Plants in the horticulture building.

Horticulture – Horticultural Science

Do You Want to Improve and Understand New Plant Varieties and Production Methods?

Horticultural scientists conduct research to discover new information about plant growth, development, and environmental response. Applied knowledge from such studies leads to new plant varieties and production methods.

Undergraduates choosing the concentration in horticultural science receive a solid foundation in the basic sciences and agricultural sciences leading to technical and scientific careers in laboratory, greenhouse, or field research. Work may be in the public or private sector. Exceptional students participate in individual research projects overseen by a qualified professor. Horticultural science graduates often continue their education to the master’s or doctoral level.

Browse the CSU Course Catalog for courses and requirements.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 

  • Technical competence that includes understanding plant growth and development as influenced by the manipulations of horticulture technologies such as greenhouse management, fertility management, integrated pest management, etc.
  • Management and leadership skills that will allow them to become an entry-level supervisor in a specific business or research program.
  • Problem solving skills such as identifying the significance of a problem, researching realistic solutions using current literature, and organizing the materials to develop appropriate recommendations and actions.

Where You’ll Find Us

Plants in a greenhouse

CSU Horticulture Center

A center for teaching, research and extension for horticulture and landscape programs.

Teaching at ARDEC.

Agricultural Research and Development Center

Work directly with crops and livestock at this research and teaching complex — one of ten around the state.

Learn More about ARDEC

Field of flowers

Annual Flower Garden Trials

One of the top tourist attractions in Fort Collins. Explore more than 1,000 varieties at this campus flower garden.

Visit the Flower Trials Website

Interest
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Related Interests

  • Agriculture
  • Business Management
  • Environment
  • Food Crops
  • Plants
  • Science
Career Icon
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Related Careers

  • Biotechnologist
  • Extension Specialist
  • Floriculturist
  • Fruit and Vegetable Producer
  • Horticultural Therapist
  • Plant Breeder or Researcher
  • Retail and Wholesale Floral Business
Tracy Smith

Department Advisor

Tracy Smith

For more information, contact Tracy Smith, Director of Undergraduate Advising for the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Undergraduate majors.