The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Horticulture program is designed to prepare students to become successful independent researchers to help meet the challenge of providing nutritious foods and sustaining an aesthetically-pleasing and healthy environment to support the health and well-being of the citizens of Texas and beyond. Our program provides an advanced science-based education for students through innovative teaching and directed horticultural research experiences. The program encompasses basic genetic, physiology, production, processing and utilization of horticultural products including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and landscape plants.

The Department of Horticultural Sciences is focused on improving the quality of life related to the aesthetic disciplines, the production of healthful fruits and vegetables, and improving the utility and sustainability of the built environment. The PhD in Horticulture prepares students to accomplish this mission by providing them with the knowledge, resources and skills to become productive researchers in the field of Horticulture. The program includes formal classroom training, basic and applied research opportunities, and public outreach opportunities through Extension programming. The PhD degree is obtained through appropriate course work, completion of research and other requirements, successful completion of university-directed administrative procedures, and successful defense of the dissertation. The research project and specific coursework will be outlined by the student with guidance from the student's graduate advisory committee members. Students completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture are prepared for teaching/research positions within academia or lead research positions in government or the private sector.

This program is offered as a cooperative program with Texas A&M University-Kingsville.