Students receive hands-on training in both the natural and social sciences so as to be prepared for professional careers in the many fields of environmental horticulture.

REQUIREMENTS
All students admitted to the University of Rhode Island are eligible to major in Environmental Horticulture & Turfgrass Management.

Program:

24-25 credits of preprofessional courses, including six in general education
60-67 credits in concentration and supporting courses
12 credits of free electives

A total of 130 credits is required for graduation

In addition to plant science and entomology coursework, students study biology, chemistry, and soil science. They are also encouraged to take introductory electives in business, management, and resource economics.

Depending on the area of specialization, graduates can meet the standards for several certification organizations.

Those specializing in turfgrass management qualify for certification as turfgrass managers or turfgrass specialists with the American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops, and Soils, Ltd. of the American Society of Agronomy.

These graduates also meet the requirements for registration with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES
Students in this major have numerous opportunities for hands-on learning. The Department of Plant Sciences operates 50 acres of turfgrass, horticulture and plant science research, and education farm centers.

The C. Richard Skogley Turfgrass Center is the oldest research and teaching program in the U.S.

Also included in the department’s facilities are five research laboratories, controlled environment facilities, and a greenhouse complex.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of this program successfully pursue careers as landscape contractors, golf course superintendents, directors of park systems and arboreta, proprietors of garden centers and floral shops, plant propagators, nursery personnel, vegetable and fruit growers, managers of lawn service firms, horticultural therapists, and technical representatives for the green industry, including seed, equipment, and chemical companies.

Other students pursue careers in research and education in both public and private institutions.

FURTHER STUDIES
Graduates of this program are well prepared to pursue graduate study in a variety of horticultural fields.

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