Study Horticulture at the University of Georgia

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences welcomes applications from students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the Department of Horticulture. Applications are created and submitted via the UGA Graduate School where they will be directed to the CAES Department of Horticulture Graduate Admissions Committee.

Horticulture Graduate Program Degree Opportunities

The Horticulture Graduate Program offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree opportunities. These traditional academic degree programs emphasize scientific study and original research. Each program is tailored to meet the needs of the student and their research project(s). Students who complete our programs are proficient scientists working both in the U.S. and internationally. Our graduate students find work in academia, state and federal governments, and in the private sector.

Prospective students can choose among the major commodity areas of fruit crops, vegetable crops, and ornamentals. Within the major commodities, we have research specialization available in plant physiology, pre- and post-harvest, plant development, plant nutrition, product utilization, pest management, sustainable horticulture, environmental conservation, breeding, genetics, and genomics.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate students in Horticulture may also find interest in the many graduate certificate programs available at UGA. Certificate programs provide opportunities for students to hone skills in complementary subjects. Certificate program requirements are typically integrated while completing course electives. Students interested in these programs can investigate the numerous programs and work with their advisor to determine if the program can be integrated into their degree objectives. Explore the UGA Graduate Certificate Programs.

Integrated Plant Sciences Program

The UGA Integrated Plant Sciences Program (IPS) is a recruitment program for PhD students. There are nine departments in IPS. Individuals apply to graduate school through IPS. Once admitted, Ph.D. students rotate through three different labs in their first semester. Following the first semester, the students transfer to a departmental graduate program to begin working with their faculty advisor.

UGA Double Dawgs Program Information

Undergraduate students interested in participating in the UGA Double Dawgs program should engage in a conversation early in their time at UGA with the Horticulture Undergraduate Advisor and the Horticulture Graduate Advisor to discuss opportunities along this path. It is advised that undergraduates interested in pursuing a Horticulture Double Dawgs degree investigate this program in their freshman year and have a full plan developed with a Master's graduate faculty advisor in their sophomore year. To successfully complete this program with a single year for a master's degree, students should be fully enrolled as a double dawg in their junior year. Learn more about the Horticulture Double Dawgs program and email the Horticulture Undergraduate Advisor to initiate planning.