K-State offers a four-year curriculum in horticulture. The Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources also participates in an interdepartmental program in food science and industry.
Horticulture is the science and art of growing plants for environmental improvement, aesthetic value, intensive food production, or social-therapeutic effects. The horticulture program is designed for those seeking to move into the production or service sectors of horticulture or pursue careers in science. Students completing this program also meet requirements for entrance into graduate programs across the United States and can meet the education requirements for certification by the American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops, and Soils.
All students are required to take a core of general courses in addition to the agricultural, horticultural, and business courses. Students in the horticulture program will be expected to choose a specialization in production, golf course and sports turf operations, horticulture science, and landscape horticulture. The horticulture science specialization provides a stronger foundation in basic sciences for graduate studies. Students interested in pursuing careers in industry research or extension can also follow this specialization. After the sophomore year, students are required to complete a three- or six-month internship at an approved site.
Career opportunities for students graduating with a degree in horticulture exist in various arenas, including production, landscape and management, floral design, botanic gardens, arboreta, garden center operation, athletic grounds management, and golf course operations.
Opportunities exist with the various support industries in the area of sales of fertilizers, chemicals, plant material, seeds, containers, and various other supplies; product development; breeding and seed production companies; and trade magazines. Horticulture majors obtaining a minor in plant pathology or entomology will also find opportunities in horticultural pest diagnosis and consulting. Students considering a career in extension should consider pursuing a Master of Science degree.
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