Mushroom Science and Technology (Academics)

Learn in our Mushroom Research Center.

The Mushroom Science and Technology minor digs deep into the cultivation, health, and production of commercial varieties of mushrooms. Students work and study at the University’s state-of-the-art Mushroom Research Center.

Career paths: lead in the billion-dollar mushroom industry.

Mushrooms are, quite literally, a growth industry. With America’s increasing fascination with high-quality food, mushroom demand has exploded, and Pennsylvania has taken the lead. A Mushroom Science and Technology minor can help you obtain a job where you contribute to the daily production, quality control, and food safety of mushrooms.

A Mushroom Science and Technology minor is a great option if you:

are looking for a rewarding career in one of Pennsylvania’s leading agricultural industries
love growing mushrooms and recognize their benefits to the ecosystem
are a locavore who enjoys learning about the crops growing in your community

Courses

For details on program requirements, suggested academic plan, and more, see the University Bulletin.

Required courses

Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity
Biology of Fungi
Independent Studies
Microbe-Plant Interactions: Plant Disease and Biological Control

Sample additional courses

Food Microbiology
The Insect Connection
Introduction to Agricultural Business Management
Introduction to Entomology
Introductory Microbiology
Introductory Microbiology Laboratory
Laboratory in Food Microbiology
Supervisory Management

Get started.

Students may apply in LionPATH for admission to the Mushroom Science and Technology minor. Select the Undergraduate Students tab; in Quick Links select Log in to LionPATH Student Center; then select Update Academics. For more information, contact the minor adviser, Dr. John A. Pecchia.