Department of Horticulture

The Department of Horticulture offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Integrated Plant Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Food Systems, Master of Science in Horticulture, Master of Science in Agriculture, Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture, and Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Plant Sciences. A minor in Horticulture is also available.

INTEGRATED PLANT SCIENCES AND AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SYSTEMS

The science of plant life from molecule to market is the focus of the Integrated Plant Sciences (IPS) Degree program. Delivered collaboratively by departments within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, the IPS degree provides students with an exciting depth and breadth of knowledge that crosses a variety of plant science disciplines, including crop and soil sciences, horticulture, entomology, and plant pathology. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Plant Sciences may choose among five majors highly sought by employers in the state, nationally, and internationally: Agricultural Biotechnology; Field Crop Management; Fruit and Vegetable Management; Landscape, Nursery, and Greenhouse Management; or Turfgrass Management. More information regarding IPS is available under the Integrated Plant Sciences catalog section and at http://ips.wsu.edu.

The department is also involved with the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences interdisciplinary Agricultural and Food Systems Degree Program. The Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS) program is an exciting, college-wide, interdisciplinary program that offers a Bachelor of Science degree with five majors and a Master of Science degree. Majors available through AFS include Agricultural Technology and Production Management, Agricultural Education, Organic and Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural and Food Business Economics, and Agriculture and Food Security. More information regarding AFS is available under the Agricultural and Food Systems catalog section and at http://afs.wsu.edu.

Students are encouraged to participate as part-time employees in research programs and seek professional internships for applied learning experiences. Departmental and college scholarships are available based on ability, need, and interest. Students gain professional and social contacts with the faculty and other students through student club activities, including Horticulture Club.

Agricultural Biotechnology

The Agricultural Biotechnology major is designed for students interested in careers such as laboratory or research technicians in plant biotechnology, breeding, genetics, entomology, plant pathology, molecular biology, or physiology, as well as for students preparing for advanced degrees in these areas. The program emphasizes the development and application of new technology to ensure a safe and abundant food and fiber supply. Students may find employment in industry, government, or university labs.

Fruit and Vegetable Management

The Fruit and Vegetable Management major offers specialization in the science and practice of growing, harvesting, handling, storing, and processing, tree fruits, small fruits, and vegetables. Graduates can look forward to careers as growers and farm managers, fieldman, production field advisors, sales representatives in the horticultural services industry, managers of produce firms, and brokers and marketers of fruit and vegetable products.

Landscape, Nursery, and Greenhouse Management

The Landscape, Nursery, and Greenhouse Management major is a horticulture-based program that prepares students for opportunities in plant propagation, the production and marketing of potted crops, bedding plants, trees, shrubs, and cut flowers, and in landscape plant management. This is an exciting major for students interested in owning or managing a nursery or greenhouse, attending graduate school in horticulture, working for university extension offices and research greenhouses, maintaining landscapes and parks, or working as wholesale horticultural-product brokers.

Undergraduate Transfer Students

Students planning to transfer to Washington State University should take courses which meet the University Common Requirements (UCORE), and that meet the core requirements for Integrated Plant Sciences and Agricultural and Food Systems. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor within the Department of Horticulture for further guidance.

Preparation for Graduate Study

Preparation for graduate study requires the selection of courses that will benefit later work toward a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Normally, preparation for an advanced degree in horticulture includes course work outlined under one of the majors with a strong emphasis in plant sciences, chemistry, environmental science, genetics, mathematics, and statistics.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Please see the School of Design and Construction in this catalog for information about Landscape Architecture.

VITICULTURE AND ENOLOGY

Please see the Department of Viticulture and Enology in this catalog for information about Viticulture and Enology.