Environmental Horticulture

What is Environmental Horticulture? Environmental horticulture is the art and science of cultivating plants for human health and beautification of our environment. Our Environmental horticulture curriculum concentrates on the practical application of theoretical concepts that support the development, production, and management of plants using conventional, sustainable, and organic practices in landscapes and controlled environments. Students with a degree in environmental horticulture take careers in greenhouse production, interior plantscaping, landscape design and management, nursery management, turf and athletic field management, and the development of recreational areas for public and private use.

Environmental Horticulture Requirements Students in environmental horticulture are required to complete courses in horticulture, soils and plant sciences. Obtain a 60-credit Bachelor of Science degree in environmental horticulture by completing the 36 credits of requirements plus one of the 24-credit emphases described below. May complete the 36-credit major and minor in another area such as soil and crop science (Agronomy), biotechnology, agribusiness or business administration, art, etc. May complete the 36-credit major and a second major in another area.

Environmental Horticulture Emphasis Areas Greenhouse and Garden Center Management Created for students who wish to operate their own business or be a manager in a large firm. Students complete a minimum of 45 credits of environmental horticulture and plant science plus 15 credits in agribusiness, business administration or computer science. Professional Landscape Management Created to meet the needs of students interested in careers in landscape design, landscape maintenance or turf science. Students complete a minimum of 51 credits of environmental horticulture and plant science plus 9 credits in agribusiness, business administration, computer science or agriculture mechanics and industrial technology.

Environmental Horticulture Emphasis Areas Plant Breeding and Genetics Created for students pursuing a career in plant breeding and molecular genetics research, or interested in graduate study. Students complete a minimum of 51 credits of environmental horticulture, plant science, genetics and biotechnology plus nine credits in agribusiness, business administration, computer science or communications. International Created for students wishing to add an “International flavor” to their educational experience. Students are required to complete the core curriculum outlined in the environmental horticulture requirements as well as 24- credits of approved courses that focus on International Studies. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad, one-on- one exchange, or Instructor-led international experiences.

Pioneer Greenhouse and Gardens Facilities Pioneer Greenhouse Opened in sq ft Tomatoes and fresh herbs for catering Pioneer Gardens Opened themed gardens About ¾ acre Outdoor laboratory Maintained by students Supported by contributions

Environmental Horticulture Internships Great opportunity for career experience Learning beyond the classroom Helps bring meaning to academic work Connections with the industry Advantage in employment opportunities May help improve initial salary offer

Environmental Horticulture Career Opportunities Professional Careers Greenhouse manager & grower Plant breeder & geneticist Biotechnology lab technician or lab manager Landscape designer Landscape maintenance Golf course superintendent Small business owner

Environmental Horticulture Student Learning Goal One Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. Outcomes: Students will enhance and value their written and oral communication skills with liberal arts and science-based knowledge Students will improve their self-confidence and comfort level during public speaking Students will be able to communicate with their peers in the environmental horticulture and botanic fields using professional terminology

Environmental Horticulture Student Learning Goal Two Exhibit working knowledge of ornamental plant species in Midwest landscapes, greenhouses, athletic fields, and public and interior spaces. Outcomes: Students will possess working knowledge of current plant nomenclature for important ornamental plant species Students will possess working knowledge of the care, use and placement of ornamental plant species in a variety of settings

Environmental Horticulture Student Learning Goal Three Demonstrate an in-depth comprehension of the horticultural and biological sciences, and be able to apply their knowledge as it relates to environmental horticulture in a variety of settings. Outcomes: Comprehend and apply knowledge of plant physiological processes on plant growth and development of natural and bioengineered plants in production and landscape settings Comprehend and apply knowledge of genotypic and environmental influences on plant growth and development Comprehend and apply knowledge of the influence of soils and soilless growing media on plant growth and development in protected and unprotected environmental horticulture Comprehend and apply the basic principles of integrated pest management to control weeds, pests, diseases and physiological disorders of ornamental plants Comprehend and apply the basic principles of landscape design and management

Environmental Horticulture Student Learning Goal Four Possess the ability to think creatively and recognize, analyze, diagnose and critically evaluate problems and practices, as well as employ problem solving techniques individually or using a team oriented approach. Outcomes: Demonstrate an ability to observe, investigate and evaluate problem situations to achieve clear and concise deductions Possess the ability to apply a logical, stepwise approach to solving practical problems Demonstrate an ability to collect and analyze information and compose professional, technical reports

Environmental Horticulture Student Learning Goal Five Possess a comprehension of the administrative and managerial skills necessary when managing and operating a horticultural business. Outcomes: Competent in the application of computerized technology Comprehend effective management of employees and colleagues of diverse backgrounds Comprehend effective management and attainment of non-human resources Recognize and compare efficient and optimal production practices for sustainability

Environmental Horticulture Student Learning Goal Six Be professionals and leaders in society and environmental horticulture that act in a courteous, ethical and responsible manner. Outcomes: Seek and participate in campus, community, professional and international opportunities Comprehend the need to act ethically and responsibly in professional and personal matters Appreciate the contribution of colleagues regardless of rank, race, gender or sexual orientation

Environmental Horticulture Assessment Tools Employer Internship Surveys Employed every semester that interns are employed Senior Exit Surveys Employed every semester Job Placement Employed annually Employer Assessment of Recent Graduates Not employed

Intern Employer Surveys Results Goal 1: Communication Skills Ninety-six percent of employers rated student communication skills as average or greater.

Intern Employer Surveys Results Goal 2: Knowledge and Use of Plant Materials Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student knowledge of plant material as average or greater.

Intern Employer Surveys Results Goal 3: Comprehensive knowledge and application of Environmental Horticulture and Biological Sciences Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student knowledge and application of environmental horticulture and biological sciences as average or greater.

Intern Employer Surveys Results Goal 4: Able to think creatively and solve problems Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student ability to think creatively solve problems as average or greater.

Intern Employer Surveys Results Goal 5: Comprehend the administrative and managerial skills necessary when managing and operating a horticultural business Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student comprehension of administrative and managerial skills as average or greater.

Intern Employer Surveys Results Goal 6: Be professionals and leaders in society and environmental horticulture that act in a courteous, ethical and responsible manner Almost all employers rated our students as effective leaders and courteous employees.

Senior Exit Surveys Results Goal 1: Communication Skills Most students indicated that the curriculum effectively enhanced their oral and written communication skills.

Senior Exit Surveys Results Goal 2: Knowledge and Use of Plant Materials All students indicated that the curriculum effectively enhanced their knowledge as well as care and use of plant materials.

Senior Exit Surveys Results Goal 3: Comprehensive knowledge and application of Environmental Horticulture and Biological Sciences Most students indicated that the curriculum effectively enhanced their comprehension and application of environmental horticulture and biological sciences.

Senior Exit Surveys Results Goal 4: Able to think creatively and solve problems Most students indicated that the curriculum effectively enhanced their ability to identify and think creatively to solve problems.

Senior Exit Surveys Results Goal 5: Comprehend the administrative and managerial skills necessary when managing and operating a horticultural business All students indicated that the curriculum effectively enhanced the administrative and managerial skills.

Senior Exit Surveys Results Goal 6: Be professionals and leaders in society and environmental horticulture that act in a courteous, ethical and responsible manner Virtually all students agreed that the curriculum effectively enhanced their leadership skills and value of diversity.

Environmental Horticulture Conclusions Internship Employer Comments Student writing skills could be improved Student ability to recognize and identify plant insect, disease and physiological problems could be improved Comments from Graduating Seniors Student comfort with writing and public speaking could be improved Student confidence in recognizing and treating plant insect, disease and physiological problems could be improved

Environmental Horticulture Recent Changes Revamped student learning goals and outcomes Created three classes that emphasize plant identification, maintenance and use (student learning outcome 2) Woody Landscape Plants Herbaceous Plants Interior Plants Increased writing assignments (student learning outcome 1) Greenhouse design and management project Landscape management maintenance project Increased public and small group speaking activities (student learning outcome 1) Plant care and use presentations in Interior Plants Increased assignments emphasizing recognition and treatment of plant insect, disease and physiological problems (student learning outcome 3) Integrated pest management exercise in Greenhouse Operation & Management Created Pest Identification & Management