Undergraduate Programs - HPS

Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences

This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the production and management of plants and soils for food, fiber, forage, oil, recreation, landscaping and the enhancement of the human environment.

Areas of Emphasis

Students may select one of seven Areas of Emphasis in the Horticulture, Plant and Soil Science program.

Crops and Livestock - emphasizes the intersections between the crop and livestock industries. Graduates find their niche in agricultural extension or livestock and crop consulting, farm management, and production agriculture, or agricultural supply business.

Crops and Soils - emphasizes the interactions between plants and soils. Graduates are employed in positions in crop consulting, a wide range of agribusinesses, and crop farm management.

Horticulture Enterprise Management - emphasizes horticultural production and business skills. Careers include managing nurseries, greenhouses or fruit/vegetable enterprises; installing and maintaining ornamental plants; and managing botanical gardens.

Horticulture Science - emphasizes horticulture and the basic sciences. Careers include research positions with universities, botanical gardens, the USDA, industry, and state and federal regulatory services. Graduates are well prepared to pursue advanced degrees.

Plant Pest Management - emphasizes the science and technology of integrated pest management through a combination of entomology, plant pathology, and weed management. Graduates work in research and management positions in agribusiness and public agencies.

Soil and Water Environmental Science - emphasizes the basic sciences and concentrates on soil and water interaction. Graduates are prepared for careers with such federal and state agencies as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service, or the Kentucky Division of Water.

Turfgrass Science - emphasizes the science and business aspects of intensively managed grass plantings. Graduates are employed in golf course management, the commercial lawn care industry, and the management of turf fields for other sports.

Careers:

Graduates with a B.S. degree in Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences are needed in production, management, distribution, sales, consulting, research, education, recreation, and public service. If you're interested in understanding how plants grow, if you enjoy the basic sciences and using advanced computer technology, if you'd like to work outdoors or own a farm or business, if you want to educate others or have the opportunity for international travel, then consider a major in Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky.

Alumni:

Amanda Abney Gumbert, BS, Plant and Soil Science (Soil and Water Environmental Science emphasis), 1999. Currently employed by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service as an Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues.

"The professors in the Plant and Soil Sciences department provided me with the knowledge and expertise necessary to succeed in an environmental science career. Classroom and field experiences together with extracurricular clubs and activities gave me a well-rounded foundation for graduate school and the workforce."

Requirements:

Undergraduate Bulletin.

Contacts:

Crops & Livestock, Crops & Soils, Plant & Pest Management or Soil & Water Environmental Science Options
Dr. Todd Pfeiffer (Director of Undergraduate Studies)
329 Plant Science Building
Plant and Soil Sciences Dept.
Lexington, KY 40546-0312
(859) 257-5020, ext. 80771
tpfeiffe@uky.edu

Horticulture Option
Dr. Jack Buxton (Director of Undergraduate Studies)
N310 Agricultural Science Center North
Horticulture
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
(859) 257-3781
jbuxton@uky.edu

Turfgrass Science Option
Dr. David Williams
N222J Agricultural Science Center North
Plant and Soil Sciences Dept.
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
(859) 257-2715
dwilliam@uky.edu