Horticulture Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Horticulture (HORT) major prepares students to address contemporary challenges in the horticultural industry using the latest advancements in biological sciences. This program focuses on the management of commercial greenhouses, horticultural production, breeding improved plant varieties, in vitro plant propagation, or enhancing urban environments with turfgrass and other plant species. Through a combination of field trips, experiential learning, and independent study, students gain practical and theoretical knowledge. The HORT Co-op program enhances career readiness by integrating academic learning with professional experience, equipping graduates to lead in horticultural innovations and advancements.
University of Guelph Advantage
- Academic Excellence: Our students benefit from learning under professors with world-renowned reputations and extensive histories in agricultural science. The University of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College boasts a 150-year legacy of developing leaders in agriculture and food.
- Strong Preparation: Students embark on their first co-op work term after their second academic year, ensuring they are well-prepared to apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings.
- Flexible and Employer-Friendly Hiring: Our co-op process responds to your needs. Employers can post, interview and hire throughout the semester and our students are available for 4- or 8-month work terms. The Experience Guelph hiring tool makes hiring Guelph co-op students easy!
Student Strengths
Knowledge:
Strong background in the biological sciences as they apply to the horticulture industry.
Application:
Advanced understanding of horticulture production systems obtained through hands-on experience through the University of Guelph's expansive and unique facilities.
Communication:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Horticulture Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Off |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Horticulture Course Sequencing
Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
Fall
- Introduction to the Agri-Food Systems
- Biology of Plants & Animals in Managed Ecosystems
- General Chemistry I
- Elements of Calculus I
Winter
- Animal Production Systems and Industry: Dairy, Poultry and Egg
- Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- General Chemistry II
- Economics of the Agri-Food System
Fall
- Soils in Agroecosystems
- Introduction to Plant Agriculture
- Life Strategies of Plants
- Introduction to Co-operative Education
- Survey of Natural Resource Economics
- Fundamentals of Plant and Animal Genetics
Winter
- Agroecology
- Introduction to Biochemistry
- Plant Health and the Environment
- Statistics I
- 1 elective or restricted elective
Summer
Work Term One
Sequence A - Production and Management
Fall
Work Term Two
Winter
- Integrated Management of Invasive Insect Pests
- Plant Physiology
- 3 electives or restricted electives
Summer
Off
Fall
- Plant Pathology
- Principles and Applications of Plant Propagation
- Vegetable Production or Fruit Crops
- 2 electives or restricted electives
Winter
Work Term Three
Summer
Work Term Four
Fall
- Food Science and Human Nutrition
- 4 electives or restricted electives
Winter
- Agriculture and Food Issues Problem Solving
- 3 electives or restricted electives
Sequence B - Research
Fall
Work Term Two
Winter
- Integrated Management of Invasive Insect Pests
- Plant Physiology
- 3 electives or restricted electives
Summer
Off
Fall
- Research Methods in Agricultural Science
- Plant Pathology
- Principles and Applications of Plant Propagation
- Vegetable Production or Fruit Crops
- 1 electives or restricted electives
Winter
Work Term Three
Summer
Work Term Four
Fall
- Research Project I
- Food Science and Human Nutrition
- 3 electives or restricted electives
Winter
- Research Project II
- 3 electives or restricted electives
See Undergraduate Calendar for list of Restricted Electives