Brookings Main Campus
Sustainable Local Food Production and Ornamental Landscapes.
Horticulture focuses on the intense cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops, ornamental woody and herbaceous nursery crops and their management in the natural landscape. We offer high-quality education and training for undergraduate and graduate students to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in satisfying, high-paying horticultural careers.
This major prepares students for careers in horticulture education, management and marketing. The major focuses on small-scale food production strategies including local food systems, food production in controlled environments (including containers, greenhouses and high tunnels, hydroponic and aquaponic food production) and tree care and urban forest management. The major also prepares students for entry into research and graduate study in horticultural science or related fields.
Graduates from our horticulture program work in the ornamental landscape design/build industry, and public and private botanical gardens including NASA and Disney Inc. Our graduates also work in tree care companies from California to Massachusetts and serve as urban foresters in communities across South Dakota and surrounding states. Students also begin careers in the local food industry.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy hands-on active learning.
- Are involved in 4-H, FFA or other agriculture-related activities.
- Want to help others by practicing sustainable farming.
- Want to grow plants for beautiful landscapes.
- Want to discover new ways to produce safe, nutritious foods.
Career Opportunities
- Ornamental landscape design
- Lawn and tree care
- Greenhouse production or ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables
- Production and distribution
Recent Employers
- Dundee
- SavATree
- University of NE Extension
- S&S Tree and Horticultural Specialists
Internship Opportunities
- Hillside Prairie Gardens
- Upper Elkhorn Natural Resource District
- SchinDigs Greenhouse
- McCrory Gardens
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Minors
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.