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From the food on our plates to the homes we live in to the fuel in our vehicles, plants influence all aspects of our daily lives. As an ever-growing human population continues to increase the demand for crops and other plant products, so too does the demand increase for individuals skilled in improving the production of high quality plants, protecting the natural resources plants needed, and developing new uses for plants.

Jesse Hall is MU's administration building and Jesse Auditorium has seen thousands of actors, musicians, lecturers and others perform on its stage.

If you're interested in solving these challenges, either from the field or the laboratory, a career in plant sciences is right for you.

The division offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science. Students receive a broad education in the basic and applied sciences as they relate to the biotechnology, breeding, production, protection and marketing of plants for agricultural, ornamental and home use. This broad education is then joined with a specific emphasis area designed to empower the students to be competitive in their chosen career.

The Division and MU

The division is part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri, known as MU. MU is one of only 34 elite public universities to be selected for membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU). AAU members are the nation's most prestigious research institutions.

The Community

Columbia is consistently ranked in the top "Best Places to Live in the Nation" by Money Magazine in its annual survey of the 300 largest metropolitan areas. With a population of 85,000 full-time residents, Columbia offers big city amenities while preserving small town comforts. There are shops, restaurants, galleries, comedy clubs, concert halls, dance clubs, theatres and cafes waiting to be explored, and many are within walking distance of the MU campus.

The MKT is Columbia's premiere trail. This 10-foot wide trail built on the old rail bed of the MKT railroad begins in downtown Columbia in Flat Branch Park at 4th and Cherry Streets.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Columbia offers a number of parks and trails for walking, jogging and biking. The MKT Nature and Fitness Trail is a 4.7 mile urban trail through the city's greenbelt. The trail connects to the KATY Trail State Park. Stretching 185 miles across the state, the trail is the largest rails-to-trails conversion in the nation. Additional outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the Mark Twain National Forest, about 20 miles east of Columbia, and throughout the Ozark Mountain region to the south. The Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri's premier recreation area, is only about an hour's drive away.

Columbia is conveniently located two hours from both St. Louis and Kansas City. Both cities have international airports and shuttle service, which makes Columbia an easy destination.