• The Master of Science in Horticulture with an emphasis in Urban Food Systems focuses on sustainable agriculture, food systems project management, grant writing, horticultural science and safe food production in an urban environment. 
  • Students will gain a solid foundation in horticultural science and food crop production while studying how the urban food system impacts economic development and provides a source of nutritious, safe food grown locally/regionally.
  • In this 30 credit hours thesis track, you can customize your program to your area of interest with eight to 18 elective credit hours. Students also have the opportunity to work on commercial farms, research stations and other nearby food projects in the practicum course.
  • The majority of full-time students will complete this degree in about 2 years.

    • Program Features:

    • As a student in the program, you'll have access to several unique resources and opportunities that provide an in-depth farm to fork experience.
    • The Olathe Horticulture Center, or OREC, is a research farm located about 20 minutes from the Olathe campus. Here, you can conduct hands-on experience in grafting, growing and harvesting fresh produce.
    • The Postharvest Physiology Lab and the Food Safety Lab at the Olathe campus are where a lot of the OREC produce is analyzed for safety and quality.

    Careers:

    In this rapidly growing field, you can have a strong influence through your understanding of how agriculture and food systems impact the lives of people in  communities. Be a force for change in community and economic development, local food accessibility, public and farmer education, or by working to provide nutritious, local and regional food to communities that need them.

    Graduates and current students are employed in:

    • Food systems project management
    • Urban farming or food production management
    • Nonprofit management
    • Food aggregation and distribution
    • Urban planning and landscape design
    • Farmers market organization and management
    • Municipal (city/county) horticulture
    • Community garden coordination
    • Extension and public education