It is a science, an art, an avocation, and a business. Horticultural and other high value specialty crops are the largest component of Oregon's agricultural industry. Landscape horticulture is a rapidly expanding service industry in the urban areas of the Pacific Northwest and throughout the nation. Excellent and varied career opportunities exist for college graduates in both crop and landscape horticulture. The undergraduate program provides students with a solid background in the fundamental life and physical sciences, as well as an understanding of the technologies and management systems used in the horticultural industry.
Field trips are an important component of many of the courses.
The horticultural science option prepares students for careers dealing directly or indirectly with the production, breeding, post-harvest handling, marketing, and scientific study of horticultural crops. The turf and landscape management option prepares students for careers involving the design, construction, and maintenance of turf and landscape plantings. Both options allow the student considerable flexibility to pursue a minor or to tailor course work to meet individual goals. Qualified students interested in the business aspects of horticulture are encouraged to pursue a minor in business. All undergraduates are required to complete either an approved internship or an undergraduate thesis.