environmental footprint because I learned how to make changes that would produce that effect. I now produce higher quality plants at a lower cost while producing less pollution, less nutrient runoff, and much less pesticide use.” — John Dusek, owner of Faber’s Greenhouse and Nursery and B.S. in Horticulture and B.S. in Sustainability (double degree)
Learn more about horticulture online at Oregon State »
Want to explore more options?
You can research and compare all of Oregon State’s online undergraduate degrees in the conservation and natural sciences on our website.
Have a question about the application process? Our enrollment services team is here to help you gather information about Oregon State’s plant science degrees online.
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