Horticulture and Crop Science (BS)

Horticulture and crop science is where passion for plants meets practical application. From maximizing yields in row crops to developing resilient ornamental landscapes and perfecting fruit and vegetable quality, it covers the full spectrum of plant life. You'll learn how to provide the world with plants for food, environmental improvement, pleasure and recreation.

Specializations

Agroecology focuses on understanding and applying ecological principles in crop production to integrate natural biological cycles and controls, make efficient use of resources, enhance environmental quality and increase biodiversity.

Agronomy is the application of biological, chemical and physical principles to crops and cropping systems to increase their efficiency in converting light and supplemental resources into food, feed and fiber products. You’ll learn to effectively regulate crop productivity through management decisions as you study the interrelationships among physical and biological factors. 

Controlled environment agriculture is an interdisciplinary crop production science integrating horticultural science, plant health management, applied environmental science and applied biological engineering to achieve sustainable crop production in various climate regions. You'll take classes in plant science, greenhouse management, hydroponics, fruit and vegetable production, plant health management, agricultural meteorology and introductory engineering principles.

Horticulture is the application of scientific principles to grow vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants and landscape design, as well as business principles to sell the commodities. You’ll learn basic characteristics of a wide variety of plants; including how they grow, develop, reproduce and adapt to different environments. You’ll be able to create optimal growing conditions for a plant to have higher yield and reduce potential problems such as pests and diseases.

Plant biosciences is a broad study of plant biology including plant form and function, diversity, reproduction, evolution and uses of plants.

Turfgrass science studies the grasses used to enhance our environment. Turf reduces glare, noise, air pollution, heat buildup and visual pollution. Turf provides recreational benefits to sporting events as well as creates aesthetically attractive surrounds for homes, buildings and cities. You’ll learn to manage and maintain turf as you gain knowledge in plant biology, soil and turfgrass science.