UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Here is some information about our horticulture classes with input from students just like you! 

Cultivating PlANTS (HORT 1231)

Crop science is the introductory horticulture class. Each agriculture major student is required to take this course, usually as a freshman or sophomore. In this class you learn the basic principles of horticulture and apply that knowledge in a weekly lab. You propagate plants like succulents and produce and get to take your hard work home!

ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS (HORT 213)

In this course you learn the principles and practices of herbaceous landscape plants with a strong focus on sustainable landscaping. You will learn how to identify, grow, market, use, and manage herbaceous plants specifically to East Texas. 

DESIGN APPLICATION SOFTWARE 1 (HORT 325) & 2 (HORT 326)

In this class, you learn the basics of CAD (Computer-Aided Design). The program can be used to create blueprints for landscapes, construction projects, and interior design. The knowledge you gain in class will be helpful in a professional career, personal life, and school work. 

ENVIRONMENTAL horticulture PHYSIOLOGY (HRT 323)

Think about some things that can disrupt a plant's normal growth and production activity. After completing this class, you will be able to identify the normal plant functions and then determine different living and non-living factors that can influence plant metabolism. 

FLORal design (HRT 2220)

This class is offers artistic design with a focus on nature! In this class you will learn the principles of floral design and put them into practice. Each lab features different plant materials that will allow you to create formal and informal floral designs. As a plus you get to take home the amazing floral artwork!  Don't miss out on the fun of floriculture!

Growing FRUITs AND VEGETABles (HRT 2233)

Hungry?  In this class, you learn the varying factors that influencing the successful growing, harvesting, storing, and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops specific to the southeastern United States and Texas.  In the labs you get hands-on experience growing your own produce and teaching the public about how they can grow more food at home.  It's a delicious topic to study!

GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT (HRT 321)

Greenhouses allow us to manipulate and control plant growth so that we can grow plants almost any time of the year!  Many valuable concepts from calculating heating costs to fertilization to scheduling production are covered that will prepare you for the horticulture workforce.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN (HORT 2224)

Most beautiful gardens start with a thoughtful design, and this class will teach you the basics you need to know for developing landscapes. You will learn about the history and basic principles of landscape design, formal and informal designs, and community planning and zoning.  After completing this course, you will know the basic aspects of the design process, site analysis, preliminary designs, and landscape graphics.  So, sharpen your coloring pencils and get your markers ready to create the garden of your (or your client's) dreams!

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION (HRT 247)

This class will prepares you for professional landscape skills by teaching techniques such as tree pruning, laying pavers, plant identification, site preparation, and much more!  This class is very hands-on and will prepare you for public and private landscape designs. 

LANDSCAPE PLANT MATERIALS (HORT 3237)

If you're tired of asking, "What's that plant?!?", take this course!  By the end of this class, you will be able to recongize and identify more than 180 common east Texas plants by scientific name. In addition, this class covers how to install and manage these plants. 

NURSERY MANAGEMENT (hOrt 4235)

This class will prepare you for a career in the nursery business by teaching the proper techniques of cultivating a thriving business. Skills such as fertigation, moisture management, plant spacing, irrigation, and proper pruning techniques are discussed.

PLANT BREEDING (HRT 445)

In plant breeding you will learn basic concepts of how favorable traits are inherited in offspring using traditional breeding methods and modern biotech methods. It is a great course for horticulture students to learn how a new cultivar is made.

PLANT PROPAGATION (HRT 416 & HRT 516)

Want more plants?!?  This class will give you a well rounded and in depth introduction to proper propagation techniques and biology. Through lecture and lab, you learn about tissue culture, grafting, cutting propagation, seed germination, and more. 

PLANT PROTECTION (AGN 469 & AGN 569)

Want to know why your plant is dying?  This course is a great primer on everything you need to grow plants from basic nutrient needs, weed control, and pest management. You will learn different tactics to cure or prevent disease or even death in various production areas. 

Principles of Irrigation (AGM 421)

In this class, you will learn the basics of irrigation systems. With knowledge and calculations, you will be able to determine irrigation requirements as well as understand the design, scheduling, and auditing on all types of irrigation systems. The class is designed to help you quantify the parameters necessary for different irrigation systems.  

TURFGRASS Science (HRT 315)

Knowledge in turfgrass management is vital for sporting venues, golf courses, public parks, and residential areas. This class will prepare you for the professional horticulture industry by covering turf taxonomy, proper turf selection and placement, pest control, fertilizer needs, and growth habit.

Weed Science (AGN 367)

Weeds driving you crazy?  In this class you will study how to control weedy plant species in different production areas. You will be able to identify species common to east Texas and how to control with the use of herbicides.

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GRADUATE COURSES

Along with the courses below, any courses above listed as a 500 level can be taken as a graduate student.  Normally, there is an additional project or paper associated with the course.

Advanced Horticulture Crop Production (HRT 514)

In this graduate course you will learn advanced techniques for horticulture production while sharpening your professional skills.  Topics include fruit, vegetable and ornamental production, plant density, soil, water, and pest management considerations.

Public Garden Management (HRT 518)

Have you ever visited a botanical garden? If not, this class is like a virtual tour of all aspects about botanical gardens.  Topics covered include developing a mission statement, site analysis, personnel, collections and acquisition policy, educational programming, computer mapping and record keeping, signage and interpretation, funding, volunteers, garden design, and selection of the best plants to emphasize in a collection.  You will perform research on a specific garden of your interest and share with the class the structure and goals based on the information you learned in lecture.  This class is great for those who will one day work at a botanical garden or pursue a career in marketing, curating, or design.