Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A land-grant institution
Horticulture
Horticulture is the science and art of using plants to improve human life—through the cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops, providing ecosystem services through sustainable landscapes, and improving human well-being through environmental design. Virginia Tech’s Department of Horticulture offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in a range of applied plant science topics, from landscape design and sustainable urban landscaping, to biotechnology, crop production, and plant breeding. The department maintains active research and outreach programs focusing on solving applied plant science questions with state, national, and international impact.
Undergraduate Program - Bachelor's Degree
The horticulture curriculum builds on a broad foundation in science, communication, economics, and horticultural science during the first two years and then provides for an individualized program of study based on student interests and goals. In the junior year, or earlier if desired, students may begin specializing in one of the following options:
Horticulture Crops Production - Students gain knowledge on how to manage and market ornamental and food crops. They learn sustainable and organic alternatives to meet tomorrow's challenges, whether in Virginia or around the globe.
Landscape Contracting - Students learn to design, build, and manage beautiful and functional landscapes using science-based practices that improve the living environment and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Horticulture Science and Biotechnology - Graduates are ready to find a cutting-edge career improving horticulture crops through micropropagation, molecular engineering, and plant-pathogen interactions.
Graduate Programs
The Horticulture Department offers both Master’s of Science and Doctoral degree programs. Graduate degree programs are available in all areas of faculty specialization, including environmental and urban horticulture, vegetable and fruit crops, vineyard cultivation, nursery production, plant breeding and genetics, and molecular biology. The department also participates in the Agricultural and Life Sciences Online Master’s Program and horticulture faculty can serve as advisors for online graduate students.
Research
Horticulture faculty research focuses on both fundamental plant science questions and applied horticultural research. A range of excellent laboratory and field facilities including Latham Hall, the Urban Horticulture Center, and Kentland Farm support diverse faculty, graduate, and undergraduate research programs.
Extension and Outreach Programs
The Department of Horticulture supports a diverse array of outreach programs in Blacksburg and in Agricultural Research and Extension Centers in Hampton Roads, Blackstone, and Winchester, Virginia. Outreach focuses on sustainable approaches for the green industry and horticultural crop production. The horticulture department’s Hahn Horticulture Garden offers educational programming to its members and the public. In addition, the department coordinates the state Master Gardener Program.
Contact Information:
Roger Harris, Interim Department Head
Saunders Hall (0327)
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
(540) 231-5451
Fax: (540) 231-3083
rharris@vt.edu