Specific courses include fruit and vegetable production, irrigation practices, soil fertility, propagation, breeding, and related plant pest management courses. Students must choose either the Production or Seed Science option. Horticultural Science graduates conduct research to discover new information about plant growth, development, and environmental response. This research can lead to new plant varieties and production methods. The curriculum consists of a solid foundation in the basic natural and agricultural sciences and prepares students for technical and scientific careers in laboratory, greenhouse, or field research.
Exceptional students participate in individual research projects coordinated by professors.
Graduates in this area often continue their education. A major challenge facing the horticulture industry today is keeping up with the demand for its services. There is a growing need for well-educated professional horticulturists. The industry will be looking for professionals who can manage greenhouses, nurseries, and floral outlets, buy and sell supplies and equipment, or edit journals and newsletters. Meeting the nutritional needs of the world population is an important challenge.