William Vance Baird, Chairperson
The Department of Horticulture at Michigan State was established in 1883 as the first horticulture department in a college or university in the United States – and we remain a leader in the field and the industry to this day. Horticulture is a complex and diversified, yet fully integrated discipline encompassing the biological, molecular and physical sciences, as well as business management, marketing and the arts. Horticulturists work to improve the sustainable production of nutritious, and safe food, advance the development and use of new specialty food and ornamental crops, enhance human health and well-being, and positively impact the natural and built environments. As such, horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, and landscape ornamentals) and their utilization establish the important connection between applied and fundamental plant scientists, growers, consumers, society and the environment.
For students seeking a bachelor's degree, we offer three concentrations: Horticultural Science; Sustainable and Organic Horticulture; and Landscape Design, Construction and Management. This degree offers engagement in the full spectrum of professional horticulture across many disciplines and specialty crops. Additionally, multiple short-term certificate programs are offered both on-campus, as well as around the state in partnership with community colleges, and provide a fast track for students wanting to enter the workforce of the landscape, nursery, greenhouse, fruit, vegetable, and organic horticulture industries. Our programs require a professional internship experience with an industry or academic employer, typically during the summer months. Our curriculum integrates theoretical, practical and hands-on experiences to help students develop problem-solving skills in science, technology, production, design and management.
Students are involved in professional and social activities beyond the classroom and design studio: gaining experience in research laboratories; assisting in field-based projects; managing the Student Horticulture Association spring show and plant sale; and training to participate in academic and field events associated with the National Collegiate Landscape Competition held annually at peer institutions around the U.S.
Our facilities include classroom and laboratories housed in the Plant and Soil Sciences Building, the nationally recognized Horticultural Demonstration Gardens, 4-H Children’s Gardens, the Clarence E. Lewis Arboretum, and the Horticulture Teaching and Research Center (HTRC). The MSU Student Organic Farm is located at the HTRC where students gain practical, non-credit experiences and help produce food for a Community Supported Agriculture program as well as MSU’s residential housing service.
Undergraduate Program
Horticulture
Horticultural foods and food products, flowers and landscapes sustain and enrich our lives. Horticulture is the science and art concerned with the breeding, culture, production, marketing, and utilization of high–value intensively cultivated plants. Horticultural crops are diverse, including annual and perennial species, food, medicinal and ornamental crops, and plants grown outdoors and in controlled environments. The primary horticulture discipline areas include pomology (fruits), olericulture (vegetables), floriculture (ornamentals) and landscape horticulture.
Graduates with a major in horticulture enter a broad range of challenging and rewarding professional careers in production, management, marketing, education, consulting and service industries, including research in basic and applied plant science. In addition, graduates frequently become entrepreneurs or obtain employment in horticultural business enterprises (e.g., commercial production operations, landscape design/build and maintenance companies, nurseries, retail flower shops, or fruit and vegetable markets). Graduates may also pursue careers in nontraditional areas that require a knowledge of horticulture such as secondary education, the publication industry, or international development.
The study of horticulture at MSU is highly integrative, combining scientific and technical knowledge, and problem–solving skills for application in various professions related to horticulture. Students in horticulture combine diverse fundamental disciplines in physical science (chemistry), biological sciences (botany, genetics, physiology, entomology, and plant pathology), environmental science (soil science), with horticultural crop production, and business acumen (economics, management, and marketing). Communication and computer skills are also cultivated within the horticulture curriculum. Students complete one of three concentrations: Horticultural Science, Sustainable and Organic Horticulture, or Landscape Design, Construction, and Management. In all concentrations, students obtain hands–on experiences through exercises in the greenhouses, research laboratories, the horticulture gardens, or at the farms. Field trips expose students to successful horticultural businesses, industries, and support services within Michigan. Students gain professional work experience through internships, independent study, and part–time employment in research and extension programs within the Department of Horticulture.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture
- The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture.
The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Horticulture major is met by completing Horticulture 404. That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
Students who are enrolled in the Horticulture major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Horticulture may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses: Plant Biology 105 and 106 and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161. The completion of Plant Biology 106 and Chemistry 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement. Plant Biology 105 and 106 and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 3. below.
The completion of Mathematics 116 or its equivalent in fulfillment of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement which also may satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
- The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.
Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
- The following requirements for the major:
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a. |
All of the following courses: (39 credits) |
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CEM |
141 |
General Chemistry |
4 |
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CEM |
143 |
Survey of Organic Chemistry |
4 |
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CEM |
161 |
Chemistry Laboratory I |
1 |
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CSS |
210 |
Fundamentals of Soil Science |
3 |
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CSS |
350 |
Introduction to Plant Genetics |
3 |
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HRT |
203 |
Introduction to Horticulture |
3 |
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HRT |
204 |
Plant Propagation and Use |
3 |
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HRT |
207 |
Horticulture Career Development |
1 |
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HRT |
361 |
Applied Plant Physiology |
3 |
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HRT |
404 |
Horticulture Management (W) |
3 |
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HRT |
493 |
Professional Internship in Horticulture |
3 |
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HRT |
494 |
Horticulture Career Development II |
1 |
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PLB |
105 |
Plant Biology |
3 |
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PLB |
106 |
Plant Biology Laboratory |
1 |
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STT |
200 |
Statistical Methods |
3 |
b. |
One of the following concentrations (29 to 34 credits): |
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Horticultural Science (29 credits): |
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(1) |
Both of the following courses (8 credits): |
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ENT |
404 |
Fundamentals of Entomology |
4 |
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PLP |
405 |
Plant Pathology |
4 |
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(2) |
Complete 12 credits from the following: |
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CSS |
226L |
Weed Science Laboratory |
1 |
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CSS |
326 |
Weed Science |
2 |
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HRT |
211 |
Landscape Plants I |
3 |
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HRT |
212 |
Landscape Plants II |
3 |
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HRT |
218 |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture |
2 |
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HRT |
218L |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture Laboratory |
1 |
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HRT |
242 |
Passive Solar Greenhouses for Protected Cultivation |
1 |
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HRT |
243 |
Organic Transplant Production |
1 |
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HRT |
253 |
Compost Production and Use |
1 |
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HRT |
310 |
Nursery Management |
3 |
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HRT |
323 |
Floriculture Production: Herbaceous Perennials and Annuals |
3 |
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HRT |
332 |
Tree Fruit Production and Management |
3 |
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HRT |
336 |
Viticulture and Berry Production |
2 |
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HRT |
341 |
Vegetable Production and Management |
3 |
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HRT |
351 |
Hydroponic Food Production |
2 |
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HRT |
351L |
Hydroponic Food Production Lab |
2 |
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HRT |
475 |
International Studies in Horticulture |
3 |
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(3) |
Three of the following courses (9 credits): |
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CSS |
441 |
Biotechnology and Plant Breeding |
3 |
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CSS |
451 |
Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics |
3 |
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HRT |
401 |
Advanced Horticultural Crop Physiology |
3 |
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HRT |
403 |
Handling and Storage of Horticultural Crops |
3 |
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HRT |
407 |
Horticulture Marketing |
3 |
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HRT |
486 |
Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical Issues |
3 |
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Sustainable and Organic Horticulture (32 credits): |
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(1) |
All of the following courses (14 credits): |
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CSS |
360 |
Soil Biology |
3 |
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ENT |
479 |
Organic Pest Management (W) |
3 |
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HRT |
251 |
Organic Farming Principles and Practices |
3 |
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HRT |
253 |
Compost Production and Use |
1 |
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PLP |
405 |
Plant Pathology |
4 |
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(2) |
Complete 9 credits from the following: |
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CSS |
226L |
Weed Science Laboratory |
1 |
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CSS |
326 |
Weed Science |
2 |
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HRT |
218 |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture |
2 |
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HRT |
218L |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture Laboratory |
1 |
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HRT |
242 |
Passive Solar Greenhouses for Protected Cultivation |
1 |
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HRT |
243 |
Organic Transplant Production |
1 |
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HRT |
332 |
Tree Fruit Production and Management |
3 |
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HRT |
336 |
Viticulture and Berry Production |
2 |
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HRT |
341 |
Vegetable Production and Management |
3 |
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HRT |
351 |
Hydroponic Food Production |
2 |
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HRT |
351L |
Hydroponic Food Production Lab |
2 |
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HRT |
475 |
International Studies in Horticulture |
3 |
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HRT |
490 |
Independent Study |
1 or 2 |
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(3) |
Three of the following courses (9 credits): |
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CSUS |
343 |
Community Food and Agricultural Systems |
3 |
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HRT |
401 |
Advanced Horticultural Crop Physiology |
3 |
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HRT |
403 |
Handling and Storage of Horticultural Crops |
3 |
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HRT |
407 |
Horticulture Marketing |
3 |
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HRT |
486 |
Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical Issues |
3 |
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Horticulture Landscape Design, Construction, and Management (34 credits): |
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(1) |
All of the following courses (25 credits): |
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CSS |
202 |
World of Turf |
2 |
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HRT |
211 |
Landscape Plants I |
3 |
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HRT |
212 |
Landscape Plants II |
3 |
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HRT |
213 |
Landscape Maintenance |
2 |
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HRT |
213L |
Landscape Maintenance Field Laboratory |
1 |
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HRT |
218 |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture |
2 |
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HRT |
218L |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture Laboratory |
1 |
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HRT |
311 |
Landscape Design and Management Specifications |
4 |
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HRT |
411 |
Landscape Contract Management |
3 |
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PLP |
407 |
Diseases and Insects of Forest and Shade Trees |
4 |
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(2) |
Complete 9 credits from the following: |
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CSS |
226L |
Weed Science Laboratory |
1 |
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CSS |
326 |
Weed Science |
2 |
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LA |
140 |
Graphics and Two-Dimensional Design Studio |
4 |
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HRT |
214 |
Landscape and Turfgrass Business Operations |
2 |
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HRT |
310 |
Nursery Management |
3 |
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HRT |
323 |
Floriculture Production: Herbaceous Perennials and Annuals |
3 |
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HRT |
401 |
Advanced Horticultural Crop Physiology |
3 |
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HRT |
407 |
Horticulture Marketing |
3 |
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HRT |
460 |
Green Roofs and Walls |
2 |
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HRT |
475 |
International Studies in Horticulture |
3 |
Minor in Horticulture
The Minor in Horticulture, which is administered by the Department of Horticulture, is designed to provide an opportunity for students to gain a fundamental understanding of the science of horticulture and tailor their studies to food production, greenhouse and nursery crops, landscape design and management, or plant breeding and genetics.
The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in Horticulture.
Requirements for the Minor in Horticulture
Complete 18 credits from the following:
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1. |
Both of the following courses (6 credits): |
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HRT |
203 |
Introduction to Horticulture |
3 |
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HRT |
204 |
Plant Propagation and Use |
3 |
2. |
Complete 12 credits from the following: |
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HRT |
205 |
Plant Mineral Nutrition |
1 |
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HRT |
211 |
Landscape Plants I |
3 |
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HRT |
212 |
Landscape Plants II |
3 |
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HRT |
213 |
Landscape Maintenance |
2 |
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HRT |
213L |
Landscape Maintenance Field Laboratory |
1 |
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HRT |
218 |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture |
2 |
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HRT |
218L |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture Laboratory |
1 |
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HRT |
219 |
Landscape Computer Aided Design |
2 |
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HRT |
221 |
Greenhouse Structures and Management |
3 |
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HRT |
242 |
Passive Solar Greenhouses for Protected Cultivation |
1 |
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HRT |
243 |
Organic Transplant Production |
1 |
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HRT |
251 |
Organic Farming Principles and Practices |
3 |
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HRT |
253 |
Compost Production and Use |
1 |
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HRT |
310 |
Nursery Management |
3 |
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HRT |
311 |
Landscape Design and Management Specifications |
4 |
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HRT |
323 |
Floriculture Production: Herbaceous Perennials and Annuals |
3 |
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HRT |
332 |
Tree Fruit Production and Management |
2 |
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HRT |
336 |
Viticulture and Berry Production |
2 |
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HRT |
341 |
Vegetable Production and Management |
3 |
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HRT |
361 |
Applied Plant Physiology |
3 |
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HRT |
403 |
Handling and Storage of Horticultural Crops |
3 |
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HRT |
407 |
Horticulture Marketing |
3 |
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HRT |
411 |
Landscape Contract Management |
3 |
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HRT |
460 |
Green Roofs and Walls |
2 |
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HRT |
475 |
International Studies in Horticulture |
3 |
Minor in Landscape Horticulture
The minor is designed to provide students with an understanding of the materials and processes used to design, construct and maintain landscapes.
The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University with the exception of majors in Horticulture. The minor is administered by The Department of Horticulture.
With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
Requirements for the Minor in Landscape Horticulture
Students must complete a minimum of 17 credits from the following:
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HRT |
211 |
Landscape Plants I |
3 |
HRT |
212 |
Landscape Plants II |
3 |
HRT |
213 |
Landscape Maintenance |
2 |
HRT |
218 |
Irrigation Systems for Horticulture |
2 |
HRT |
311 |
Landscape Design and Management Specifications |
4 |
HRT |
411 |
Landscape Contract Management |
3 |
Minor in Plant, Animal and Microbial Biotechnology
The Minor in Plant, Animal and Microbial Biotechnology is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in Bachelor of Science degree programs with majors in animal science, biosystems engineering, fisheries and wildlife, food science, forestry, horticulture, and plant, soil and microbial sciences. The minor is administered by the Department of Horticulture.
The minor provides the opportunity for students who are enrolled in biological science–related undergraduate programs to become familiar with the concepts, techniques, and issues related to modern biotechnology. The minor is designed for students who may be planning to pursue graduate study in biotechnology–related disciplines or who may be interested in careers with corporations or agencies for which a basic familiarity with biotechnology is a prerequisite.
With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree.
Requirements for the Minor in Plant, Animal and Microbial Biotechnology
The student must complete:
1. |
All of the following courses (8 credits): |
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BMB |
401 |
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Comprehensive Biochemistry |
4 |
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HRT |
461 |
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Seminar in Plant, Animal and Microbial Biotechnology |
1 |
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HRT |
486 |
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Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical Issues |
3 |
2. |
One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits): |
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ANS |
314 |
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Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals |
4 |
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CSS |
350 |
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Introduction to Plant Genetics |
3 |
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IBIO |
341 |
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Fundamental Genetics |
4 |
3. |
One of the following courses (3 credits): |
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ANS |
425 |
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Animal Biotechnology |
3 |
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BE |
360 |
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Microbial Systems Engineering |
3 |
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CSS |
451 |
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Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics |
3 |
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MMG |
445 |
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Microbial Biotechnology (W) |
3 |
4. |
One of the following courses (1 credit): |
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ANS |
490 |
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Independent Study |
1 |
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BE |
490 |
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Independent Study |
1 |
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CSS |
490 |
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Independent Study |
1 |
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HRT |
492 |
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Undergraduate Research |
1 |
Graduate Study
The Department of Horticulture offers graduate study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Horticulture. In addition, students may work with Horticulture faculty to obtain M.S. and/or Ph.D. degrees in several interdepartmental graduate programs including Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology-Horticulture, Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Molecular Plant Physiology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Faculty and students in MSU-Horticulture engage in scholarly research, teaching and outreach programs that are recognized nationally and internationally by our peer institutions and horticultural industries. Furthermore, our faculty and graduate students comprise an inclusive community of diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences from across the U.S. and around the world.
The Horticulture graduate curriculum is flexible and can be tailored specifically to individual backgrounds, educational experiences, and career goals. Students can participate in interdisciplinary studies in such diverse areas as plant breeding, genetics, genomics, molecular biology, modeling, development, biochemistry, physiology and environmental response, sustainable and organic cropping systems, integration of plants with the human environment and marketing of horticultural/specialty crops. This integrated educational and research approach fosters new discoveries in the plant sciences and technological innovations in the sustainable production of food, ornamental and landscape crops. Numerous fellowships and grant-funded assistantships are available on a career interest and competitive basis.
For more information about the MSU-Horticulture Graduate Programs, visit our Web site at
www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/students/graduate_hort/, or contact the MSU-Horticulture Graduate Programs office
www.hrt.msu.edu or faculty members directly.
Horticulture - Master of Science
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
To be considered for admission students must:
- have completed a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture or biological sciences. Applicants not trained in these fields will be considered provided they have a robust academic and/or experiential background. Previous courses in college-level physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and plant science are strongly recommended.
- have maintained a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during their last two academic years.
- submit scores if they are not native English speakers, for the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For TOEFL, a minimum average score of 80 is required, with minimal subscore of 19 for reading, listening, and speaking, and 22 for writing. For IELTS, a score of 6.5 or higher is required. There is a process for waiving the requirement of test scores for applicants whose first language is not English but meet specific criteria regarding English literacy. Please see The Graduate School guidelines to request a waiver for English language competency.
The willingness of a specific faculty member to serve as Faculty Advisor is not required for application but is required at the time of admission. Provisional admission may be made for language deficiency only.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in HorticultureThe student may elect either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan A or Plan B. At least 16 of these credits must be in courses at the 800 or 900 level, including research. Courses should include at least 1 credit hour of Horticulture Seminar (HRT 894) or another seminar course approved by the student's advisory committee, as well as at least 3 credit hours of 800-level courses in Horticulture, not including HRT 894.
Additional Requirements for Plan A
- At least 6 but not more than 10 credits of Master's Thesis Research (Horticulture 899) are required.
- Students must complete prescribed courses and conduct original research, under the supervision of the Faculty Advisor and the Advisory Committee, on a selected problem related to Horticulture. A review of the literature in the selected area of study and written research proposal should precede the experimental work. The data collected must be analyzed, interpreted, presented, submitted to, and accepted by The Graduate School according to their recommendations/format.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
- At least 3 but not more than 6 credits of Independent Study (Horticulture 890) and/or Master's Research (Horticulture 898) is required.
- Students must complete prescribed courses and conduct an independent project, under the supervision of the Faculty Advisor and the Advisory Committee, incorporating teaching, extension, outreach, and/or research related to Horticulture. The student will write a project report or create a portfolio, in lieu of an experimental research-based thesis.
The Department recommends that, at minimum, all Horticulture master's and doctoral students undertake graduate academic course work or equivalent experiential learning related to (1) Production, storage and/or marketing of horticultural crops and (2) Plant growth, development and physiology. In addition, it is recommended that students are trained in approaches and methods in computational/quantitative biology, statistics, scientific communication, and research/analytical techniques. This training can take place while in the Program or from previous education. Other courses relevant to the student's research interests may be chosen in consultation with the guidance committee.
All programs of study are subject to departmental review. A final oral and/or written examination on courses, research and/or independent work pursued during the program will be conducted at the end of the student's final semester of enrollment.
Horticulture - Doctor of Philosophy
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
To be considered for admission students must:
- have completed a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture or biological sciences. Applicants not trained in these fields will be considered provided they have a robust academic and/or experiential background. Previous courses in college-level physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and plant science are strongly recommended.
- have maintained a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during their last two academic years.
- submit scores if they are not native English speakers, for the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For TOEFL, a minimum average score of 80 is required, with minimal subscore of 19 for reading, listening, and speaking, and 22 for writing. For IELTS, a score of 6.5 or higher is required. There is a process for waiving the requirement of test scores for applicants whose first language is not English but meet specific criteria regarding English literacy. Please see The Graduate School guidelines to request a waiver for English language competency.
The willingness of a specific faculty member to serve as Faculty Advisor is not required for application but is required at the time of admission. Provisional admission may be made for language deficiency only.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Horticulture
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Horticulture requires at least 30 credit hours in courses not taken to earn a master’s degree at MSU. At least 16 of these credits must be in courses at the 800 or 900 level, including research (HRT 999). Courses should include at least 3 credit hours of Horticulture Seminar (HRT 894) or another seminar course approved by the student's advisory committee, as well as at least 3 credit hours of 800-level courses in Horticulture with a total of 9 credit hours of 800-level courses in Horticulture recommended, not including HRT 894.
- A minimum of 24 and a maximum of 36 credits hours in Doctoral Dissertation Research (Horticulture 999) is required. All students using University services must be registered each semester for a minimum of 1 credit hour of HRT 999.
- One year of attendance on campus after the first enrollment for doctoral degree credit is required. A year of residence/attendance consists of two semesters, involving completion of at least 3 credits of graduate work each term.
- Graduate students in the Ph.D. program must complete prescribed courses and conduct original research, under the supervision of the Faculty Advisor and the Advisory Committee, on a selected problem related to Horticulture. A review of the literature in the selected area of study and written research proposal should precede the experimental work. The data collected must be analyzed, interpreted, presented, submitted to, and accepted by The Graduate School according to their recommendations/format.
The Department recommends that, at minimum, all Horticulture master's and doctoral students undertake graduate academic course work or equivalent experiential learning related to (1) Production, storage and/or marketing of horticultural crops and (2) Plant growth, development and physiology. In addition, it is recommended that students are trained in approaches and methods in computational/quantitative biology, statistics, scientific communication, and research/analytical techniques. This training can take place while in the Program or from previous education. Other courses relevant to the student's research interests may be chosen in consultation with the guidance committee. An oral qualifying examination may be conducted by the guidance committee shortly after the student begins advanced graduate study to determine his or her qualifications and to provide a basis for developing the program of study. A final oral and/or written examination on courses, research and/or independent work pursued during the program will be conducted at the end of the student's final semester of enrollment.
Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology - Horticulture
The Department of Horticulture offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology–horticulture. Students meet the requirements for admission and the requirements both for Horticulture, as specified above, and for Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology, as specified in the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Programs in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology.