OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do you like working in yards or greenhouses growing flowers, fruits and vegetables? Are you curious about propagating and breeding plants? What about discovering and developing new plant varieties through research? If any of these sound exciting, perhaps a major in Horticulture is for you.
Horticulture is the application of scientific principles in the growing, developing, marketing, processing and utilizing of fruits, vegetables, flower and foliage plants, trees, shrubs, and turfgrasses. The major requires a strong grounding in botany, chemistry, horticulture, and business. There are four concentrations in the Horticulture major:
Floriculture emphasizes field and greenhouse-grown flower crops and foliage plants. Students study propagation, production, utilization and improvement of plants, and are prepared to grow quality greenhouse products. Courses in the production, use, and marketing of cut flowers, bedding plants and potted plants give this concentration its focus. Students are also required to take a practicum and an internship in their junior year. A number of opportunities exist in floriculture-related professions including: greenhouse production, all phases of retail and wholesale floral business, greenhouse supply sales, greenhouse construction and computerized environmental control, plant breeding and plant research.
Horticultural Business Management provides a broad business background with an opportunity to choose among horticulture courses. The curriculum consists of a core of business, computer, and economics courses. In horticulture, students choose a special emphasis, or take an array of courses that may lead to greater job opportunities. Graduates have the knowledge to manage any horticulture business or to market associated products. Opportunities exist in the sale of facilities, equipment, and supplies involved in all aspects of horticulture, or, as buyers of horticulture products in the U.S. or in international markets. With careful selection of business courses, horticulture graduates can complete a Master of Business Administration degree in one additional year of study.
Horticultural Food Crops focuses on systems related to production of fruits and vegetables. Specific courses include fruit and vegetable production, irrigation practices, soil fertility, propagation, breeding, and related plant pest management courses. Students must choose either the Production or Seed Science option. A number of opportunities exist in horticultural food crops-related professions including: greenhouse production, all phases of the retail and wholesale businesses, greenhouse supply sales, greenhouse construction, seed production and sales, plant breeding and plant research.
Horticultural Science graduates help conduct research to discover new information about plant growth, development, and environmental response. This research can lead to new plant varieties and production methods. The curriculum consists of a solid foundation in the basic natural and agricultural sciences and prepares students for technical and scientific careers in laboratory, greenhouse, or field research. Exceptional students participate in individual research projects coordinated by professors. Graduates in this area often continue their education to obtain an advanced degree.
In the fall of 2007, a new concentration in Viticulture and Enology will be available and in spring 2008 a concentration in Horticultural Therapy will begin. Please see the department website: http://hla.colostate.edu/undergrad/hort.htm for more information.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Strong interest in growing and propagating plants
* Strong interest in the natural sciences
* Problem solving skills
* Enjoy working outdoors
* Oral communication skills
* Organizational skills
* Analytical skills
* Written communication skills
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
A major challenge facing the horticulture industry today is keeping up with the demand for its services. There is a growing need for well educated horticulturists. The industry will be looking for professionals who can manage greenhouses, nurseries, and floral outlets, buy and sell supplies and equipment, or edit journals and newsletters. Meeting the nutritional needs of the world population is an important challenge. Researchers are needed to develop improved fruit and vegetable varieties. Other professionals are needed to improve production and transportation methods, and to develop and market better fertilizers. Within this field, students can exercise their talents and interests in computers, construction, engineering, chemistry, physics, social services, art, or business management. Participation in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Some of the career opportunities available to horticulture majors include:
* Biotechnologist
* Commercial produce buyer
* Extension specialist
* Floriculturist
* Fruit and vegetable grower
* Greenhouse supplies/seed sales representative
* Greenhouse production manager
* Interior plant maintenance technician
* Irrigation designer
* Marketing representative
* Plant breeder
* Produce buyer
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Agricultural Sciences College Council
* Horticulture Club
* Pi Alpha X (National Horticulture Honor Society)
* Sustainable Development (Student Organic Garden)
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MORE INFORMATION
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
111 Shepardson Building
1173 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1173
970-491-7019
http://hla.colostate.edu
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu/
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
8008 Campus Delivery
711 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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