Horticulture

The Horticulture program at Kansas State University offers students a comprehensive education in the science and art of growing, managing, and marketing plants for a variety of purposes, including food production, landscape design, and environmental enhancement. This program prepares students to become industry professionals equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for success in the dynamic horticultural sector. Students have the opportunity to explore diverse areas such as crop production, nursery management, plant breeding, pest management, greenhouse technology, landscape design, and sustainable horticultural practices. The curriculum integrates coursework in plant science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, and business principles to ensure a well-rounded education. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences through laboratories, greenhouses, and internships with commercial growers, nurseries, and landscape firms, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The program also emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, preparing graduates to address contemporary challenges in horticulture, such as resource conservation and ecological balance. Graduates of the Horticulture program at Kansas State University are equipped with the skills needed for careers in municipal and commercial horticulture, landscape design and management, greenhouse production, crop cultivation, research, and education. The university’s strong industry connections and experienced faculty provide students with valuable networking opportunities and mentorship. Whether students are interested in working on private estates, corporate landscapes, or research institutions, this program offers the foundational knowledge and practical experience necessary for success. With a focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and professional development, the Horticulture program at Kansas State University prepares students to thrive in a growing industry that combines science, creativity, and sustainable practices to improve the quality of life through plant-related endeavors.

The curriculum will include both course work and research experience. Graduates will be well equipped either to seek careers in the private sector or pursue advanced degrees. The advantages of the combined degree to students seeking private sector employment may be entry level positions with higher-level responsibilities, higher pay, and opportunities for more rapid advancement. The rigorous training and combined B.S./M.S. (thesis option) will offer a competitive advantage in the admissions process to students interested in pursuing doctoral (PhD) degrees.

* The student must be seeking a B.S. degree from the Department of Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources. * The student must have completed 45 to 90 hours toward the B.S. degree * The students cumulative undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0 * The student must be nominated by a Graduate Faculty member of HFRR at any time from the second semester of the sophomore year through the second semester of the junior year. A student may be nominated during the senior year with special permission from the HFRR Director of Graduate Program English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79

Most graduate students are able to finance their education with a variety of financial assistance tools specific to graduate school:

* Graduate Assistantships: Funded by individual departments and graduate programs, teaching, research and graduate assistantships are awarded based on a student's ability and promise.
* Graduate Fellowships
* Loans: Loans are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have successfully applied for financial assistance
* Traineeships: Traineeships are offered through the university or departments that have federally supported traineeships.

Accreditation

Kansas State University has been providing quality education to the residents of Kansas, the country and the world for the last 150 years.

Located in a community with nearly 60,000 people and more than 24,000 students, we are able to provide a safe and supportive environment for our students.

Kansas State University has 3 campus locations, two of which, Manhattan and Salina, have complete academic programs and on-campus housing. Olathe is the third and newest extension of the university, focusing on collaborating with industry and Kansas City K-12 schools.

Accreditation:

Kansas State University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools since 1916.