CAHNRS > Department of Horticulture

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.

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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.

Landscape, Greenhouse and Nursery Management Undergraduate Major

The Nursery and Greenhouse Management major is a horticulture-based program that prepares students for opportunities in plant propagation, the production and marketing of potted crops, bedding plants, trees, shrubs, and cut flowers, and in landscape plant management.

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.

Nondiscrimination

The department of Horticulture is committed to nondiscrimination. Learn more about our nondiscrimination efforts.

In the News

Kalcsits leads WSU tree fruit research as new Wenatchee center director

November 9, 2026

In his new role as TFREC director, Lee Kalcsits is working to strengthen industry partnerships while guiding the center’s infrastructure improvements and research and Extension efforts.

Study addresses honey bee declines after blueberry pollination with new feed supplement

October 28, 2026

Researchers have found that a special feed shows promise for boosting the size of bee colonies when pollinating blueberry plants.

Celebration marks construction midpoint for WSU’s new tree fruit growth facility

October 27, 2026

Scientists at WSU’s tree fruit research center joined Washington fruit growers to celebrate the midpoint of construction of the state-of-the-art Plant Growth Facility.

New facility builds on long WSU, USDA partnership to boost agriculture

October 14, 2026

WSU and USDA-ARS opened the new USDA-ARS Plant Bioscience Research Building to boost research and help growers.

Washington State University experts to share solutions for tree fruit at FIRA USA

October 8, 2026

Experts in CAHNRS will present innovations shaping the future of tree fruit agriculture at FIRA USA 2026. The college sponsors the event and is helping organize Innovation Day and Campus Day.

New from Extension: Conservation grazing, Varroa resistance, Cosmic Crisp® best management practices, and more

September 17, 2026

Each month, experts from Washington State University Extension release guides that inform agriculture in Washington and beyond. The latest Extension publications explore conservation grazing principles for livestock producers, help the tree fruit industry effectively grow the Cosmic Crisp® apple variety, protect against foodborne illness, and aid beekeepers facing resistant pests. Find more guides and topics […]

Game-week Harvest Markets to share tastes of WSU innovation

September 15, 2026

Campus visitors can meet Washington State University athletes and Butch T. Cougar while sampling award-winning Cosmic Crisp® apples, Ferdinand’s ice cream, and other student-made products at two upcoming Harvest Markets.

Cosmic Crisp® tasting connects new Coug families, minds behind legendary WSU apple

August 21, 2026

Incoming students and their families got a juicy introduction to WSU’s land-grant mission, and in some cases a bite-sized Q&A session on apple breeding, during fall 2026 move-in.