Undergraduate students majoring in Horticulture at Michigan State University are preparing for careers that are as varied as the profession itself.  Some possible avenues for professional activities after graduation include:

• Production and Sales.   Operating a business or managing  an orchard, vegetable farm, greenhouse, flower or plant shop, nursery, landscaping service, garden center, or food processing firm.
• Public Gardens. Managing landscapes and plant collections in public gardens and conservatories.  This offers the person interested in both plants and people the best of both worlds!
• Marketing.  Being involved in the wholesale or retail sale of fresh or processed fruits and vegetables, seeds, cut flowers, house plants, floral arrangements, or nursery stock.  Being a buyer of these items for a chain store, a government or private institution, or wholesale distributor.
• Research.  Seeking ways to improve the yield and quality of fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants.  Developing methods for handling, storing, and marketing these crops. Specializing in plant breeding, plant nutrition, plant growth regulation, or other fascinating areas of plant research.
• Teaching.  Opening the world of plant growing to people of all ages and presenting new ideas to those already wise to the ways of plants are rewarding experiences. The United States needs qualified teachers of horticulture in high schools, technical schools, and universities. County extension agents and extension specialists often teach horticulture to adults.
• Industry Support.   Being a consultant or doing research, development, technical services or sales.   Canning and freezing companies, seed firms, and manufacturers of fertilizers, spray materials, and farm equipment need personnel with horticultural training to perform a wide variety of tasks in research, development, technical service and sales.
• Inspection. Being an inspector of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables for government or private agencies.  Helping to maintain a high level of quality and uniformity in the produce industry.
• Landscape Construction and Management. Installing residential and commercial landscape projects as a landscape contractor. This includes interpretation of blueprints, estimating and bidding, sales, and installation of plant material and hardscapes (patios, walls, arbors, etc.). Opportunities also exist to maintain these sites.
• Landscape Design. Creating gardens with combinations of plant material and hardscapes. Knowing the appropriate plants to use to achieve the desired aesthetic effect and possessing enough knowledge of soil science and plant physiology to know what plants are suited to the conditions present on a particular site.
• Communications. Writing for farm and garden magazines, newspapers, television and radio can be a rewarding field for men and women trained in horticulture.
• Pest Management. Working with state and federal regulatory agencies, agricultural suppliers, processing corporations, large farm organizations, and as agricultural agents.

The four year program in HORTICULTURE leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Within this major, students choose one of two concentrations, General Horticulture or Horticulture Landscape Design, Construction, & Management. Some students elect to complete both concentrations.

The four year program consists of 120 credits.  Required courses are divided into three categories; university (Michigan State University), college (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources), and major (Horticulture).  There are 90-100 credits satisfied by required course work.  The remaining 20-30 credits are satisfied by free elective courses.

The official University listing as of course requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture is found in the Academic Programs catalogue.

As a student majoring in Horticulture, your freshman and sophomore years at MSU deal with basic studies, acquiring the tools necessary for more advanced work. Emphasis during the first two years is placed upon introductory courses in mathematics, chemistry, computer science, and plant biology, as well as courses in the various agricultural fields, including Horticulture.  In your junior and senior years, you will study more advanced horticultural courses and courses in related fields. For example, if your interest lies in the growing and handling of horticultural crops, you will take additional courses in soils, plant biology, plant pathology and entomology. If you are interested in landscaping, your course work will include plant identification, landscape design, construction and management courses.  If you are reasonably certain that you will pursue an advanced degree following graduation, your schedule will most likely include statistics, foreign language, biochemistry, physics, and other advanced courses.

Courses used to fulfill specific course requirements for the horticulture degree must be taken within the numerical grading system (0.0 - 4.0 scale). Elective courses can be taken in the numerical system or the credit - no credit system.  See the Academic Programs Book, general information section, for more information on grading systems.

All courses within the Department of Horticulture may be taken for honors credit (H-option) with the following stipulations: Students must either be enrolled in the Honors College and be in good standing or have a GPA of 3.5 or better. Students enrolling for the H-option in Horticulture must consult in advance with the instructor of the course and complete a contract for the H-option detailing responsibilities. The department chairperson shall monitor H-option contracts to assure that they reflect intensive academic study within the subject area. H-option credit will be awarded only if a grade of 3.5 or 4.0 is obtained in the course.

Practical horticultural experience before graduation is extremely important for the four-year degree student who does not come to the University with a horticultural background. Graduates with practical experience are in a much more favorable position than those who lack experience when competing for jobs in the profession. Practical experience before graduation also helps students determine their suitability for a particular horticultural career. Students may obtain experience in various ways:

(1) Employment on campus with the Department of Horticulture, the Building and Grounds Department, or other departments, either part-time during the school year or part to  full-time in the summer. Only a limited number of jobs are available

(2) Full-time jobs in the horticultural industry during summer or other times. Students should seriously consider a delay in their academic program for a semester or two if needed in order to gain experience in their chosen branch of horticulture.

Students with a prior bachelor's degree who wish to complete a second degree in Horticulture must take 30 credits beyond their first degree plus fulfill all departmental requirements. To discuss a second degree program, make an appointment with Diane Petersen to review your academic record.
 

Horticulture students completing the Bachelor of Science Degree are required to complete one internship before graduation. Three credits (pass/no pass grading system) are earned for each enrollment, with an option for reenrolling one additional semester for a second internship experience. An internship generally is scheduled for the summer preceding the junior or senior year. Students are strongly encouraged to select an employer for whom they have not worked previously. For more internship information click here.

Students must enroll for HRT 493 the semester prior to the one in which they plan to complete the internship. For example, any student planning to do an internship in the summer must enroll for HRT 493 the previous spring semester. Group planning meetings will be announced at various times in the semester preceding the actual internship to discuss preparing a resume, finding an internship employer, preparing the internship agreement, and other preparation details.

An internship differs from most summer job experiences in that a greater variety of learning opportunities are provided, and in a more structured and professional environment. Guidance on resume preparation, job interviewing, employer selection, and internship objectives is provided by the department as part of the course.  You will also have a faculty adviser who can assist in planning your internship and assuring a professional work experience during your internship.

Position announcements and information can be obtained in our Undergraduate Programs Office, Room A159 Plant & Soil Sciences Building.
 

Study Abroad

Additional Horticulture Courses
Horticulture majors choose one of the two options, General Horticulture or Horticulture Landscape Design, Construction, and Management. By doing so, they fulfill minimum requirements for a degree in Horticulture, taking specified courses as listed for that concentration. The Horticulture Department offers many additional and valuable courses. Some of these courses are required for the alternate option while other courses are offered for the benefit of any interested student. For a list of horticulture courses click here.  For all MSU courses see the MSU Descriptions of Courses publication.

The Department of Horticulture is currently designing and offering a number of one credit modules that are excellent choices for elective credit use.  Each module will be completed in five weeks and have not pre-requisites.  Three one credit modules will be offered Fall Semester 2004 covering Ornamental Grasses, Composting, and Potted Flowering Crops.  Spring Semester courses will include a one credit module on Pruning.  Contact Diane Petersen for more information on module courses.

Specializations and Special Programs
Michigan State University offers dozens of specializations to its students. Many specializations are available to any undergraduate student on campus while others are limited to certain student populations, such as students in a particular college. Specializations provide students with a convenient grouping of courses related to a specific area of study. They are optional and usually require the use of some elective credit. For a student pursuing a degree in Horticulture beginning in the freshman year, there are sufficient elective credits in the program to complete a specialization and still remain within the four years and 120 credit minimum for graduation. For a transfer student with extensive elective credit from the previous institution, specializations may require additional credit beyond the minimum for graduation.

For convenience, a few of the specializations that may be of particular interest to Horticulture students are listed below. Brochures and detailed material about these specializations are available from the contact person(s) listed for each specialization.

Specialization in Agribusiness Management. Offered through the Department of Agricultural Economics, this specialization combines broad training in business with specialized training in the unique problems of managing agribusiness firms. Horticulture majors interested in more information about this specialization should speak with their horticulture adviser, or Chris Stiles, adviser in Agricultural Economics. In order to enroll in the program, a student must contact Chris Stiles, Room 1, Agriculture Hall, (517) 355-1692.

Specialization in Biotechnology. This specialization, offered by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,  provides the opportunity for students who are enrolled in biological science-related undergraduate programs such as Horticulture, to become familiar with the concepts, techniques, and issues related to modern biotechnology. Students planning to pursue graduate study in biotechnology-related fields, or who may be interested in careers with corporations or agencies for which a basic familiarity with biotechnology is important, should consider this specialization. For brochures or more information, contact Diane Petersen, (517) 355-5191 x 326.

The Liberty Hyde Bailey Scholars Program. This specialization in connected learning is available to all students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Much of the program is tailored to fit the specific interests of the student. Three core courses are combined with courses and experiences that best suit the student's development and interests and are complimented by many unique, community planned learning activities. For more information, contact the Bailey Academic Learning Coordinator, Patti Kenney, at (517) 432-0735, the program office at  (517) 432-0732, or Diane Petersen (517) 355-5191 x 326.

Specialization in Environmental Studies. Offered to students studying specific majors in five colleges at MSU, this specialization includes a course in geology that explores the physical aspects of the environment, a course studying how biological organisms interact with the physical environment, and additional courses which discuss human and economic aspects of environmental issues and environmental justice and legislation. A series of seminars allow students to explore topics through speakers, field trips, discussions, and community projects. For more information on this specialization, contact Laurie Thorp, (517) 432-4944, thorpl@msu.edu or speak with  Diane Petersen (517) 355-5191 x 326, A164 PSS Building,.

Additional Free Elective Suggestions
Michigan State University has thousands of undergraduate courses, many with open enrollment for any qualified undergraduate. Courses providing background and experience in the areas of business, communication, design, materials, production, and science may be valuable additions to any program. In order to choose wisely, read course descriptions carefully, speak with the instructors, and review the listed texts for the course. Always check prerequisite, co requisite, and general restrictions before enrolling for any course.

Each semester many colleges and departments offer Special Topics courses. These courses are usually taught by individuals with specific interests in these areas. Special Topics courses are generally not listed in the catalogue. Ask your adviser about these special opportunities.

In addition, a list of suggestions for regularly scheduled MSU courses available as free electives is available.  Contact Diane Petersen, Horticulture Undergraduate Advisor. Complete course descriptions for all MSU courses are in the MSU Description of Courses catalogue.
 

For successful program completion, each student should follow these steps:

(l) When you enter the Department of Horticulture, make an appointment with Diane Petersen to plan your academic program. Keep a copy of your personal academic program plan and all academic records (transfer course work, grade reports, etc.) together. Bring these materials to each meeting with your adviser. During your junior year or sooner you will be assigned to a faculty adviser who can assist you with professional and career questions and explorations.

(2)  Schedule an adviser appointment at least once each semester to be sure your record agrees with that of your adviser. Discuss academic plans, priorities, and interests you wish to incorporate into your program.

(3) If course substitutions or waivers are desired, discuss the situation with your adviser.

(4) A conference with your adviser is mandatory when you become a senior. During the semester in which you plan to graduate, your adviser will certify your completion of all requirements for graduation.  A meeting to verify requirement completion early in your final semester may alleviate any delays in your graduation plants.

It will be to your advantage to always keep your adviser informed regarding changes in your academic plans. Let him/her know if you are available for various educational and work experiences. Frequent, short conferences are usually better than one major conference. Remember, one of the most important people in your MSU undergraduate program of study is your adviser. He/she can significantly influence your program of study, progress, and future after graduation.
 

Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) Student Field Days

Along with a national career fair, twenty events are included in student competitions. Topics include annuals and perennial ID, arboriculture, maintenance and construction estimation, landscape design, patio construction, pest management, skid steer operation, woody plant ID, and many more. The ALCA Field Days gives us a chance to show others what we learned in the classroom in a friendly, competitive, atmosphere. For more information contact Brad Rowe.

Horticulture Club

The Horticulture Club of Michigan State University is a professional, social, and educational organization which provides a common ground for all students interested in Horticulture to meet other students with the same interests. The club meets every other week on Wednesday nights. Activities include guest speakers, a variety of field trips, and fund-raisers. It is one of the best ways for people to gain experience and network themselves in the field of Horticulture. Our biggest event and fund-raiser is the Annual Spring Show in which the students grow and market their own material and construct a large public display.

Look for fliers posted in the PSS Building for first meeting information in the fall. We encourage you to get involved with the Horticulture Club! You will meet friends, learn about all areas of Horticulture, and get to know the faculty on a personal level. It will be a remarkable and rewarding experience.
 

Working Scholarships

Several scholarships are available in the Department of Horticulture for students to get an in-depth experience in their chosen field. Each scholarship is worth up to $600. These Working Scholarships are awarded in the form of job eligibility at the current wage rate for student employees. The work schedule will be arranged between the student and faculty member (s), and should be completed in one or two semesters. Application is by letter and should be submitted to the Department Office (A288 PSSB) early in the Fall Semester. Specific information is available in the Department Office.

Other Scholarships

Additional scholarships become available during the school year. Notices are placed on Bulletin Boards and sent to Horticulture students by email. Scholarships are also available to all Agriculture and Natural Resources students through the Office of the Director for Academic and Student Affairs of the College, 121 Agriculture Hall. Additional information regarding general scholarships is available at the University Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

Guaranteed Student Loans

Since the value of most horticulture scholarships or awards is a few hundred to $1000 dollars, students having greater financial need should refer to the Financial Aid Office at (517) 353-5940 in 252 Student Services Building.

For more information about the Horticulture Undergraduate Program, contact Terrie Hayes hayeste@msu.edu, Undergraduate Programs Office, A159 Plant & Soil Sciences Building, (517) 355-5191 x 325.