Graduate Field of Horticulture
Shaping the food systems and landscapes of today and tomorrow
Our interdisciplinary graduate education programs empower you with communication, leadership and innovative problem-solving skills.
The Field of Horticulture includes the study of fruits, vegetables and landscape plants for the purpose of sustaining the environment, enhancing economic vitality and improving the quality of life of individuals and their communities.
Graduate Field of Horticulture
The MS/PhD Graduate Field of Horticulture includes the study of fruits, vegetables and landscape plants to sustain the environment, enhance economic vitality, and improve quality of life. As the only horticulture program in the Ivy League, our faculty, staff and students are working to shape the food systems and landscapes of today and for the future. Faculty in this field are associated with the SIPS Horticulture Section and also the SIPS Plant Breeding & Genetics Section.
In addition to their major field of study, students will select minor field(s) of study from such areas as plant physiology, pathology, anatomy, ecology, biochemistry, botany, entomology, taxonomy, genetics, education, soils, economics, communication, biological and environmental engineering and landscape architecture. All students are encouraged to gain experience in academic instruction or Cooperative Extension programming.
Master of Science (M.S.)
Requirements
Students for the Master of Science degree majoring in horticulture are expected to demonstrate competence in the three core areas of Horticultural Biology, Horticultural Production and Management and Horticultural Methods.
- Students select a special committee composed of one professor representing the major field and at least one professor representing a minor field.
- The student's special committee determines coursework and credits for the M.S. degree.
- Committee members advise students in the selection and conduct of research problems for the thesis.
- Candidates must submit an acceptable hypothesis-driven thesis based on a research project and pass a final oral exam.
- Teaching experience is required and can be satisfied by assisting a faculty member in teaching a course.
- Fulfill a minimum of two registration units (two semesters). Candidates are expected to complete degree requirements in two years, but have up to four years to complete requirements.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or M.S./Ph.D.
Requirements
For a full list of requirements, please visit the Doctor of Philosophy or M.S./Ph.D. page.
Graduate Field Concentrations
The MS/PhD Graduate Field of Horticulture has four concentrations:
- Horticultural Crop Breeding
- Horticulture Crop Management
- Physiology & Ecology of Horticultural Crops
- Human-Plant Interactions

MPS Concentrations related to Horticulture
The Master of Professional Studies in Integrative Plant Science is a one-year, STEM-designated, course-based master's degree program ideal for career-focused students. Several of the concentrations (below) are related to aspects of Horticulture.

Controlled Environment Agriculture
One of the fastest growing areas of agriculture, is an advanced and intensive form of hydroponically-based agriculture. Plants are grown within a controlled environment so that horticultural practices can be optimized. This specialization emphasizes specific skills to understand lighting, hydroponic production, pest control and horticultural aspects of production will be part of the program.
Learn more about the Controlled Environment Agriculture specialization.
Hemp Science
Focused on the development of specific skills to understand plant breeding and genetics; hydroponic and field crop production; processing; food, fiber and medicinal applications; and product development. Students will also have a broad-based understanding of the industry from seed to sales, exploring the legal and regulatory environment and challenges facing the cannabis industry today and in the future.
Learn more about the Hemp Science specialization.
Cannabis Science
The Cannabis Science concentration provides training in plant breeding and genetics; hydroponic and field crop production; processing; and product development. Students will also have a broad-based understanding of the cannabis industry from seed to sales, exploring the legal and regulatory environment and challenges facing the cannabis industry.
Learn more about the Cannabis Science specialization.
Public Garden Leadership
Focused on the management of public gardens and requires a mix of academic training and practical experience. This specialization emphasizes leadership, strategic decision making and business management, preparing students for managerial and leadership roles in the public garden field.
- Learn more about the Public Garden Leadership specialization
- Learn more about Cornell's Botanic Gardens
Viticulture
Viticulture is the science, production and study of grapes. This specialization emphasizes knowledge development and hands-on experience. With Cornell’s ideal location in the Finger Lakes region—home to nearly 10,000 acres of vineyards—students will be exposed to every aspect of grape growing and wine making.
Learn more about the Viticulture specialization.
Plant Protection
Plant Protection encompasses strategies and tactics for managing insect pests, weeds, and plant pathogens. Students take courses with Integrated Pest Managment experts and master the application of applied concepts from allied fields such as economics, ecology, and toxicology.
Learn more about the Plant Protection specialization.
Climate Change and Agriculture
Harness diverse scientific disciplines -- including global cropping systems, sustainable development, biogeochemistry, soil nutrient and carbon cycling, science policy, remote sensing and ecosystem modeling -- to help solve one the greatest challenges of our times.
Learn more about the Climate Change and Agriculture specialization.
Geospatial Applications
Geospatial Applications is the use of modern tools to geographically map and analyze the Earth and human societies. This concentration provides education in geospatial application, including GIS, to develop data management and decision-making skills for a wide range of geographical data. Students will also become licensed and experienced in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
Learn more about the Geospatial Applications specialization.
Plant Biotechnology
Plant Biotechnology features coursework and hands-on laboratory work focused on scientific techniques to develop and improve plants for the benefit of society. It is designed to equip students for careers across corporate, governmental and non-governmental organization (NGOs) sectors.
Learn more about the Plant Biotechnology specialization.
Soil Science
Soil science brings together the basic disciplines of biology, physics and chemistry to discover fundamental principles and put them in the service of management solutions. Soil is a foundational resource that sustains all terrestrial life and contributes to food production, climate change and water resources. Soil sustainability is essential to human civilization and soil management decisions cause major changes to our biosphere.
Learn more about the Soil Science specialization.
Plant Breeding
Change the world by making better plants -- higher-yielding, healthier, better tasting, and more resistant to pests -- using applied breeding tools such as genetic mapping, quantitative genetics, molecular genomics , tissue culture, and other analytical systems.
Learn more about the Plant Breeding specialization.
Plant Systems
Not finding what you’re looking for? Plant Systems is our most flexible concentration. It allows you to tailor a Cornell experience that works for you. Focus on anything from management of horticultural crops to human-plant interactions to environmental management to computational biology to garden-based learning and agricultural education.
Learn more about the Plant Systems specialization.

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