Looking to improve your horticultural knowledge and skills?
Interested in professional training to advance your career in horticulture, begin a new career in horticulture, start your own horticultural business, or simply satisfy your interest in the science and art of horticulture?
Want to be a horticulturist when you grow up?

If your answer to any of these questions is yes, the Master of Agriculture in Horticulture degree may be just what you need to achieve your academic and professional goals and objectives.

Background & Rationale for the Program
The Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota is committed to providing top quality, interdisciplinary educational opportunities specific to the needs of a diverse student population. This commitment includes addressing the special needs of the growing number of students described as nontraditional including those interested in returning to school for additional training or retraining in preparation for a career change. Identified by their unique perspective and desire for an educational experience and training beyond the Bachelor's degree, such students often have a different and more focused academic agenda than the typical undergraduate student and a vocational path that differs from that of students interested in the Master of Science degree. The Master of Agriculture (M. Ag.) in Horticulture program is intended for just such students.

The Master of Agriculture in Horticulture degree is designed to advance the knowledge, expertise, and skills of individuals currently employed within the horticulture industry and to provide the knowledge base needed by others interested in beginning new careers, starting their own business, or simply furthering their personal interests in the field of horticulture. In support of these varied educational goals, the M. Ag. degree provides a solid foundation of contemporary horticultural knowledge, yet is flexible enough to allow individual students to focus on the specific skills and objectives they desire as outcomes.

Minimum preparation for admission to the program includes a bachelor's degree and knowledge of introductory, college-level concepts of algebra; chemistry; and biology, botany, or plant propagation. Students without previous coursework in these areas may complete the prerequisites through the University's College of Continuing Education (CCE) or by completing equivalent coursework at other institutions. In addition to the academic standards required for admission, prospective students must also demonstrate a strong interest in the field of horticulture.

Many interested in seeking advanced degrees in horticulture are already working horticultural professionals. The status of any business never remains static. Expanding technologies, combined with tremendous advances in information and theory pertaining to the production, management, and marketing of horticultural crops and products, have encouraged many in the field to seek advanced education and training. In addition, the horticulture industry continues to face age-old challenges including expanding competition and increased customer sophistication and demand for quality products and services. Having well-educated, insightful employees, who possess the skills, experience, and creativity needed to develop improved production and marketing strategies, increase productivity and efficiency, and thereby maintain profit potential, will be key to meeting these challenges.

The Master of Agriculture in Horticulture degree program benefits employers by providing employees with the updated knowledge and skills needed to increase productivity and product quality and through reduced needs for employer-based training. Potential students employed by horticultural firms who are considering pursuing a professional degree are more interested in securing such up-to-date information and learning how to apply it to problems associated with horticultural production and marketing than research. It is this distinction, advanced knowledge and enhanced problem-solving abilities vs. scientific research, which fundamentally separates the Master of Agriculture from the Master of Science degree.

The Master of Agriculture in Horticulture program will also appeal to individuals currently employed in non-horticultural fields and others who have developed an interest in horticulture and want to learn more about horticultural science. Pursuit of their interest in horticulture may serve to enrich their lives or provide the knowledge and experience required for a future career change. The next logical step, and one of the most direct and recognizable achievements for such individuals, is to earn an advanced degree through a professional Master's degree program. Such degrees are already recognized as valuable credentials in other fields (e.g., M.B.A., M.Ed.) and the Master of Agriculture in Horticulture degree program seeks to provide such accreditation for horticultural professionals seeking advanced training as well as newcomers to the horticulture profession.

The Master of Agriculture in Horticulture degree program seeks to advance the educational goals of anyone interested in horticulture and addresses the special needs of non-traditional students by providing flexible, individualized, programming specific to the goals and objectives of the student. The program seeks to prepare graduates for leadership roles in all segments of the horticulture profession. The program may also be structured to comply with the requirements for Horticultural Certification by the American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops, and Soils (ARCPACS): A Federation of Certifying Boards in Agriculture, Biology, and the Earth and Environmental Sciences who certify professionals in agronomy, crop science, soil science, horticulture, plant pathology, and weed science.

Graduates of the Master of Agriculture in Horticulture degree program will possess advanced production and management skills, strong written and oral communication abilities, and a desire to keep up with new developments in their field. Above all, graduates of the program should demonstrate a commitment to excellence and professional ethics and will be equipped to quickly fill positions of responsibility and authority.

In general, the Master of Agriculture program enables the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) to better serve the educational needs of a diverse and ever changing clientele. More specifically, the Master of Agriculture in Horticulture program enables the Department of Horticultural Science to meet the needs of the growing number of students interested in advanced training in the field of horticulture. Interest in the program has been high and many have said, "This is just what I was looking for." In addition, the unique perspectives, experiences, and enthusiasm brought to the Department by Master of Agriculture students bring a new dimension to the Department and have enhanced the learning experience for all students. That's exciting. If the Master of Agriculture in Horticulture program interests you, and you would like further information, give us a call.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Department of Horticultural Science and working with you to design a program that fulfills your needs.

For additional information contact:

James B. Calkins
Coordinator, Master of Agriculture-Horticulture Program
612-624-9231
e-mail: calki001@umn.edu