Environmental Horticulture

Environmental HorticultureWhat 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 HorticultureRequirements

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 HorticultureEmphasis 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 HorticultureEmphasis 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 GardensFacilities• 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 HorticultureInternships

• 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 HorticultureCareer 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 HorticultureStudent 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 HorticultureStudent 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 HorticultureStudent 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 HorticultureStudent 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 HorticultureStudent 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 HorticultureStudent 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 HorticultureAssessment 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 SurveysResults

AA or E

xcell

ent

Avera

ge

Below A

ve or

Poor

0

20

40

60

80

OralWritten

Percentage

Goal 1: Communication Skills

Ninety-six percent of employers rated student communication skills as average or greater.

Intern Employer SurveysResults

AA or Excel-lent

Average Below Ave or Poor

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70Goal 2: Knowledge and Use of Plant Materials

Ninety-eight percent of employers rated student knowledge of plant material as average or greater.

Intern Employer SurveysResults

AA or Excel-lent

Average Below Ave or Poor

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

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 SurveysResults

AA or Excel-lent

Average Below Ave or Poor

01020304050607080

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 SurveysResults

AA or Excel-lent

Average Below Ave or Poor

0102030405060708090

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 SurveysResults

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.

AA or Excel-lent

Average Below Ave or Poor

020406080

100120

LeadershipCourteous to SupervisorCourteous to CustomersAccept Directions

Senior Exit SurveysResults

Highly

Effectiv

e

Effectiv

e

Not Effec

tive

010203040506070

OralWritten

Percentage

Goal 1: Communication Skills

Most students indicated that the curriculum effectively enhanced their oral and written communication skills.

Senior Exit SurveysResults

Highly Ef -fective

Effective Not Effective0

1020304050607080

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 SurveysResults

020406080

100120

Comprehension of Plant Sci-ence

Plant Physiol.

Genetics Soils & Soilless Media

Pest Mgmt Landscape Design & Mgmt

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 SurveysResults

Highly

Effectiv

e

Effectiv

e

Not Effec

tive

020406080

100120

Think CreativelyEvaluate Prob-lemsSolve ProblemsApply Com-puter Tech-nology

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 SurveysResults

AA or Excel-lent

Average Below Ave or Poor

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

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 SurveysResults

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.

0204060

LeadershipAct Ethically & ResponsiblyValue Diversity

Environmental HorticultureConclusions

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 HorticultureRecent 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