About this program
Every great meal, thriving landscape, and sustainable ecosystem starts with plants and the people who understand them. At Ohio State’s Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS), you’ll explore how plants power our planet, from feeding communities to cleaning air and beautifying cities.
Here, learning happens in greenhouses, gardens and research fields — not just classrooms. You’ll experiment with turfgrass, ornamentals, fruits and vegetables, and row crops while studying plant genetics, soil health, and sustainable production. Whether you’re drawn to science, design or entrepreneurship, HCS lets you grow your curiosity into a career that sustains life.
Our faculty and advisors are here to help you find your path, connect you with internships and research, and ensure you graduate ready to make an impact in Ohio and around the world.
What can I do with this degree?
HCS prepares students for careers that connect plants, people and the planet. Graduates work in:
- Sustainable and precision crop production
- Greenhouse and nursery management
- Turfgrass and sports field management
- Landscape design and urban greening
- Plant breeding, genetics and research
Students can tailor their studies through multiple majors and specializations, including:
Horticulture and Crop Science - dive deep into specializations like Agroecology, Agronomy, Controlled Environment Agriculture, Plant Biosciences and Turfgrass Science.
Professional Golf Management - turn your passion into a profession as you train to become a PGA member and a leader in the golf industry.
With opportunities for internships, undergraduate research and study abroad, you’ll build the skills and network that lead directly to rewarding careers in agriculture, science and business.
Why choose Horticulture and Crop Science?
At HCS, you’ll join a community of students and faculty who share a love for plants and the environment. Together, we grow ideas into innovation — from rooftop gardens and regenerative farming to plant genetics and sustainable turf systems.
If you’re ready to get your hands dirty, think creatively and make a visible difference in the world around you, the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science is where your future begins to take root.
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Growing a legacy
