The Department of Horticulture and Crop Science offers a multitude of engaging programs filled with eye-opening, hands-on, life changing learning experiences. Our faculty and staff are devoted to teaching the next generation of leaders.
Whether you're considering applying to become an undergrad, thinking about switching majors, considering a campus change (from a regional campus or Ohio State ATI) or transferring from another university you've come to the right place!
Undergraduate Majors:
Agroecology is a specialization of our Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) Major.
Agronomy is a specialization of our Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) Major.
Controlled Environment Agriculture is a specialization of our Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) Major.
Horticulture is a specialization of our Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) Major.
Plant Biosciences is a specialization of our Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) Major.
Turfgrass Science is a specialization of our Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) Major.
Undergraduate Minors:
An Agronomy minor is useful for students in Agriculture and Biological Sciences who plan to seek employment in areas of agronomic crop production, marketing, management, etc., where decision making requires a basic understanding of plant growth and crop production. Students taking this minor will gain insights into the environmental, genetic, and cultural factors that influence crop productivity. Such insights will enable the student to anticipate crop response under specific production regimes and environmental influences.
Minor courses sheets:
- Enrolled Autumn 2019 (& thereafter)
- Enrolled Autumn 2017
A Horticulture minor is useful for students with an interest in gardening or who plan to seek employment in areas of fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crop production, marketing, management, etc., where decision making requires a basic understanding of plant growth and development as well as fundamental techniques for growing plants. Students taking this minor will gain insights into the environmental, genetic, and cultural factors that influence plant productivity. Such insights will enable the student to anticipate plant response under specific production regimes or environmental conditions.
Minor courses sheets:
- Enrolled Autumn 2019 (& thereafter)
- Enrolled Autumn 2017
A Turfgrass Management minor is useful for students who expect to have positions that require: overseeing the management of grounds (for example public or private lawns, sports, or recreational areas, or golf courses (greens and fairways).
Minor courses sheets:
- Enrolled Autumn 2019 (& thereafter)
- Enrolled Autumn 2017
A minor in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is useful for students in Agriculture and Biological Sciences who plan to seek employment in areas of horticulture and floriculture production, marketing, management, etc., where decision making requires an understanding of plant crop production in controlled environments. Students taking this minor will gain insights into the environmental and cultural factors that influence crop productivity. Such insights will enable the student to anticipate crop response under CEA production regimes.
Minor courses sheet:
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We understand that choosing your future college & major is a big decision. Let us help you make it easier with a personalized (in-person or virtual) tour.
If you find that your interests fit well with our programs but you're not quite sure if you should join us reach out to our undergraduate program coordinator, Bri Schneider, with questions and to learn more about the career options our programs can open for you.
Sustainable Agriculture
The Sustainable Agriculture major prepares you to think about farming holistically — to balance the environmental, social and economic dimensions. You’ll learn how to navigate multiple economic, social, and environmental goals when managing a farm, ranch, or any enterprise and its relationship with the surrounding landscape and neighboring communities. You will also develop the leadership skills and knowledge to pursue an entrepreneurial career in a wide range of public or private organizations.
As a Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) major you’ll get to specialize in one of six areas: agroecology, agronomy, controlled environment agriculture, horticulture, plant biosciences or turfgrass science. As the population continues to expand, there’s an increasing need to limit our reliance upon imports while protecting the environment and ecosystem. Each of these disciplines play a special role in providing the world with plants for food, pleasure and recreation, and environmental improvement.
Learn more about each specialization by clicking on the buttons below...
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.
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.
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.
Plant Biosciences is a broad study of plant biology including plant form and function, diversity, reproduction, evolution, and uses of plants.
Turfgrass Science 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.