Therapeutic Horticulture Series at Oregon State University
The Therapeutic Horticulture Series is a year-long sequence of 6 courses which introduces the profession then provides skills and techniques that can be applied in programs and gardens. In 2023-24 the Therapeutic Horticulture Series will be offered as a Series of Special Topics courses, under the HORT 299 banner. The series will be taught in a fully remote modality. Please complete this survey if you are interested in participating in this course.
Therapeutic Horticulture Interest Survey
Deadline to apply to OSU and enroll in the 2023-24 Therapeutic Horticulture Series
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First Year Students |
Closed, except for special exceptions: |
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Transfer Students |
June 5st , 2023* |
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DPP Applications |
June 5st , 2023 |
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Post-Bacc Applications |
May 1, 2023 (CAS early deadline) |
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Non-Degree Application |
June 5th, 2023* |
*Please note that some deadlines above are in advance of the university deadline. This is to allow time for your application to be processed prior to the first class in the 2023-24 series, beginning June 26th, 2023
Curriculum for Therapeutic Horticulture Option
As a Therapeutic Horticulture student, you will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to design healing and adapted gardens and to provide therapy programs that improve the quality of people’s lives. Our curriculum stresses effectively treating such clients as senior citizens struggling with physical or cognitive issues, individuals with developmental disabilities, and at-risk youth with the restorative powers of gardens, landscapes, and greenspaces.
As a horticultural therapist, you'll help treat patients with significant health or emotional problems through the healing influence of nature. Horticultural therapy is practiced throughout the world in a wide diversity of settings and cultures, including mental health settings, physical rehabilitation, vocation services, corrections, long-term care and hospice, special education programs, and youth and community services. Memory can be improved through learning a gardening process, coordination can be strengthened by planting, and connections can be made between the earth and those with emotional and mental disabilities.
Graduates of the Therapeutic Horticultural option may become Registered Horticultural Therapists, Community Garden Coordinators, and Rehabilitation Program Coordinators.
Active Learning
As a Therapeutic Horticulture student, you'll attend some of your classes at Legacy Healthcare System in Portland in their award-winning therapy gardens. By working closely with patients in their renowned Horticultural Therapy program, you will enhance your patient care skills while gaining real world experience.
Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture
Internship Process and Requirements
Research/Thesis Process and Requirements
As of May 2022, this option is in reorganization. If you are considering this option, it is recommended that you contact Head Undergraduate Advisor, Anne Gearhart, via the Contact link below, so that you understand how this might impact your pursuit of this option.
Learn More