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Facts
The Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences aims to understand plant and soil issues important to Hawaii and other tropical areas of the world. Classes offered by the Department focus on an understanding of the interactions among plants, soil, water and air in different setting. An appreciation of these interactions requires an integration of fundamental biological, chemical, and physical processes and activities, so as to understand and responsibly manage land, water, and crops.
The department is involved in the adaptation and application of biotechnology and production technologies to enhance and sustain food production, assure a safe food supply and development of environmentally sound production and soil restoration systems.
Program Highlights
Our students come from many backgrounds including those with little practical environmental or agricultural experience. They have in common a keen interest in applying science for the purpose of finding practical solutions to problems. The comprehensive undergraduate program gives students the opportunity to study molecules and bio-chemicals as well as species and managed and natural ecosystems. One of the best things about plant and soil sciences is the number of career opportunities for which you choose, from the laboratory to outdoor activities.
One of the exciting fields in the program is biotechnology, and the faculty in the department developed the virus resistant papaya saving the local industry. This technology in conjunction with traditional plant breeding and production related research has the potential is to increase food supply, improved food quality, assure food safety while protecting the environment and improving the quality of life. Undergraduates are encouraged to obtain practical experience, which involves research under the direction of a faculty member and work in a commercial industry via our internship program.
Degrees
BS degree in tropical Plant and Soil Sciences with options in Plant Sciences and Genetics, Plant Production and Management (Horticulture), and, Environmental Soil Sciences, MS and PhD in Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences.
Careers
Careers are open to graduates as scientists, educational specialists and teachers, managers, marketers, merchandising and sales representatives, social services specialists and agricultural production specialists.
Positions include the areas of research technician or scientist, teacher, environmental scientist, natural resource’s scientist, plant scientist, soil scientist, land reclamation specialists, botanical garden horticulturist, consultant, extension agent, landscape maintenance contractor, turf-grass manager, golf course superintendent, conservation officer, food inspector, park manager, flower and foliage producer, fruit and vegetable producer, landscape nursery operator, nursery plant producer, production nursery operator, seed producer, garden center operator, horticultural products marketer, interior landscaper, retail and wholesale florist.
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