Environmental and Natural Resource Initiative

All Horticulture, Plant and Soil Science (HPLS) majors are required to complete an experiential learning requirement to give students exposure to real world problems and solutions in their respective areas of study. This is accomplished by completing an internship with an approved employer.  Internships in HPLS offer broad opportunities for travel and work experiences at nationally recognized organizations.

Graduates of the College of Agriculture are required to take a ‘Capstone Course,’ which helps students integrate their classroom instruction and professional experiences in preparation for entering the job market. For HPLS majors the capstone experience is PLS 490. In this course, students examine in detail a problem in their respective areas of study. Through a focused project, students conduct extensive field work, research, analysis, and prepare a report which includes recommendations to address the targeted problem. Their work culminates in a written report and an oral presentation to other UK students, faculty, and industry professionals. The capstone course gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty and industry professionals in a pre-professional context, providing a bridge between the classroom and the workplace. During this experience, HPLS students enhance their workplace skills, professionalism, teamwork, and technical expertise. Special attention is given to connecting students with the most appropriate industry professionals early in the capstone course, thus enhancing enrichment opportunities during the experience.

Closer to home, numerous professional organizations related to HPLS careers offer many opportunities for student involvement and participation.  Student participation in state, regional, and national conferences offer the chance to network with industry leaders and remain abreast of current issues and new research in their areas of interest.  Students are strongly encouraged to participate in as many professional meetings as might be practical.  HPLS faculty are heavily involved in many of these experiences and often will accompany students to meetings and conferences, thus making attendance much more practical for students.

The HPLS programs also offer undergraduate research experiences.  Undergraduate research work is generally provided for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in their discipline, but is also offered to exceptional students who are considering the B.S. as their terminal degree.  Research experiences are wonderful opportunities to be intimately involved with an actual research project, often culminating in a publication or presentation during scientific conferences.  Students may participate in undergraduate research through PLS 395 and under the direction of a faculty mentor.