Carolina Torres, postharvest physiologist holding an apple.
Lisa DeVetter showcasing biodegradable mulch project

Department of Horticulture

The Department of Horticulture at Washington State University is among the top programs in the U.S. Together with students, our faculty members are driving biological discovery and practical applications using our strengths that include breeding, crop management, genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and physiology.

Degree Options

PhD or MS in Horticulture

The Master of Science and PhD degrees in Horticulture are  research-based degrees. For the MS degree, the objectives are to train students in the experimental method and to prepare students for handling major projects after graduation or for entering a doctoral program. All doctoral candidates conduct independent research leading to a dissertation, with the objective of making a major contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in Horticulture.

Agriculture Biotechnology Undergraduate Major

The Agricultural Biotechnology major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of genetics, plant pathology, entomology, organic and biochemistry, crops and soil sciences, horticulture, and micro and cell biology. The program emphasizes the development and application of new technology to ensure a safe and abundant food and fiber supply. Hands-on opportunities for students to partake in research are abundant. 

Fruit and Vegetable Management Undergraduate Major

The Fruit and Vegetable Management major offers specialization in the science and practice of growing, harvesting, handling, storing, processing, and marketing tree fruits, small fruits, and vegetables. Students will learn the most efficient and sustainable management practices involving state-of-the-art production systems for the diverse fruit and vegetable crops produced in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Undergraduate Minor in Horticulture

To minor in Horticulture you must complete a minimum of 16 credit hours in HORT courses. At least 9 hours must be in 300- or 400-level courses, excluding Hort 399 and 499, and taken in residence at WSU or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. Hort/Crops 202 and 351 are highly recommended.

Online MS in Agriculture

The Department of Horticulture participates in the Master of Science in Agriculture degree program offered by the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). The MS in Agriculture degree is fully online and provides practitioners the opportunity to further their education while they continue employment anywhere in the world. Students have the opportunity to direct their learning experience and tailor their coursework to help them meet their professional goals.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The department of Horticulture commits to cultivating diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe environments for all people that foster transformative student experiences, authentic community engagement and respectful knowledge exchange while furthering innovative research that addresses important complex local and global horticultural issues. Learn more about our efforts for diversity, equity and inclusion.

In the News

Latest WSU guides tighten pear irrigation, shed light on wheat, buckwheat production

WSU scientists share free guides monthly that help Pacific Northwest agriculture and home growers. The latest online publications offer irrigation tips and evaluation for pear growers, review past production at WSU’s Wilke Farm as well as buckwheat west of the Cascades, and share scientifically sound approaches to home-garden companion plants. Buckwheat Production West of the […]

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