Mission Statement- MSU Plant and Soil Sciences

Welcome

Welcome to the Web site of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences (PSS) at Mississippi State University (MSU).

Plant and Soil Sciences is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary department with academic programs in Agronomy, Horticulture and Weed Science. Our programs integrate teaching, research and extension missions to find answers to some of the major issues facing agriculture today. Our graduates find rewarding careers as golf course managers, in the greenhouse/nursery industry, in the retail floristry industry, in sales and marketing, in agricultural research, in extension, and with government agencies.

We would be happy to have you call or email if you have any questions about anything you see here.

Dr. Jac Varco
Interim Department Head

Our Mission

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University will provide leadership in teaching, research and extension within Mississippi as well as regionally and nationally.

Through our teaching programs, we will educate undergraduate, graduate, and other students seeking knowledge in agronomy, horticulture and weed science.
Through our research and outreach programs, we aim to help keep Mississippi’s agriculture viable and competitive in the global economy.
We have a critical role in achieving the stated goal of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station of providing science-based solutions that benefit competitiveness of Mississippi producers and agribusiness interests and that help address other important issues for citizens and visitors to the state.
We will maintain the continuum of research from fundamental science to applied science that can produce near-term positive impacts.
Plant & Soil Sciences extension programs will critically assess priorities, develop appropriate programs, implement these programs, and assess their effectiveness.

This mission requires establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships with other university units, with agricultural clientele groups, with the agribusiness community, with government agencies and with professional scientific societies.