College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Institute of Agricultural Technology

The Fruit, Vegetable and Organic Horticulture Management program provides students an opportunity to gain the necessary skills for a successful career in the fruit and vegetable industries.

The core required courses lay the foundational principles in horticulture, soils, entomology and plant pathology. Then students can choose from elective courses in agribusiness, fruit and vegetable production, organic farming practices, greenhouse management and much more to tailor their studies.

This program combines classroom instruction and theory with practical experience gained through laboratories, campus horticultural facilities for teaching and research and a professional internship. Study abroad opportunities are also available.

Areas of study include:

• Applied plant science
• Soil science
• Entomology
• Irrigation systems
• Principles of Horticulture
• Plant pathology

Students can also get involved in a variety of clubs and organizations including the MSU Student Horticulture Association, the Student Organic Farm, and the Ecological Food and Farm Stewardship Club.

Request Information Apply Now

Career Opportunities

Following graduation, students earn a certificate preparing them for the job market. If interested, students can also transfer into Michigan State University to earn a bachelor's degree in horticulture or another related degree.

Graduates find careers in a variety of horticultural, farming and crop production industries based on their interests.

Some career paths include:

• Food crop industries
• Fruit and vegetable production
• Urban farming
• Organic farms and community-supported agriculture programs
• Greenhouse/controlled environment crop production
• Farmers’ markets
• Irrigation installation and management

The MSU Department of Horticulture lists job and career opportunities that may be of interest to Fruit, Vegetable and Organic Horticulture Management IAT students.

Academics

The Fruit, Vegetable and Organic Horticulture Management certificate program is based in East Lansing on the campus of Michigan State University.

Program requirements:

• 48 credits
• 3-4 semesters of classroom instruction
• 1 semester off-campus internship (primarily during the summer from May to August)

Learn more about the MSU requirements and courses in Fruit, Vegetable and Organic Horticulture Management certificate program.

Class sizes are small and students receive individualized instruction in addition to access to Big Ten facilities and experiences.

Some learning facilities include:

• MSU Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum
• Horticulture Teaching & Research Center
• Student Organic Farm
• Horticulture Demonstration Gardens and Teaching Greenhouse complex

Internships

IAT coordinators help students find and secure organizations to mentor them as part of their required certificate program internship. Not only does this provide immediate on-the-job experience, but internships also help with networking and industry connections.

Some internship locations include:

• Coveyou Scenic Farm
• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
• MSU Horticulture Demonstration Gardens
• MSU Horticulture Research Farms
• Wilbur-Ellis Co. (agricultural services)

Program Coordinator

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact the Fruit, Vegetable and Organic Horticulture Management program coordinator.