Learning Goals for the Field of Horticulture

If you need a printer-friendly version, these learning goals also appear in the Graduate Student Handbook.

 

Train future leaders in horticultural research, education and outreach in both industry and public-sector spheres.

Learning goals:

  • Students will develop a working knowledge of commercial horticultural plant management (i.e., crop production and/ or landscape management).
    Assessment*: 3, 6
  • Students will develop proficiency in horticultural research systems using appropriate current technologies and methods. .
    Assessment*: 4, 5, 6
  • Students will become effective horticulture teachers and extension educators by first-hand experience with teaching assistantships (TAs) and extension-outreach assistantships (EOAs) and through participation in departmental outreach efforts.  
    Assessment*: 7, 9

Foster scholarship, research and communication skills in horticultural science

Learning goals:

  • Students will have a contemporary knowledge of the biology underlying the horticultural processes they study beyond what is taught in graduate courses. 
    Assessment*: 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Students will develop effective writing skills that communicate research results to appropriate audiences.
    Assessment*: 9, 10
  • Students will be proficient at delivering presentations based on their research results to diverse audiences, as measured by audience evaluations.
    Assessment*: 1, 2, 7, 9, 12

Engage in and conduct original research

Learning goals:

  • Ph.D. graduates will have the knowledge and training to design and implement original research, and share research findings through written and oral communication.
    Assessment*: 2, 5, 6, 8
  • Students will, where appropriate, master and improve contemporary research techniques used in their discipline.
    Assessment*: 5, 6
  • Students will become a national authority in the subject area of their thesis research. 
    Assessment*:  10, 11, 12

Prepare to be professionals in their discipline

Learning goal:

  • Students will be familiar with the expectations of professionals in their field. For those pursuing faculty positions, these expectations include curriculum development, teaching, grant writing and administration, publishing, team management, collegiality, professionalism, and outreach. 
    Assessment*: 6, 8

* See section below to identify activities during which assessment occurs

Assessment

Student progress is assessed through the following activities. The numbers refer to the list above.

  1. Grad Field Review, semi-annual student presentations to the entire Horticulture Grad faculty and graduate student body.
  2. Full seminar
  3. Q conference (PhD)
  4. A Exam (PhD)
  5. Final Exam (M for MS, B for PhD)
  6. Graduate Committee meetings to evaluate student progress
  7. Faculty evaluation of the quality of student TA work, publications and presentations
  8. The Field will track student employment for graduates
  9. Student publications and presentations in outreach
  10. Peer-review journal articles
  11. Honors and awards
  12. Presentations at national and regional professional meetings