Production and Management. This emphasis is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the production and management of horticultural crops. Students can specialize in one or more areas including: fruit, nut, vegetable, floriculture and nursery crops; landscape design, installation and management; floral design; and food processing.

Graduates in this option are prepared for specific careers in production, design, management, sales and processing of horticultural products.

Science and Biotechnology. This emphasis provides a stronger foundation in basic sciences and is intended for those who plan to pursue a graduate degree. Graduate studies provide career opportunities in teaching and research at universities, private industry research, cooperative extension service and consulting firms. Universities, state and federal agencies, and industries need trained scientists who can teach, conduct research and communicate research findings to the public to ensure efficient, environmentally sound production and use of horticultural products.

Environmental and Urban Horticulture. This emphasis is designed for students interested in learning how plants improve the environment and the quality of our lives. Two areas focused on are the biological and physical concepts and horticultural principles of management of plants and plant ecosystems in landscape settings, and the sociological aspects of people-plant interactions in the urban environment. In addition to the technical areas of horticulture, the student in urban horticulture will be committed to improving the way people live as it is affected by the urban setting. Management of urban horticulture projects requires expertise in problem-solving, decision-making, assessment of social and environmental impacts, personnel, public relations, volunteer management, financing and fund-raising, marketing of services, and needs assessment. Skills in working with people in the legal and political environment are necessary, as well as the ability to assess and work with other organizations for cooperative developments in urban horticulture. Students in this option prepare for managerial careers with public, youth, not-for-profit agencies and commercial horticulture programs.