All doctoral candidates conduct independent research leading to a dissertation, with the objective of making a major contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in Horticulture. Portions of the dissertation research are normally published in peer-reviewed journals. Students in this degree option are expected to have completed a research-based master’s degree or to have equivalent research experience prior to enrolling in the doctoral program.

Student Learning Outcomes:

All graduates will be able to:

To prepare students to enter the many and varied professions of horticulture and/or its related fields, the program provides students with:

Advanced knowledge and skills necessary to function as a creative and professional practitioner, communicator, educator, or investigator in the field of horticulture.
Intellectual means of identifying and assessing the interactions among the many issues associated with horticulture and society at large.
Skills and intellectual means of contributing new knowledge to the profession of horticulture.

To prepare students to be successful researchers in horticultural science and/or related fields, the program provides students with:

Ability to design, conduct, analyze, and communicate a research plan and results.
Critical thinking skills and ability to question or re-evaluate current thinking and standards related to horticultural science.
Skills to identify, locate, and apply knowledge discovered from horticultural science and related fields of study.
Opportunities to develop and communicate scientific hypotheses and problem solving.

Career Opportunities:

University faculty positions; Federal and state agricultural laboratories; Extension specialists; Management positions in allied and agricultural industries; Technical positions; Post doctoral positions.