Horticulture
Horticulture is the science and art of growing plants for food, personal enjoyment, and environmental enhancement. Horticulture includes the production, marketing, and utilization of fruit and vegetable products that improve health and well-being, shade trees that reduce the urban heat island effect, bedding plants that increase business profits, and interior plants that reduce stress and enhance productivity. This minor requires students to take 16 credit hours, as determined by the student and their assigned advisor.
Crop Science
A minor in crop science is a prefect addition to majors in agriculture and plant sciences, but it can be added to almost any major. This minor requires students to take 16 credit hours, as determined by the student and their assigned advisor. These courses may include Turfgrass Management, Forage Crops, Ecology & Management of Weeds, World Agricultural Systems, Plant Breeding, and more.
Viticulture & Enology
Viticulture and enology combines the study of cultivating juice and wine grapes with the study of wines and winemaking. Core courses introduce students to grapevine physiology and grape production, microclimate and soils, grape and vine diseases and pests, the chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology of fruit and wine, wine processing, and vineyard and winery management systems. This minor requires students to take 16 credit hours, including courses in Intro to Vines & Wines, Viticulture, Sensory Evaluation of Food & Wine as well as electives determined by the student and their advisor.
Soil Science
Soil science is a natural resource science devoted to studying the thin layer of the earth’s lithosphere (crust) responsible for supporting life. Soil science is concerned with the physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes that govern natural and agricultural ecosystems. Soil scientists apply an understanding of these fundamental processes to the management and protection of crop production, soil development, and environmental quality. This minor requires students to take 16 credit hours, as determined by the student and their assigned advisor.
Geospatial Analysis
Geospatial analysis uses geographic information systems (GIS) software to analyze complex data — such as weather, topography, geologic features, vegetation, and various types of statistical information — in relation to a particular geographic location. The University’s minor in geospatial analysis can be added to nearly any major. If you’re interested in agricultural sciences, environmental science, natural resources, biology, or zoology, a minor in geospatial analysis could be a perfect fit