Plant Sciences Major

Plant Science Major and recent alumni profiles

Hannah Fuller '19

Fuller’s love of plants blossomed into an engagement with sustainable food systems.

Plant Science Major and recent alumni profiles

Allison Coomber ‘18

Coomber found a pre-built, collaborative community of plant enthusiasts at Cornell.

Plant Science Major and recent alumni profiles

Emily Follett ’18

Follett gained competence and confidence in sustainable apple production.

Plant Science Major and recent alumni profiles

Jeffrey Yen ’18

Yen developed research skills to create new plants.

Plant sciences alum Hannah Fuller sits on bench outside Plant Science Building
Allison Cooomber in the Palm House of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Conservatory
Plant Science alum Emily Follett in the Liberty Hyde Bailey Conservatory
Plant Science Alum Jeffrey Yen in the Liberty Hyde Bailey Conservatory

Related majors

Students examining roots of potted vetch plants in lab

Agricultural Sciences

Develop leadership skills and get practical, hands-on experience while exploring of agricultural systems and related environmental and socio-economic issues. Concentrations include: Animal Science, Business, Crop Production and Management, Education and Communication, and Sustainable Agriculture. Learn more about the Agricultural Sciences Major.

Viticulture and Enology

 Learn to grow grapes and make wine in the heart of New York’s wine region.  Majors don't just hear about science. They practice it every day. Graduates leave Cornell with the ability to enter the wine industry, apply their scientific knowledge to another industry or career path, or enter graduate school in a number of science fields. Learn more about the Viticulture and Enology Major

Biology with a Plant Biology Concentration

Majors gain a greater understanding of the structure, classification, ecology, function, development, and molecular biology of plants. Whether you're interested in plant diversity, medicinal plants or plant biotechnology, we have courses that address your interests and world-class labs for doing research. Learn more about the Biology with a Plant Biology Concentration major.

International Agriculture and Rural Development (IARD)

Designed for students interested in tackling the unique and interdisciplinary issues associated with food systems and rural development in emerging nations. IARD majors have the opportunity to gain meaningful, in-situ experience by participating in projects and research all over the world. They acquire valuable insight and skills while working within rural communities to: address poverty and hunger through innovations in agriculture, increase food security, advance science and policy related to sustainable development, and contribute to the economic development of emerging economies by strengthening private strategies and informing public policies. Learn more about the International Agriculture and Rural Development (IARD) Major.

Get off on the right foot

Peer mentoring

Plant Science Peer Mentors foster a sense of community and belonging and help incoming students get off on the right foot, especially during that critical first semester at Cornell.  Our mentors are fellow Plant Sciences majors who are prepared to respond to academic questions and concerns, as well as to provide a shoulder to lean on with other issues that may arise.

Read how peer mentors helped first-year majors navigate the Fall 2020 semester: Students find silver linings to semester clouded by pandemic.

Questions about the program? Contact Leah Cook lcc2 [at] cornell.edu (lcc2[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Two students on balcony with ivy-covered Plant Science building in background

Questions? Contact us

Leah Cynara Cook
Plant Sciences Major Coordinator
Phone: (607) 255-1257
Email: lcc2 [at] cornell.edu (lcc2[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Marvin Pritts
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Phone: (607) 255-1778
Email: mpp3 [at] cornell.edu (mpp3[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Current majors:
Find more information on Canvas. (Cornell netid required.)