Become part of a community of committed educators, volunteers, and researchers with a shared vision for the sustainable management of the plant and insect components of the landscape.
Rhode Islanders have a unique relationship to the environment–and for our communities, ornamental plants, turf, agritourism, and conservation lands are as important as food crops. Our programs in ornamental horticulture, turfgrass management, food crop production, and control of invasive species, and insect-vectored diseases support all these aspects of the local economy. You’ll be fully prepared for a job in agricultural industries, or to conduct your own research.
The URI difference
Connected to the land
Our farms, East Farm and the Gardner Agronomy Farm are located right on campus and are closely integrated with our extension sites and research. Students conduct research, help with maintenance, and even help distribute the food produced there to the local community.
Connected with communities
Thanks to the community outreach and research activity of the department, students get hands on experience–working in the local green economy, the turfgrass industry, or working on grant-funded research–they have their pick of internships and jobs.
Faculty expertise
We offer a hands-on curriculum that integrates lectures, lab work, and service. With our a high faculty-to-student ratio, you’ll work closely with faculty mentors whose work makes a difference, both at the local and national level.
News
URI team wins $970,000 grant to map alternative urban food networks - Plant Sciences faculty member John Taylor led a team that won the award from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, part of a broad U.S.D.A. investment in urban agriculture.
Emerald ash borer biocontrol project in the Northern RI now news - When exotic beetles that have the potential to destroy all of the native ash trees were discovered in four Rhode Island counties, local conservationists reached out to experts with the University of Rhode Island Biocontrol Lab.
Tick Tactics - Thomas Mather, a nationally renowned tick expert works with his team team members to examine photos and provide an identification confirmation, a personalized risk assessment and case-appropriate prevention educational information to the public.
Our roots are showing - Our faculty, students, and alumni are rediscovering our agricultural roots, taking a new, interdisciplinary approach to practical agriculture, and leading the way for a new generation of farmers and food producers.