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Horticultural Sciences

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Graduate Catalog
  • Horticultural Sciences
  • Overview
  • Degrees Offered
  • Courses
  • Student Learning Outcomes

Program Information

The Horticultural Sciences (HOS) graduate program is administered jointly by the Environmental Horticulture (HSE) and Horticultural Sciences (HS) departments and offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (thesis or nonthesis options) and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Department offers a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program. Contact the graduate coordinator for information. Members of the program’s Graduate Faculty include department resident faculty and faculty at University of Florida Research and Education Centers located throughout Florida.

For admission to the HOS graduate program, apply to either the HS or HSE departments, depending on your career/research interest.

Requirements

A strong undergraduate or graduate background in horticultural, biological, agronomic, or other disciplines in the life sciences and undergraduate coursework in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A prospective graduate student need not have majored in horticulture as an undergraduate or master’s student; however, students with curriculum deficiencies are required to take prerequisite subjects during the first year of graduate study. Undergraduate courses taken to correct curriculum deficiencies do not count for graduate program credit.

Specializations in the HS department focus on vegetable and fruit crops and include

  • Plant Breeding and Genetics
  • Crop Production and Nutrient Management
  • Postharvest Biology
  • Organic Sustainable Agriculture
  • Weed Science
  • Physiology and Biochemistry
  • Plant Molecular Biology
  • Protected Agriculture

Numerous HS and HSE faculty participate in the interdisciplinary Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program. Students interested in molecular biology/biotechnology may pursue molecular-oriented studies in any listed specialization. Students interested in full specialization in molecular and related disciplines should contact the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology interdisciplinary program for specific requirements.

Specializations in the HSE department:

  • Breeding and Genetics
  • Restoration Ecology
  • Floriculture
  • Foliage Production
  • Plant anatomy and development
  • Plant Biotechnology
  • Plant Restoration Conservation Biotechnology
  • Stress Physiology
  • Taxonomy
  • Tissue Culture
  • Turfgrass Science
  • Woody Plants

Graduate School Degree Program Requirements Master of Science (Thesis Option)

Students must earn at least 30 credits as a graduate student at UF. No more than 9 of the 30 credits (earned with a grade of A, B+, or B) may be transferred from institutions approved for this purpose by the Dean of the Graduate School. A minimum of 12 credits is required in the Horticultural Sciences major; additionally, a maximum of 6 credits in HOS 6971 Research for Master's Thesis (1-15 cr.)- Master’s Research - may be counted toward the total credits. See here for information on M.S. graduate degrees.

A minor may be chosen in an academic unit other than the major. If a minor is chosen, at least 6 credits of course work are required in the minor field. Two 6-credit minors may be taken with the major academic unit’s permission. A 3.00 (truncated) GPA is required for minor credit. In addition, a representative from the department in which the minor is being received must be on the supervisory committee.

Master of Science Non-Thesis Option

This option offers additional training beyond the bachelor’s degree in a horticultural specialization. Essential elements of this program include a program of courses and a comprehensive written and/or final oral qualifying examination. There is no thesis requirement. A minimum of 30 credit hours of course work is required. Courses taken for program credit must be numbered 5000 or higher with at least 15 of these credits in the Horticultural Science major. With supervisory committee and college dean approval, 6 hours of 3000- or 4000-level undergraduate courses, taught outside the major department, may count toward the minimum requirements for the degree. Click for information on all graduate degrees.

A minor may be chosen in an academic unit other than the major. If a minor is chosen, at least 6 credits of work are required in the minor field. Two 6-credit minors may be taken with the major academic unit’s permission. A 3.00 (truncated) GPA is required for minor credit. In addition, a representative from the department in which the minor is being received must be on the supervisory committee.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree and is granted on evidence of general proficiency, distinctive attainment in a special field, and ability to conduct independent investigation as demonstrated in a dissertation presenting original research with a high degree of literary skill. Consequently, doctoral programs are more flexible and varied than those leading to M.S. degree programs. The Ph.D. degree requires at least 90 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, although specific course requirements vary from field to field and from student to student. Up to 30 credits of master’s degree may be transferred to a doctoral program. Any credits counted from an M.S. degree program must have been earned within the previous seven years (or by petition). The Graduate Council does not specify the courses required for the Ph.D. degree.

General requirements for the program include

  • a clear objective for research
  • approval of the student’s entire supervisory committee
  • an appropriate number of credits of doctoral research

Click for information on all graduate degrees.

Minor

With the supervisory committee’s approval, the student may choose one or more minor fields. Minor work may be completed in any academic unit outside the major, if approved for M.S. or doctoral programs listed in this catalog. The collective grade for courses included in a minor must be “B” (3.00) or higher. If one minor is chosen, the supervisory committee member representing the minor suggests 12 to 24 credits of courses numbered 5000 or higher as preparation for a qualifying examination. Part of this credit may have been earned in the M.S. degree program. If two minors are chosen, each must include at least 8 credits. Competence in the minor area is demonstrated by written examination by the minor academic unit, or by the oral qualifying examination. Minor course work at the doctoral level may include courses in more than one academic unit; if the objective of the minor is clearly stated and the combination of courses is approved by the Graduate School (this approval is not required for a minor in one academic unit). Further requirements for the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees are listed under those headings in the General Information section of this catalog.

Degrees Offered with a Major in Horticultural Sciences

  • Doctor of Philosophy
    • without a concentration
    • concentration in Environmental Horticulture
    • concentration in Horticultural Sciences
    • concentration in Toxicology
  • Master of Science
    • without a concentration
    • concentration in Environmental Horticulture
    • concentration in Horticultural Sciences

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Horticultural Sciences Program Courses

Course List
Code Title Credits
ALS 6935Topics in Biological Invasions3
BCH 5045Graduate Survey of Biochemistry4
BOT 6935Special Topics1-4
HOS 6934Professional Seminar Preparation1
PLS 5222CPropagation of Horticultural Crops3
PLS 5241CAdvanced Plant Micropropagation4
PLS 5405Advanced Composting Technology3

Additional Course Offerings

The following courses may be taken to contribute to the overall degree award requirements.

Botany Courses 

Course List by Depts
Code Title Credits
BOT 5225CPlant Anatomy4
BOT 5305Paleobotany3
BOT 5505CIntermediate Plant Physiology3
BOT 5625Plant Geography2
BOT 5655CPhysiological Plant Ecology3
BOT 5685CTropical Botany5
BOT 5695CEcosystems of Florida3
BOT 5725CTaxonomy of Vascular Plants4
BOT 6508CProteomics Theory and Practice3
BOT 6516Plant Metabolism3
BOT 6566Plant Growth and Development3
BOT 6716CAdvanced Taxonomy2
BOT 6726CPrinciples of Systematic Biology4
BOT 6905Individual Studies in Botany1-3
BOT 6910Supervised Research1-5
BOT 6927Advances in Botany1-3
BOT 6935Special Topics1-4
BOT 6936Graduate Student Seminar1-2
BOT 6971Research for Master's Thesis1-15
BOT 7979Advanced Research1-12
BOT 7980Research for Doctoral Dissertation1-15
PCB 5046CAdvanced Ecology3
PCB 5338Principles of Ecosystem Ecology3
PCB 5356Tropical Ecology3
PLP 6656CFungal Biology4

 

Environmental Horticulture Courses

Course List by Depts
Code Title Credits
ALS 5934Graduate Professional Development Seminar2
BCH 5045Graduate Survey of Biochemistry4
HOS 5117CHorticultural Plant Morphology and Identification3
HOS 5432Advanced Nutritional Management of Ornamental Crops3
HOS 5515CGreenhouse and Nursery Operations3
HOS 6070Plant Materials for Conservation and Restoration3
HOS 6523Research and Development in Turfgrass Science3
HOS 6905Problems in Horticultural Science1-4
HOS 6910Supervised Research1-5
HOS 6931Horticultural Science Seminar1
HOS 6932Special Topics1-4
HOS 6940Supervised Teaching1-5
HOS 6941Practicum in Horticultural Science2-4
HOS 6971Research for Master's Thesis1-15
HOS 6991Evolution, Eco-physiology and Global Importance of Seeds4
HOS 7979Advanced Research1-12
HOS 7980Research for Doctoral Dissertation1-15
ORH 5026CAdvanced Annual and Perennial Gardening3
ORH 5086Advanced Golf and Sports Turf Management2
ORH 5282Orchid Biology and Culture3
ORH 5817CAdvanced Florida Native Landscaping3
PLS 5222CPropagation of Horticultural Crops3
PLS 5241CAdvanced Plant Micropropagation4
PLS 5405Advanced Composting Technology3

Horticultural Sciences Departmental Courses

Course List by Depts
Code Title Credits
ALS 5932Special Topics1-4
HOS 5085CPrinciples of Postharvest Horticulture3
HOS 5242Genetics & Breeding of Vegetable Crops3
HOS 5306Molecular Biology of Plant Hormones3
HOS 5330Postharvest Technologies for Horticultural Crops2
HOS 5555Tropical Fruit Production and Research in Florida3
HOS 5711Phytochemicals in Food & Health3
HOS 6201Breeding Perennial Cultivars3
HOS 6236Molecular Marker Assisted Plant Breeding3
HOS 6331Postharvest Biology3
HOS 6345Environmental Physiology4
HOS 6355Root and Rhizosphere Ecology3
HOS 6373CPlant Cell Culture3
HOS 6412Nutrition of Horticultural Crops3
HOS 6545Advanced Citriculture I3
HOS 6546Advanced Citriculture II3
HOS 6905Problems in Horticultural Science1-4
HOS 6910Supervised Research1-5
HOS 6931Horticultural Science Seminar1
HOS 6932Special Topics1-4
HOS 6934Professional Seminar Preparation1
HOS 6940Supervised Teaching1-5
HOS 6941Practicum in Horticultural Science2-4
HOS 6971Research for Master's Thesis1-15
HOS 7979Advanced Research1-12
HOS 7980Research for Doctoral Dissertation1-15
PCB 5065Advanced Genetics4
PCB 5530Plant Molecular Biology and Genomics3
PCB 6528Plant Cell and Developmental Biology3
PCB 6910Supervised Research1-5
PCB 6937Special Topics in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology1-4
PCB 6971Research for Master's Thesis1-15
PCB 7922Journal Colloquy in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology1
PCB 7979Advanced Research1-12
PCB 7980Research for Doctoral Dissertation1-15
WDS 6005Weed Management for Organic and Sustainable Cropping Systems3

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Courses

Course List by College
Code Title Credits
ALS 5156Agricultural Ecology Principles and Applications3
ALS 5905Individual Study1-4
ALS 5932Special Topics1-4
ALS 6046Grant Writing2
ALS 6166Exotic Species and Biosecurity Issues3
ALS 6921Colloquium on Plant Pests of Regulatory Significance1
ALS 6925Integrated Plant Medicine4
ALS 6931Plant Medicine Program Seminar1
ALS 6935Topics in Biological Invasions3
ALS 6942Principles of Plant Pest Risk Assessment and Management3
ALS 6943Internship in Plant Pest Risk Assessment and Management1-10
ANS 6936Graduate Seminar in Animal Molecular and Cell Biology1-2
BCH 5045Graduate Survey of Biochemistry4
FYC 6422Policy Issues and Case Studies in Nonprofit Organizations3
STA 6093Introduction to Applied Statistics for Agricultural and Life Sciences3
STA 6329Matrix Algebra and Statistical Computing3

horticultural sciences (PHD)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Describe and explain theories and concepts of the various disciplines of Horticultural Sciences including plant physiology and plant genetics as related to horticultural plant growth and development, and the integration of structure and function of the whole plant

SLO 2     Knowledge        
Describe new techniques and technologies from associated disciplines

SLO 3     Knowledge        
Evaluate horticultural systems, components and/or processes to meet industry and societal needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability constraints

SLO 4     Skills     
Design and conduct experiments required for successful production of fruit and vegetable crops and analyze results

SLO 5     Skills     
Communicate horticultural ideas, technical data and design information clearly and professionally to other students, scientists and the public

SLO 6     Professional Behavior   
Display ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork skills and professional conduct

Horticultural sciences (MS)-Environmental Horticulture

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Describe and explain theories and concepts the various disciplines of Horticultural Sciences including plant physiology and plant genetics as related to horticultural plant growth and development, and the integration of structure and function of the whole plant.

SLO 2     Knowledge        
Evaluate and advance horticultural systems, components and/or processes to meet industry and societal needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability

SLO 3     Knowledge       
Describe techniques and technologies from associated disciplines as applied to Environmental Horticulture

SLO 4     Skills     
Design, conduct, and evaluate experiments or study required to advance or improve production and/or management of horticultural crops and analyze results

SLO 5     Skills     
Communicate in written and oral form horticultural ideas, technical data and design information clearly and professionally to other students, scientists and the public

SLO 6     Professional Behavior   
Display ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork skills and professional conduct

Horticultural sciences (MS)-Horticultural Sciences

SLO 1          Knowledge       
Describe and explain theories and concepts the various disciplines of Horticultural Sciences including plant physiology and plant genetics as related to horticultural plant growth and development, and the integration of structure and function of the whole plant

SLO 2             Knowledge      
Describe new techniques and technologies from associated disciplines

SLO 3             Knowledge       
Evaluate horticultural systems, components and/or processes to meet industry and societal needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability constraints                        

SLO 4 HS              Skills    
Design and conduct experiments required for successful production of fruits and vegetables and analyze results

SLO 5 HS              Skills    
Communicate horticultural ideas, technical data and design information clearly and professionally to other students, scientists and the public

SLO 6 HS              Professional Behavior  
Display ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork skills and professional conduct

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