Turn your passion for plants into a bountiful career
When you major in Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS)
Combine your passion for hands-on science and plants while you learn to protect the environment and ecosystem by growing the crops and plants we need in a sustainable way. As a Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) major, you choose your specialization path: Agroecology, Agronomy, Controlled Environment Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Biosciences, Soil Science* and Turfgrass Science.
*This program is currently pending university approval. More information coming soon.
Ready for a once in a lifetime experience? Global Education is the opportunity to make the world your classroom. You'll get to travel with a group of peers, navigate a new culture, build skills that will aid you in your career and gain a new perspective on the world! Scholarships and financial aid assistance are available to help put these opportunities within your reach.
As an HCS undergraduate, an internship isn't just a necessity - it’s your built-in advantage. You'll graduate with specialized experience already on your resume, a clear sense of what you enjoy (and what you'd rather skip) and a professional network ready to hire you.
Choose your destination:
- Stay local: Build deep roots within the thriving Ohio agricultural and green industry.
- Cross state lines: Explore operations all across the U.S.
- Go global: Ever dreamed of working in the Netherlands, Australia or beyond? Through the Ohio International Intern Program (TOP), we make it possible.
Ready to map out your journey? Check out our internship course and internship requirements
College is an investment in your future. We’re here to help you understand your options, find support and make a plan that works for you and your family.
Explore scholarship and funding opportunities
Additionally, our department is thrilled to offer scholarships of up to $10,000 for the top teams and top individual winners in select State FFA Career Development Events - check if you're eligible.
Student researchers are a valuable part of our department. Undergraduate students in HCS have a variety of opportunities to gain valuable hands-on research experience while learning new skills and techniques, which can be broadly applied across fields.
Please note each specialization of our Horticulture and Crop Science major offers a customized curriculum - please click on any of the links below to learn more about the current curriculum requirements.
- Agroecology
- Agronomy
- Controlled Environment Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Plant Biosciences
- Soil Science*
- Turfgrass Science
*(This program is currently pending university approval. More information coming soon.)
What you'll study
As a Horticulture and Crop Science major you’ll participate in hands-on-learning including labs and interactive activities in nearly every major course.
Program requirements can grow and change - always be sure to check with your academic advisor to ensure you are on the right track.
Agroecology focuses on understanding and applying ecological principles in crop production to integrate natural biological cycles and controls, make efficient use of resources, enhance environmental quality and increase biodiversity.
Core topics: crop origins, agroecology of grasslands, plant propagation, seed science, advanced cropping systems, ecology, environmental impacts, biotic interactions, soil ecology and sustainability.
Agronomy is the application of biological, chemical and physical principles to crops and cropping systems to increase their efficiency in converting light and supplemental resources into food, feed and fiber products. You’ll learn to effectively regulate crop productivity through management decisions as you study the interrelationships among physical and biological factors.
Core topics: seed science, data analysis, farm production, integrated pest management, agronomic crops, weed science, plant physiology, consulting, soil resource management and farm management.
Controlled Environment Agriculture is an interdisciplinary crop production science integrating horticultural science, plant health management, applied environmental science and applied biological engineering to achieve sustainable crop production in various climate regions. You'll take classes in plant science, greenhouse management, hydroponics, fruit and vegetable production, plant health management, agricultural meteorology and introductory engineering principles.
Core topics: hydroponic crop production, plant disease management, greenhouse systems, medicinal plants, vegetable crop production, plant propagation, biological control, ornamental plants, pest management and greenhouse plant health.
Horticulture is the application of scientific principles to grow vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants and landscape design, as well as business principles to sell the commodities. You’ll learn basic characteristics of a wide variety of plants; including how they grow, develop, reproduce and adapt to different environments. Using this knowledge, you’ll be able to create optimal growing conditions for a plant to have higher yield and reduce potential problems such as pests and diseases.
Core topics: sustainable vegetable production, crop origins, plant disease management, organic gardening, landscape pest management, plant breeding, ornamental plants, fruit crop physiology, plant propagation and plant management.
Plant Biosciences is a broad study of plant biology including plant form and function, diversity, reproduction, evolution and uses of plants.
Core topics: biochemical processes, plant biochemistry, plant breeding, applied plant biotechnology, medicinal plants, managed plant systems, organic chemistry, genetics, plant physiology and data analysis.
Soil Science focuses on understanding and applying ecological principles in soil systems to integrate natural biological cycles and controls, make efficient use of resources, enhance environmental quality and increase biodiversity
Core topics: soil science, soil health, ecosystem science, soil fertility, managed plant systems, ecology, chemistry and data analysis.
What courses will I take in this specialization?
*(This program is currently pending university approval. More information coming soon.)
Turfgrass science (sometimes referred to as turfgrass management) is an integrated program that studies the grasses used to enhance our environment. Turf reduces glare, noise, air pollution, heat buildup and visual pollution. Turf provides recreational benefits to sporting events as well as creates aesthetically attractive surrounds for homes, buildings and cities. You’ll learn to manage and maintain turf as you gain knowledge in plant biology, soil and turfgrass science.
Core topics: turfgrass management, soil science, golf course design, turf pathology, seed science, biology of weeds, sports turf management, turf operations, turfgrass pests and golf course management.
Career opportunities
- Environmental Consultant
- Conservation Scientist
- Agricultural Manager
- Producer/Farm Manager
- County Extension Agent
- Ecologist
- Agronomist
- Crop Consultant
- Field Trial Coordinator
- Farmer
- Fertilizer Sales Manager
- Water Quality Extension Educator
- Greenhouse Manager
- Lead Grower
- Researcher
- Plant and Crop Care Specialist
- Data Scientist
- Director of Integrated Pest Management
- Plant Breeder
- Agricultural Consultant
- Strawberry Crop Specialist
- Garden Center Manager
- Plant Breeder
- Vineyard Owner
- Landscape Designer
- Plant Germplasm Curator
- Plant Geneticist
- Molecular Biologist
- USDA Researcher
- Plant Breeder
- Plant Physiologist
- Herbarium Curator
- Plant Biotechnologist
- Soil Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Ecologist
- Soil Climate Specialist
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
- Soil Conservationist
*(This program is currently pending university approval. More information coming soon.)
- Sports Field Manager
- Golf Course Superintendent
- Landscape Designer
- Turf Sales Representative
- Integrated Pest Management Manager
- Spray Technician
- Irrigation Technician
- Professional Lawn Care Operator
- Sod Producer
- Commercial Grounds Maintenance Manager
- Turf Product Distributor
How to become an HCS major
Our only requirement in general admission to The Ohio State University - we have no separate application required. Please select the Horticulture and Crop Science major when applying to Ohio State if you are interested in our program.
We're happy to welcome new first-year students into our HCS program.
We're happy to welcome campus changers into our HCS program.
We're happy to welcome major changers and transfer students into our HCS program.
We welcome international students to enroll in our HCS program. Please note all HCS students must complete all aspects of the HCS program including the internship. It is important that the proper work visa is in place to allow for this employment in the United States.
Not sure if our program is a good fit for you?
We get it, it's a big decision! Let us help you make it easier; contact us with questions and to learn more about the career options our programs can open for you. We're also happy to set up a fully custom campus visit experience for you as well.