The Plant Systems Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway encourages students to study the production of plants while developing an understanding of one of the largest employment sectors. Areas of study include soils, hydroponics, plant anatomy and physiology, taxonomy, growing environments, sexual reproduction, asexual reproduction, insects and diseases, and production & marketing. The major focus of the pathway is to expose students to the world of agriculture, plant science, and career options.

Students enrolled in this pathway will have the opportunity to participate in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). The CTSO for this pathway is FFA.

Units of Study

Required: 

• Foundations of Plant Science - 1
• Plant and Soil Systems - 2
• Plant Systems Management and Sustainability - 3

Additional Course Offerings:

• Greenhouse and Horticulture Science - 4
• Agriscience Summer SAE Work Experience
  • 1/3 Credit (Grades 9-11)
• Early Career Experience

College Articulation Agreements:

Students who successfully complete the Plant Science pathway will receive articulated credit and be granted advanced standing at Delaware State University for the following course:

• DSU AGRI 219 General Horticulture (3 credits)

Students who successfully complete the Plant Science pathway will receive articulated credit and be granted advanced standing at Delaware Technical Community College for the following course:

• DTCC AGS 105 Principles of Plant Growth (3 credits)

Potential Careers:

• Agronomist
• Botanist
• Turfgrass Management
• Landscape Architecture, Design, Construction, and Service
• Forestry Management
• Small Grain Management
• Plant Geneticist
• Agriscience/Plant Research
• Agribusiness and Financial Management
• Fruit and Vegetable Production/Broker
• Agricultural Sales and Service