Plant Agriculture and Horticulture Option Curriculum
The Plant Agriculture and Horticulture option (formerly the "Horticulture/Turfgrass Industry" Option) in the Plant Science major is designed for students intending to pursue careers in food and plant production, turfgrass and/or botanical garden management, as well as the nursery industry. The curriculum is designed to give students practical knowledge in a wide range of plant biology topics including agriculture, ornamental horticulture, turfgrass science, plant physiology, pest management, plant breeding and production, while fostering an environment that helps students gain hands on experience and skills.
What Is the Difference Between Agriculture and Horticulture?
- Agriculture: Science of growing plants for food.
- Horticulture: Art and Science of growing plants for a variety of purposes.
- This major option provides students with a foundation in both disciplines, emphasizing the agricultural and horticultural industries that are most relevant to New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic region.
All students must meet with a Plant Science advisor each semester to select the appropriate courses in order to ensure they are on track to graduate in a timely manner.
Not sure where to begin? Contact an advisor to find out if this option is a good fit for you.
Curriculum for the Major in Plant Science, Plant Agriculture and Horticulture option (89–95 credits)
A. Plant Science Major Requirements (37–38 credits)
General Biology and Laboratory (all) (10 credits)
01:119:115 General Biology I (4)
01:119:116 General Biology II (4)
01:119:117 Biological Research Laboratory (2)
OR as transfer credit only:
01:110:101 General Biology (4)
01:110:102 General Biology (4)
General Chemistry and Laboratory (all) (9 credits)
01:160:161 General Chemistry (4)
01:160:162 General Chemistry (4)
01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation (1)
Experiential Learning (3 credits). Choose from the following (advisor approved):
11:776:495,496 Special Problems in Plant Science
11:015:497,498 George H. Cook Scholars Program
11:902:300,301,400 SEBS Internship I, II, Coop
11:550:240 Public Garden Management required for the Public Garden Management Internship and the Student Farm Internship at Rutgers Gardens
11:020:321 Principles and Practice of Small-scale Organic Farming as required for the Student Farm Internship at Rutgers Gardens
Study Abroad
SEBS International Summer Study Abroad Program
ARESTY Research Assistant Program
Professional Ethics (3 credits). Choose from the following:
01:730:107 Introduction to Ethics (3)
01:730:240 Bioethics (3)
01:730:250 Environmental Ethics (3)
11:607:385 The Ethical Leader (3)
Soils (3–4 credits). Choose from the following:
11:776:102 Soil and Society (3)
11:776:405 Soil Fertility (3)
11:776:404 Soil Management for Sports and Landscape Applications (3)
11:375:453 Soil Ecology (3)
11:375:360 Soils and Water (4)
Plant Science Fundamentals (all) (9 credits):
11:776:210 Principles of Botany (3)
11:776:211 Introduction to Horticulture (3)
11:776:242 Plant Science (3)
B. Additional Plant Agriculture and Horticulture Option requirements (52–57 credits)
Quantitative Methods (all) (3–6 credits)
01:640:115 Precalculus (4)
01:640:135 Calculus I OR higher (4)
OR for transfer students with completed precalculus or higher: Choose one of the following:
01:960:211 Statistics I AND 212 Statistics II (3,3)
01:960:401 Basic Statistics for Research (3)
Business Courses (all) (9 credits)
11:373:121 Principles and Applications of Microeconomics (3)
11:373:231 Introduction to Marketing (3)
11:373:241 Introduction to Management (3) OR 11:373:341 Management: Human Systems Development (3)
Applied Major Requirements (all) (15–17 credits)
11:776:302 General Plant Pathology (3)
11:776:382 Plant Physiology (4) OR 11:776:202 Applied Physiology of Horticultural Crops (3)
11:776:391 Weeds, Diseases, and Insects (3)
11:776:406 Plant Breeding (3)
11:776:306 Weed Science and Management (3)
Plant Science Electives (24 credits) (if not already used above)
A total of 24 credits from any 11:776:xxx course at the 200 level or above
01:960:401 Basic Statistics for Research
or advisor approved elective
Program Director
Dr. Nrupali Patel
Foran Hall, Rm. 372
848-932-6392
Email: npatel@sebs.rutgers.edu
Martin Hall, Suite 109
848-932-3516
For Prospective Students Contact
Dr. Harna Patel
Teaching Instructor
Foran Hall, Rm. 386
Email: harna.patel@rutgers.edu