Horticulture with an Emphasis in Urban Food Systems

The Horticulture with an Emphasis in Urban Food Systems degree program at Kansas State University is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for advancing sustainable urban food production, management, and innovation. This interdisciplinary program combines core horticultural principles with specialized coursework focused on urban agriculture, food security, and sustainable practices within city environments. Students will explore topics such as urban horticulture techniques, food system planning, policy development, ecological design, and community engagement, enabling them to address the unique challenges associated with growing food in urban settings. Through hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, greenhouses, and urban farms, students will learn modern cultivation methods, crop management, and food processing tailored to metropolitan areas. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and social equity in developing resilient urban food systems. Collaborations with local communities, government agencies, and industry partners provide students with real-world project opportunities, fostering leadership and problem-solving skills vital for careers in urban agricultural development, sustainable food production, landscape design, and food policy. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to contribute to the sustainable transformation of urban environments into productive, healthy, and equitable food systems. The program combines academic rigor with practical application, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, and supports students’ aspirations to innovate in the field of urban horticulture and food sustainability.

The Horticulture Emphasis: Urban Food Systems program at Kansas State University offers students a comprehensive education in sustainable urban agriculture, food production, and horticultural practices designed to meet the growing demand for locally sourced and health-promoting food. This program is tailored for students passionate about transforming urban environments into productive food-growing spaces, integrating principles of horticulture, environmental sustainability, and community development. Throughout the curriculum, students will explore key topics such as urban soil management, horticultural technology, food system planning, and sustainable gardening practices. Emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on learning experiences, including urban farm management, greenhouse operations, and community-based food initiatives. Students will also gain expertise in plant biology, integrated pest management, and the use of innovative technologies to optimize urban food production. The program prepares graduates for careers in urban agricultural consulting, community food projects, food policy advocacy, and sustainable design. Collaboration with local urban farms, research centers, and community organizations provides students with real-world exposure and networking opportunities. Coursework integrates interdisciplinary knowledge, combining horticultural science, environmental sustainability, and social aspects of food systems. Graduates of this program will be equipped to develop, implement, and promote resilient urban food systems that enhance local food security, support ecological health, and foster vibrant urban communities. The program emphasizes experiential learning, research, and leadership skills, enabling students to become agents of positive change in urban food landscapes across Kansas, the nation, and globally.

Program Requirements for Horticulture Emphasis: Urban Food Systems at Kansas State University:

To successfully complete the Horticulture degree with an emphasis in Urban Food Systems, students must fulfill a series of academic and practical requirements designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in urban horticulture, food production, and sustainable practices. The program generally mandates the completion of approximately 120 credit hours, which include general education courses, core horticulture coursework, specialization electives, and experiential learning components. Students are required to complete foundational courses in plant biology, soil science, and ecology to establish a solid scientific basis for advanced studies.

In addition to core horticulture classes, students must enroll in specialized courses related to urban agriculture, sustainable food systems, community gardening, and food policy. These courses aim to equip students with the skills necessary for designing, implementing, and managing urban food production projects. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and practicums in urban settings, often involving collaborations with local community organizations, city planning departments, and urban farms.

Students must also complete a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to integrate theory and practice in solving real-world urban food system challenges. Elective courses are available to allow students to explore adjacent fields such as environmental design, public health, and policy-making, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to urban horticulture.

To graduate, students are typically required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the major courses, complete all required coursework within the designated time frame, and participate actively in experiential learning opportunities. Overall, the program emphasizes sustainable practices, community engagement, and innovative solutions to address food security and nutrition in urban environments, preparing graduates for careers in urban farming, extension services, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and private sectors dedicated to urban food systems.

The Master of Science in Horticulture with an emphasis on Urban Food Systems at Kansas State University offers various financing options to support enrolled students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees for in-state students are typically lower compared to out-of-state students, reflecting the university's commitment to making education accessible to residents. The program's estimated tuition cost ranges from approximately $10,000 to $22,000 per year, depending on residency status and course load, with full-time enrollment usually completed within two years.

Students are encouraged to explore multiple sources of financial aid, including federal grants such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can provide need-based assistance. Kansas State University participates in federal work-study programs, allowing students to work part-time on campus or in related fields to offset educational expenses, gaining practical experience aligned with their degree. Scholarships specific to horticulture and urban food systems are also available through the university's scholarship office, with some funds awarded based on academic merit, leadership, or financial need.

Graduate assistantships are a significant component of the financing plan; these positions typically provide a stipend and tuition waivers in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative duties performed by qualified students. Such assistantships are highly competitive but are an excellent way to fund graduate studies while gaining professional experience. Additionally, students may pursue external funding sources, including industry scholarships, foundations, or government grants dedicated to urban agriculture and sustainable food systems.

Part-time employment opportunities are accessible both on and off-campus, providing additional income for students balancing work and study. Kansas State University also offers flexible payment plans to help manage tuition payments over the semester, reducing financial burden. Finally, many students combine multiple sources of funding—federal aid, assistantships, scholarships, and personal savings—to finance their master's degree effectively. The university's dedicated financial aid office provides counseling and guidance to help students identify and maximize available financial resources tailored to their individual circumstances.

The Horticulture emphasis: Urban Food Systems at Kansas State University is designed to prepare students for innovative and sustainable careers in urban agriculture, food production, and community development. This program integrates principles of horticulture, urban planning, and food systems to address the growing demand for locally produced food in urban environments. Students gain comprehensive knowledge of plant biology, soil science, pest management, and sustainable farming techniques, all tailored towards urban settings. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory work, campus and community-based projects, and internships with local urban farms and food organizations.

Students in this program explore topics such as community gardening, vertical farming, aquaponics, food security, and food justice, preparing them to contribute to the development of resilient urban food networks. The program also covers record keeping, marketing, business planning, and policy issues related to urban food systems, enabling graduates to work in diverse roles, including urban farm managers, community educators, policy advocates, and entrepreneurs. Collaborations with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private enterprises provide experiential learning opportunities, fostering real-world problem-solving skills.

Graduate outcomes for this emphasis include employment in urban agriculture enterprises, consultation roles in food security projects, or continuing education at the graduate level. The program’s interdisciplinary approach responds to the increasing importance of sustainable food production amid urbanization challenges, making it a relevant choice for students passionate about improving food accessibility within city environments. The faculty comprises experts in horticulture, community development, and food systems, ensuring that students receive up-to-date knowledge and mentorship. Overall, this emphasis helps students develop practical skills combined with a strong understanding of the social, environmental, and economic aspects of urban food systems, positioning them as future leaders in sustainable urban agriculture.