Academic Learning Compact - Horticultural Science

The horticultural science major prepares you for a career in plant science, including management, production, research, marketing and sales. You will gain knowledge ranging from commodity production and cropping systems to basic plant science and molecular biology. You will develop skills to describe how plant physiology and genetics relate to plant growth and development as well as developing knowledge of plant diseases and other factors that affect horticultural crops.

Additional information is available from your major's website.

Before Graduating You Must

• Pass the horticultural sciences competency test, given in three parts. One part will be given in each of the following required courses:
  • HOS 3020 Principles of Horticultural Crop Production
  • HOS 4304 Horticultural Physiology
  • HOS 4341 Advanced Horticultural Physiology
• Achieve a minimum grade of C in AEC 3030C and AEC 3033C. These courses are graded using rubrics developed by a faculty team.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Skills You Will Acquire in the Major (SLOs)

1. Illustrate and describe basic plant physiology and plant genetics.
2. Describe techniques, systems, soils and nutrition required for successful production of fruits and vegetables.
3. Identify plant diseases, insect damage and weed species that can threaten the livelihood of horticultural crops.
4. Describe how plant physiology and plant genetics relate to plant growth and development, and integrate structure and function of the whole plant.
5. Create, interpret and analyze written text, oral messages and multimedia presentations used in agricultural and life sciences.