Degree Options

Group of students holding the hydroponic tomatoes they grew

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:


Undergraduate Minors:


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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.

Experience OSU for a Day!

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.

3 OSU students walking between classes


Sustainable AgricultureStudent getting ready to plant in an Agriculture Field

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.

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Sustainable Plant Systems 

As a Sustainable Plant Systems (SPS) major you’ll get to specialize in one of five areas: agroecology, agronomy, 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.