Horticulture (B.S.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

David Graper, Coordinator
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory 254A
605-688-6253
E-mail: david.graper@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/plant-science
Click here for additional information.  

Program Information

The Horticulture major is designed to prepare students for careers in nursery production, local food production, landscape, tree management, garden center operation, greenhouse production, or for entry into research and graduate study in horticulture. Greenhouse facilities and extensive field plots in woody and herbaceous ornamentals, fruit, and vegetables provide students with the opportunity to experience all aspects of plant production and management.

Program Emphases

The Horticulture Major offers four areas of emphasis. Students with an interest in:

• Crop management and production technologies of greenhouse, nursery, turf, fruit, or vegetable crops can tailor their program of studies using the Production Emphasis.
• Careers in managing nurseries, landscape maintenance, arboriculture, garden centers or greenhouse businesses should follow the Business Emphasis.
• Careers in food crop production and marketing should follow the Food Crop Emphasis.
• Pursuing a graduate degree or laboratory science career should follow the Science Emphasis.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Horticulture major, students will:

• demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic horticultural principles and practices: propagation, pest management, production, maintenance, and business practices;
• demonstrate a fundamental understanding of local food production principles and practices;
• demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use, and maintenance of plant material best suited for conventional and sustainable landscapes;
• demonstrate a fundamental understanding of container media, media development, blending, and preparation;
• achieve a fundamental understanding of the scope, activities, and processes in the field of Local Food Production practices;
• demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (written, listening, and oral) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences;
• be an advocate for Horticulture and Agriculture in society; and
• be a lifelong learner.

Course Delivery Format

Students learn through hands-on and face-to-face learning in lecture, laboratory, and field-based experiences.