Horticulture

Horticulture is an art as old as the "ancient garden" and a science as new as today's "genetic engineering." It involves intensive cropping technology, including the development, production, distribution and utilization of vegetables, fruits, woody landscape and greenhouse plants. Horticulture is an industry, profession, business, vocation and avocation. It is of universal value and application to the populace, whether rural, suburban or urban. Horticulture enriches our lives with nutritious, delectable foods and the beauty and utility of creative plantscapes.

The program

The Department of Plant Sciences offers a four-year curriculum in horticulture leading to the B.S. degree. There are five horticulture options: horticulture biotechnology, horticulture science, landscape design, production-business and urban forestry and parks.

Career Opportunities

Production -- Producers of horticultural food crops for fresh consumption or processing; nursery and greenhouse production of food and ornamental crops; field positions for processing, marketing and seed companies; and plant propagation/tissue culture specialists.

Marketing -- Positions in the retail/wholesale distribution of horticultural products and buying, selling and distribution of supplies and products used by the horticultural industries.

Industry -- Management and sales positions in horticulture or allied firms for fertilizers, seed, food and ornamental crops, pesticides, equipment, processing and packaging.

Inspection -- Field diagnosticians and inspectors for fresh and processed products in federal or private agencies.

Landscaping -- Planners, designers and installers of residential, commercial, public and recreational landscapes (both exterior and interior), employment with nurseries, landscape management and maintenance firms or private consultants.

Research -- Positions at public and private institutions as technicians in field and laboratory research. Areas of research include horticultural plant breeding, pesticide evaluation, crop physiology, product testing and quality control, plant propagation and biotechnology.

Arborist or Urban Park Forester -- Selection, planting and management of woody plants in urban environments.

Park Management and Maintenance -- Positions in national, state and local park systems, botanic gardens and arboreta.

Turf Management -- Golf course superintendent, positions in grounds and sports turf management and maintenance.

Communication -- Writers/editors for television, radio, magazines and newspapers.

Teaching and Extension -- High school and technical school teachers; extension personnel who assist growers, industry and the public.

Graduate School -- Graduates with master's degrees find positions in research, extension service and private industry. Teaching positions are available at community colleges, technical schools and other agriculture-related institutions. They are also in demand for technical, supervisory and managerial positions in various horticultural industries. Graduates with doctoral degrees are qualified for teaching, research and extension positions at universities. They also may be employed for research positions by the USDA, government agencies, public and private botanical gardens and institutions, and various horticulture, breeding and biotechnology companies.

Scholarships

The Department of Plant Sciences awards 12 endowed horticultural scholarships each year. The Horticulture and Forestry Club also awards one scholarship. Contact the department for more information.

Co-Curricular Activities

An active Horticulture and Forestry Club meets monthly. Collegiate contests and exhibits provide educational and leadership opportunities. Field trips are made annually, exposing students to a diversity of horticultural enterprises and potential job opportunities. Club members propagate, grow and sell flowers and ornamental plants to finance social events, field trips and scholarships.

High School Preparation

Students should take high school courses in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and vocational agriculture. English, communication and familiarity with computers also are essential.

Facilities

Loftsgard Hall, a state of the art facility, houses the Department of Plant Sciences, including classrooms, research labs and student learning centers. Other facilities include campus greenhouses, the Horticulture Research Farm and Arboretum near Absaraka and NDSU Research/Extension Centers located throughout the state.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Dr. A. A. Schneiter, Chair
Department of Plant Sciences

North Dakota State University
Loftsgard Hall 166
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7971
Fax: (701) 231-8474
E-mail:Louise.Heinz@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/plantsci/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(11/08)