Master of Science in Horticulture

Horticulture is the science and art concerned with the culture, production, marketing, and utilization of high–value intensively cultivated plants. Horticultural crops are diverse, including annual and perennial species, food and ornamental plants, and plants grown outdoors and in controlled environments. Horticultural foods and food products, flowers, and landscapes sustain and enrich our lives. The primary horticulture discipline areas include floriculture, landscape horticulture, oleri-culture (vegetables), and pomology (fruits). Graduates with a major in horticulture may enter a broad range of challenging and rewarding professional careers in production, management, marketing, education, consulting and service industries, or research. In addition, graduates frequently become entrepreneurs or obtain employment in horticultural business enterprises (e.g., commercial production operations, landscape design/build and maintenance companies, nurseries, retail flower shops, or fruit and vegetable markets). Graduates may also pursue careers in nontraditional areas that require knowledge of horticulture such as secondary education, the publication industry, or international development. The student may elect either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan A or Plan B. The program of study for the Master of Science degree will include courses from departments other than the Department of Horticulture, but it should include at least 3 credits in the 800 series in horticulture in addition to research. For Plan A, at least 6 but not more than 10 credits of master's thesis research (Horticulture 899) is required. For Plan B, at least 2 but not more than 5 credits of research (Horticulture 898) is required. All programs of study are subject to departmental review.