Getting Started

College: CNS

Formerly Sustainable Horticulture


Information below is meant to guide first year students in getting started with this major and choosing appropriate courses.  More advanced students interested in this major would also likely start with proposed foundation/pre-requisite courses.  Please refer to the Bachelor of Science page located in the left menu bar to learn about the full major requirements.

How to Explore the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

All Undergraduates are required to satisfy the General Education Requirements. Guidelines for students are available at https://www.umass.edu/gened.  Students should choose a wide variety of Gen Ed courses, providing breadth of experience.

RES-ECON 102 (SB) and NRC 100 (SI)

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

Required prerequisites, including recommended sequence:

  • ENGLWRIT 112 (CW)
  • STOCKSCH 108 (Fall semester)
  • STOCKSCH 105 (BS) (Spring semester)
  • An Ecosystems course: NRC 100, ENVIRSCI 214, or BIOLOGY 287.
  • MATH 104 (R1) Note: An R1 waiver does not satisfy this requirement.
    Students may take MATH 101 & 102 if their MPE score indicates that they are not ready for 104.
    MATH 127 (R2) or STATISTC 111 are recommended for students who have already completed 104.
  • CHEM 111 (PS) if students are exempt from or have completed MATH 104.
    For students who are interested in the business management track, CHEM 110 (PS) is suitable. (CHEM 110 has no math prerequisites.)
  • CHEM 112 (PS) for students interested in going to graduate school upon graduation (Spring semester)

Suggested Electives:
STOCKSCH 315 Greenhouse Management or STOCKSCH 200 Plant Propagation


How to Declare/Change into the Major

For current & admitted students:  This major is unrestricted, which means any student may declare the major. Unrestricted majors may still have an entry process such as meeting with an advisor or attending an informational meeting.

Students should see the Program Coordinator listed below as soon as possible.

Transfer Students

See the Program Coordinator as soon as possible to plan their program.


Summary of Requirements for the Major

Minimum total # or range of credits required: 75-83 depending upon the number of 3- and 4-credit classes taken

Refer to the Bachelor of Science page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

Is there a minor?
No! A minor is not available.

For further information, contact:
Professor Amanda Bayer, Chief Undergraduate Advisor
210 Bowditch Hall; 413-545-1059
abayer10@umass.edu