Graduate Certificate in Advanced Horticulture
The Certificate in Advanced Horticulture is an individually-designed program of 12-credits of graduate coursework in Horticultural Science. The Certificate is designed to offer individually-tailored graduate-level coursework to students who want to position themselves to advance their careers in Horticulture; augment graduate training in an allied discipline, such as Entomology or Plant Pathology; or gain knowledge for a career-change into Horticulture. The program can be completed with online courses, face-to-face courses, or via a combination of distance and classroom coursework, depending upon each student's geographical location and preferences.
As a member of the Horticulture program through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), Kansas State University shares delivery of and access to graduate-level coursework in Horticulture with partner institutions.
Courses
Following is a list of courses that are always available for Certificate completion, but in consultation with their advisor, students may select alternative coursework to meet their personal educational objectives and goals. The Certificate requires that at least 3 credits of coursework provide a basis in horticultural crop physiology (examples in Group A below).
| Course Number (Cr) | Course Name | Institution(s) | Delivery Method |
| Group A - 3 credit minimum | |||
| HORT 640 (3) | Pr/Plant Physiology | TTU | Distance |
| HORT 706 (3) | Turfgrass Science | K-State, TTU | On-campus, distance |
| HORT 800 (3) | Horticultural Physiology | K-State | On-campus |
| HORT 815 (3) | Plant Nutrition and Nutrient Management | UNL | Distance |
| HORT 960 (3) | Environmental Plant Stress | K-State | On-campus |
| AGRON 820 (3) | Plant Water Relations | K-State | On-campus |
| AGRON 820 (3) | Plant Water Relations | TTU | Distance |
| Group B - up to 9 credits | |||
| HORT 600 (3) | Herbaceous Crop Production | K-State | On-campus |
| HORT 625 (2) | Floral Crops Production and Handling | K-State | On-campus |
| HORT 630 (3) | General Viticulture | UCSU | Distance |
| HORT 695 (3) | Introduction to Permaculture | NCSU | Distance |
| HORT 710 (3) | Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture | K-State | On-campus |
| HORT 720 (3) | Environmental Nursery Production | NCSU | Distance |
| HORT 760 (3) | Business Management for Horticulture Enterprises | UNL | Distance |
| HORT 775 (3) | Plant Breeding Methods in Horticulture | NCSU | Distance |
| Other courses may be available upon consultation with your advisor | |||
Educational Objective of the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Horticulture
The educational objective of the degree program is to:
Provide advanced understanding of the physiological processes that govern plant reproduction, growth and/or development within the practical context of the cultural and business practices applied in a horticultural discipline.
The objective has two components:
- advanced understanding of plant physiological processes, and
- advanced understanding, within a practical or applied horticultural context, of cultural and/or business practices.
Application Procedure for Graduate Certificate in Advanced Horticulture
The application procedure for the Certificate is similar to applying to graduate school, but simpler in a couple ways. The steps to follow are:
- Complete the Admission Application for Graduate School online; there is an online application fee. All application materials are submitted online.
- Prepare a Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages) indicating your area(s) of interest, your long-term goals, and why you are interested in pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Horticulture. The Statement of Purpose is an important component of your application.
- Order transcripts for all college course work. Students whose transcripts are not in English must furnish an English translation by an appropriate authority.
- International Students: TOEFL scores.