Horticulture Program

Students may choose to specialize in horticulture. This program includes courses in the horticultural sciences and business. Graduates of this sequence are employed as landscape designers, garden center managers, interior "plantscape" managers, and municipal horticulturists. 

Curriculum

In addition to the required courses offered by the Agriculture Department, students in this program are required to complete 19 hours in the College of Business and/or the Department of Economics. Chemistry, economics, accounting, finite math, and biology are some of the general education courses that are required.

Visit the online Undergraduate Catalog for more about curriculum requirements, course descriptions, general education requirements, and additional degree requirements.

Career Opportunities Available to Our Graduates

Students graduating with a degree in horticulture have great career opportunities available to them. Nationally the job market is excellent. A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture study indicates that there will be a significant shortage of college-educated individuals in the scientific and business specialties associated with the U.S. food and agricultural system.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Students are encouraged to enhance their classroom experiences by participating in our internship program. On average the Department of Agriculture has 36 students completing internships each summer. The University Farm provides hands-on experiences and many employment opportunities are also available. Illinois State's horticulture students have many research opportunities available to them. Students can use the greenhouses to raise plants for their research. In addition, their input can affect the creation and development of the Horticulture Center.

Students have the opportunity to participate in the France Exchange Program and our student organizations help develop leadership skills and provide opportunities to network with fellow students, faculty, and professionals.

We Want to Help You Succeed!

The Department of Agriculture offers several scholarships and interested students should apply. Applications for incoming students and current majors are available online. In addition to the university sponsored career events, the department hosts a Career Fair specifically geared towrd the students seeking internships and full-time employment in the agriculture industry.

Come See For Yourself

We encourage prospective students to visit the campus and meet with a representative from our department. To arrange a tour of campus please contact the Office of Admissions. For more information about the Agriculture Department or to arrange to meet with us in person, please contact our department advisor, (309) 438-8767.