Through successful participation and completion of a doctoral degree in Horticulture you will gain an advanced understanding of horticulture and the interaction with related disciplines, and conduct original research that advances the field of horticulture. You will be trained through disciplinary coursework and research experience to provide solid science expertise and will have the breadth of knowledge to be able to communicate with professionals from the broad range of specialties involved in horticultural systems management and research.
Outcome 1: Scholarship
You will have the ability to conduct original research that extends knowledge in the field of horticulture. This will be demonstrated through mastery and application of critical thinking in the design and conduct of original research, and application of standard and innovative theory and methods in both coursework and an individual thesis research project.
Outcome 2: Knowledge
You will be able to demonstrate:
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In-depth disciplinary knowledge and capacity to apply that knowledge to horticultural systems issues at multiple scales and levels of biological organization.
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Skill in integrating horticultural systems concepts across multiple disciplines.
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Original and innovative contributions to the understanding of horticultural systems.
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The ability to employ technical knowledge and leadership skills to a horticulture research problem.
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Ability to perform basic analyses in horticulture.
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Ability to perform other basic tasks required of a professional horticultural researcher.
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Understand key linkages and interactions between horticulture and other biological and earth science processes.
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Ability to make original contributions to the understanding of horticultural systems.
These outcomes will be accomplished through successful completion of the coursework required for the degree and a dissertation research project.
Outcome 3: Communication
You will have the ability to communicate professionally and with the public about horticulture research and horticultural resources, by gaining skills and experience in communicating in both formal and informal venues with learners, practitioners and community members. This will be demonstrated through presentation of a thesis, a special non-thesis seminar and a teaching assignment.
Outcome 4: Ethics and Diversity
You will have a commitment to diversity and high ethical standards in scholarship, teaching and service, developing from participation and training in research methods courses, professional development courses, and seminars, workshops, or other activities focused on diversity and ethics.