Specific areas include fruit production, vegetable production, irrigation practices, soil fertility, propagation, breeding, and related plant pest management courses. Horticultural scientists conduct research to discover new information about plant growth, development, and environmental response. Applied knowledge from such studies leads to new plant varieties and production methods. Undergraduates choosing the concentration in horticultural science receive a solid foundation in the basic sciences and agricultural sciences leading to technical and scientific careers in laboratory, greenhouse, or field research. Work may be in the public or private sector.
Exceptional students participate in individual research projects overseen by a qualified professor.
Horticultural science graduates often continue their education to the master's or doctoral level. An outline of the requirements for horticulture major and concentrations may be found in the University General Catalog. Checksheets listing course requirements are also available from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture office or from faculty advisers. Since the research often continues throughout the school year, students should consult with their advisers regarding enrollment and course credit. The number of yearly graduates in horticulture at Colorado State University has tended to stabilize in recent years.