Student Testimonials

Erin Q.’24, Natural Products Option

“The Plant Science undergraduate program allowed me to have an amazingly well rounded experience during my time at Rutgers. The professors and staff in the department make it clear that they are there to help students throughout their academic and career development, and are supportive, understanding, and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to their areas of expertise. With each new course I took, I felt as though I was being exposed to a whole new array of possibilities for my future career.

Each course was interesting and engaging, often including guest speakers or even field trips to make our experiences as students optimal for learning.

My advisors were extremely helpful in guiding me through making my schedules, choosing a minor/concentration, and making plans for after graduation.

Erin Q. '24

Natural Products Option

Through the Canvas course, I was given the opportunity to apply to many different outside scholarships which ultimately led to me being able to comfortably afford my education. The Plant Science program also brought me to the Cook/Douglass campuses, where I was able to enjoy time outside and at the greenhouses, and where I was introduced to many people whose interests and passions aligned with mine. The students in the Plant Science program even introduced me to the Alpha Zeta fraternity (the agricultural, honors, and service fraternity on Cook Campus), where I met most of my best friends at college.

Academically, the Plant Science program allowed me to explore my areas of interest through research experiences. I was able to work under a PhD student, helping her with her project and eventually completing my own honors thesis in the same lab. The research experience that I had was definitely the highlight of my Rutgers career. I learned essential skills that will be useful in graduate school and industry jobs, and was able to expose myself to the many avenues of plant biology without having the pressure to commit to one area of interest. Overall, my experience in the Plant Science undergraduate program at Rutgers was extremely positive and transforming. I feel as though the program prepared me for a career in the plant biology field, and I know that I have the support of my professors and advisors moving forward. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone considering a career in the plant and environmental sciences.”

Alyssa L.’24, General Research Option

I have truly enjoyed my time majoring in plant science.

Alyssa L.'24

General Research Option

The professors in the plant science department are friendly and each to reach. Many courses in this department were a blend of lecture and hands on component making them engaging. Some classes that were exceptional fun and informative include intro to horticulture, plant propagation, and plant tissue culture. Overall, Dr. Patel and Harna have done exceptionally well to foster a welcome and immersive environment where you can explore different areas and applications of plant science.

William K.’24, Plant Agriculture and Horticulture Option

My favorite class was Hemp Cultivation and Post-Harvest Processing, led by a team of instructors who are experts in their fields - this course directly translated into me receiving a job offer in the cannabis industry prior to graduation.

William K.'24

Plant Agriculture and Horticulture Option (formerly known as the Horticulture and/or Turf Industry Option)

"When I came back to college, I expected to receive an education, but the plant science major at Rutgers has given me infinitely more than that. Whether it be instructors, advisors, or peers within the program, there is a culture of passion for the subjects being taught, and a desire to see students reach their individual definitions of success.

I had the opportunity to experience high-volume plant production in my time working at the Rutgers Gardens greenhouses, as well as play a key role in supporting and furthering an on-campus basil breeding program.

I will forever be grateful for the experiences I have had, and the wonderful people I have met, in my time in the plant science department."