Degrees and Certificates

Which degree option is your best choice? Depends on your educational background, educational goals, and time. Select the best option for the choices below.

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Certificate in Horticultural Science – can be completed in 2 years
The Undergraduate Certificate in Horticultural Science provides a basic introduction into the science of horticulture and horticultural practices as they pertain to the home garden. A broad-range of courses are available in a distance education format as well as face-to-face. A high school diploma or GED is required.

Associates Degree – can be completed in 2 years
The Associates Degree in Ornamentals Landscape Technology is a hands-on, applied horticultural training program. Students take courses in all aspects of growing plants in ornamental plant production systems and landscapes as well as business and pest management courses. A high school diploma with at least a 2.0 GPA is required. This program is also known as the Ag Institute: AA Degree

Horticultural Science Minor – The academic minor in Horticultural Science is offered to students who desire a strong foundation in the principles of horticultural science. Students may choose to enhance their own major by selecting courses in a specialized area of horticulture such as fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, floriculture, or landscape horticulture, or they may pursue a more general approach to the entire field of study.

Bachelor of Science Degree – can be completed in 4 years
The BS degree provides students an in-depth, science education and training in all areas of Horticulture with options that focus in areas such as landscape design, ornamental plant production, or food crop production. An high school diploma and SAT scores are required. Students may also transfer into the BS program from another university or community college. A Minor in Horticultural Science is also an option.

Graduate Programs

Graduate Certificate Program – can be completed in 2 years
The graduate certificate in Horticultural Science allows a student the opportunity to explore graduate level courses in Horticulture within a narrow or broad focus. Courses focus on science, research, and practical aspects of Horticulture disciplines. A Bachelor of Science degree is required (a Bachelor of Arts degree may be acceptable).

Master of Horticultural Science – can be completed in 2 to 2 1/2 years
This non-thesis, graduate degree allows a student to focus in an area of study within the science of Horticulture and requires the completion of a project. Available as a distance education program as well as a traditional, on-campus program. The MHS is intended for students who do not plan to continue on for a PhD. A Bachelor of Science and GRE scores are required.

Master of Science – can be completed in 2 to 2 1/2 years
A graduate degree which allows a student's course work to focus in an area of Horticulture while the student also learns research techniques. Requires the completion of at least one research project and a thesis. A Bachelor of Science and GRE scores are required.

Doctor of Philosophy – can be completed in 3 to 3 1/2 years
The most advanced degree awarded, the PhD requires the student to demonstrate proficiency in designing, implementing, and analyzing research projects. Students must successfully pass written as well as oral exams and write a dissertation summarizing research findings. A Master of Science is required.

Distance Programs

AG-Idea The AG*IDEA programs are supported by thirteen public research universities, each of which brings a unique strength to the multi-institution Alliance. The fully-online degrees, certificates and courses of AG*IDEA provide flexibility, enabling students to balance career advancement with professional, social and financial commitments.