Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Plant Sciences, General
Field of study · Carbondale, Illinois, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Carbondale
Intl. Tuition
US$13,334 (2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed)
Home Tuition
US$13,334 (2024-25 figure, current year not yet confirmed)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Plant Sciences, General at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Carbondale, Illinois, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Agriculture and rural science graduates work in farm management, agri-tech, food production, environmental consultancy and agricultural policy, with growing demand in precision farming, sustainable food systems and rural development.
Student life (indicative)
Carbondale offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
8,494
Staff Ratio
11.0:1
International
1.7%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
59%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Rural
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Plant Sciences, General
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Plant Sciences, General topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Plant Sciences, General
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
8,494
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
11:1
Students per staff
International Students
2%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Rural
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Carbondale offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
- Carbondale offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene.
- A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
What Students Love
- Thriving student social scene
- Parks & green spaces
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
59%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Agriculture and rural science graduates work in farm management, agri-tech, food production, environmental consultancy and agricultural policy, with growing demand in precision farming, sustainable food systems and rural development.
- Agriculture and rural science graduates work in farm management, agri-tech, food production, environmental consultancy and agricultural policy, with growing demand in precision farming, sustainable food systems and rural development.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
A budget-friendly US university setting — a $1,385/month budget (housing $760, food $350, transport $75) covers everything comfortably. An affordable college-town setting — good value and a comfortable student lifestyle.
- A budget-friendly US university setting — a $1,385/month budget (housing $760, food $350, transport $75) covers everything comfortably.
- An affordable college-town setting — good value and a comfortable student lifestyle.