Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)
Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)

Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)

7001 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212, United States Arizona, Mesa, USA Visit web page

Applied Biological Sciences (Sustainable Horticulture), BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Applied Biological Sciences (Sustainable Horticulture), BS TSABSUBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Additional information

Program description

The sustainable horticulture concentration within the BS program in applied biological sciences is designed for students who want theoretical and practical experiences in distinct aspects of plant culture in an urban desert environment.

Students acquire the skills to produce, design and care for ornamental and edible plantscapes. Students interested in sustainable practices have the opportunity to specialize in vertical farming and other plant-related technologies. Students in this program contextualize knowledge through experience-based learning activities, including:

  • case studies
  • faculty-guided research and service-learning projects
  • field trips
  • greenhouse experiences
  • internships

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Polytechnic campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.

 

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Applied Biological Sciences, MS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Global opportunities

Global experience 

Students can explore habitats and ecosystems around the world in one of several Global Education programs; opportunities include working with scientists and conducting independent research. Students can stay on track for graduation by earning ASU credit while becoming immersed in other cultures. Studying abroad builds professional skills that employers demand, such as collaboration and critical thinking.

Career opportunities

Horticulture is a multibillion-dollar national and international enterprise that offers a diverse and exciting choice of professional careers. Graduates can pursue numerous entry-level careers in horticulture. Employment opportunities exist in private and public sectors. The general program in sustainable horticulture also prepares graduates to succeed in roles such as:

  • arboretum or botanical garden manager
  • city horticulturist
  • horticultural consultant, plant researcher or educator
  • horticulture supply sales representative
  • integrated pest management specialist
  • interior plant specialist or plant propagator
  • landscape designer or contractor
  • nursery plant broker or cultivator and plant salesperson
  • organic urban farmer or permaculturist
  • urban plant ecologist, forester, tree specialist or arborist

Career opportunities for urban horticulture graduates are not limited to any one geographic location; graduates can embark on careers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and overseas. 

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