– TAE –
Tropical Agriculture and the Environment
Shaping Our Future
The Tropical Agriculture and the Environment (TAE) major prepares students to help solve some of the most pressing issues we face in the 21st century through science-based solutions.
Food Security
Environmental Stewardship
Optimizing Resources
Self-Sufficient Hawai‘i
Discover Your Path
Degree Specializations
The Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences and Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences jointly offer a BS degree in Tropical Agriculture and the Environment (TAE). Students in this program complete a common core of courses taught by faculty in both departments and specialize in one or more of the following areas.
Plant Production and Management
Learn to cultivate and promote a variety of plants, from food to ornamental crops with the Plant Production and Management Specialization. You will acquire the skills to address horticultural challenges through emphasis on sustainable production and integrative pest and disease management. The program combines theoretical knowledge with experiential learning for a comprehensive approach to plant cultivation and management. This track prepares students for post-baccalaureate degrees in horticulture.
An academic minor in Plant Production and Management is also available for students specializing in another TAE track, or undergraduate major.
Environmental Urban Horticulture
Learn to create and sustain eco-friendly urban landscapes with our Environmental Urban Horticulture Specialization. From designing to caring for trees, shrubs, flowers, house plants, and turfgrass, you’ll gain the skills needed to enhance our living environment. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights for building landscapes that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. This track prepares students for post-baccalaureate degrees in horticulture or landscape architecture.
Plant Sciences
Learn to solve and address real-world problems through rigorous interdisciplinary training in the Plant Sciences Specialization. You will be able to apply genetics, plant physiology, molecular biology, and crop production through hands-on experience in labs and the application of plant biotechnology. This track prepares students for post-baccalaureate degrees in the plant sciences.
Pests, Pathogens, and Invasive Species
Learn to manage pests, pathogens, weeds, and invasive species through training in the Pests, Pathogens, and Invasive Species Specialization. Gain skills to solve pressing problems in the modern world using an interdisciplinary approach. This track prepares students for post-baccalaureate degrees in plant protection sciences.
Environmental Soil Sciences
Learn to sustainably manage soils for agriculture production, preservation of resources, and environmental conservation through the Environmental Soil Sciences Specialization. You will be able to understand the fundamental chemical and biological processes that govern soil formation and nutrient cycling relevant in both natural and agricultural systems. This track prepares students for post-baccalaureate degrees in the soil sciences.