B.S. in Horticulture and Plant Sciences

Overview

The Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Sciences offers a diverse array of educational concentrations, each designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills for various professional pathways. Horticultural Science emphasizes the biology of plant growth, complemented by applied courses to cultivate well-rounded horticultural scientists. In contrast, Horticultural Management focuses on the production, management, and marketing of horticultural and floriculture crops, preparing students for leadership roles in the industry. Meanwhile, Horticultural Business integrates the science of plant propagation with essential business principles, including management, marketing, and accounting, to foster entrepreneurial expertise. Lastly, the Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology concentration merges innovative food production techniques with ecological understanding, promoting urban and small-scale farming practices that prioritize healthful food production while minimizing environmental impact. Together, these concentrations provide a comprehensive foundation for future leaders in the field of horticulture.

Jump right in

Horticulture and Plant Sciences majors choose from four different concentrations.

Horticultural Science is for students with strong interests in science and or/technology opportunities in research related fields, including graduate studies. This major is firmly grounded in the biology of plant growth, with additional applied courses to give students a well-rounded
set of skills to become professional horticultural
scientists. Graduates with this degree may pursue a career as a university professor or a research scientist for public of private organizations.

Horticultural Management is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for production, management, and marketing of horticulture and floriculture crops. Career prospects range from producing specialty herb crops for upscale restaurants, to managing landscape businesses for growing communities, to owning a floral design business. Graduates with this degree may also pursue careers in
non-governmental agencies such as botanical gardens and arboreta.

The Horticulture Business concentration is for students interested in the business end of the horticultural enterprise. It provides a string background in the science of plant growth
and propagation with a firm foundation in business management, marketing, and accounting. Whether going to work for a local company, a large horticulture firm, or starting their own small business, graduates emerge
well prepared to establish, guide, and grow a variety of horticulture wholesale, retail, and service enterprises.

The Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology program combines cutting edge methods of food production with a thorough understanding of the ecology of agricultural systems. Advanced techniques such as aquaponics, integrated pest management. Urban and suburban farming, and small-scale farming work together to produce healthy food with fewer inputs and a smaller carbon footprint. Graduates are well prepared to work on private farms and ranched, or as consultants, educators, extension professionals, or urban agriculture specialists.