(No longer accepting new students into this program)  

Approximately one-third of the world's food crops are destroyed each year by insects, rodents, disease and other pest organisms.  Finding ways to reduce these losses is the challenge of the plant protection specialist.  Plant protection science is a multi-faceted discipline requiring knowledge of pest and beneficial organism's biology.  Plant protection also demands an understanding of crop production principles, ecology, biotechnology, pesticide toxicology and environmental science.  Plant protection specialists work with crop producers, the ornamental and turf industry, forestry, and livestock producers to reduce pest problems.

As environmental regulations increase, employment opportunities grow for people holding professional licenses. The Plant Protection Science major prepares students to pass all categories of the California Pest Control Advisors License exam.

Modern agricultural production systems are complex and rely increasingly on the technical expertise of specialists.  Society demands high-quality food, fiber, and ornamental plants, yet expects clean air and water and a healthy environment.  Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches are compatible with these demands.  The plant protection specialist uses broad-based technology to assist agricultural producers in finding solutions to pest and disease problems.