Environmental Horticulture
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 24credits of approved courses that focus on International Studies.
• Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad, one-onone exchange, or Instructor-led international experiences.
Pioneer Greenhouse and Gardens
Facilities
• Pioneer Greenhouse
• Opened in 2002
• 6000 sq ft
• Tomatoes and fresh herbs for
catering
• Pioneer Gardens
•
•
•
•
•
•
Opened 2004
10 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
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
a
g
e
80
Goal 1: Communication Skills
70
60
50
40
Oral
Written
30
20
10
0
AA or
Excellent
Average
Below Ave
or Poor
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
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
AA or Excellent
Average
Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student knowledge of
plant material as average or greater.
Below Ave or
Poor
Intern Employer Surveys
Results
Goal 3: Comprehensive knowledge and application of
Environmental Horticulture and Biological Sciences
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
AA or Excellent
Average
Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student knowledge
and application of environmental horticulture and biological
sciences as average or greater.
Below Ave or
Poor
Intern Employer Surveys
Results
80
Goal 4: Able to think creatively and solve problems
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
AA or Excellent
Average
Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student ability to
think creatively solve problems as average or greater.
Below Ave or
Poor
Intern Employer Surveys
Results
Goal 5: Comprehend the administrative and managerial skills
necessary when managing and operating a horticultural business
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
AA or Excellent
Average
Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student
comprehension of administrative and managerial skills as
average or greater.
Below Ave or
Poor
Intern Employer Surveys
Results
Goal 6: Be professionals and leaders in society and environmental
horticulture that act in a courteous, ethical and responsible manner
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
AA or Excellent
Average
Leadership
Courteous to Customers
Below Ave or
Poor
Courteous to Supervisor
Accept Directions
Almost all employers rated our students as effective leaders
and courteous employees.
Senior Exit Surveys
Results
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
a
g
e
70
Goal 1: Communication Skills
60
50
40
Oral
Written
30
20
10
0
Highly
Effective
Effective
Not
Effective
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
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Highly Effective
Effective
All students indicated that the curriculum effectively enhanced
their knowledge as well as care and use of plant materials.
Not Effective
Senior Exit Surveys
Results
Goal 3: Comprehensive knowledge and application of
Environmental Horticulture and Biological Sciences
120
Comprehension
of Plant Science
Plant Physiol.
100
80
Genetics
60
Soils & Soilless
Media
Pest Mgmt
40
20
0
Highly Effective
Not
Effective
Effective
Most students indicated that the curriculum effectively
enhanced their comprehension and application of
environmental horticulture and biological sciences.
Landscape
Design & Mgmt
Senior Exit Surveys
Results
120
Goal 4: Able to think creatively and solve problems
100
Think Creatively
80
Evaluate
Problems
Solve Problems
60
40
Apply Computer
Technology
20
0
Highly Effective
Not
Effective
Effective
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
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
AA or Excellent
Average
Below Ave or
Poor
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
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Strongly
Agree
Moderately Moderately
Agree
Disagree
Leadership
Act Ethically & Responsibly
Value Diversity
Virtually all students agreed that the curriculum effectively
enhanced their leadership skills and value of diversity.
Strongly
Disagree
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