COURSE CURRICULUM

The Horticulture & Cannabis option within the Agribusiness program at Southeast Missouri State University provides a comprehensive blend of business, plant science, and specialized horticulture training. The program begins with a strong agribusiness core, including courses such as Agribusiness Orientation, Communicating in Agriculture, Agriculture Business Data Analysis, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, and Agribusiness Finance. These courses help students understand the operational, financial, and marketing aspects of agricultural enterprises. Additional courses like Agriculture Safety, Agriculture Seminar, Marketing of Agricultural Products, and Agribusiness Sales prepare students for professional roles in the agriculture industry. Foundational science courses such as Plant Science with lab, Animal Science, and Introduction to Horticulture ensure a broad understanding of agricultural systems. Students also choose between Agribusiness Management II or Principles of Accounting I and complete either an internship or undergraduate research for practical experience.The program includes additional requirements in chemistry and mathematics to strengthen analytical and scientific skills, with General Chemistry specifically required for students pursuing the cannabis focus. From there, students branch into either a Horticulture focus or a Cannabis focus based on their interests. The Horticulture focus emphasizes plant identification, landscaping, and practical experiences through courses covering deciduous, evergreen, tropical, annual, and perennial plants. Students then select from a wide range of advanced courses such as plant propagation, landscape design, greenhouse management, turfgrass management, vineyard operations, hydroponics, and urban agriculture, allowing them to specialize in areas like landscaping, greenhouse production, or sustainable agriculture.The Cannabis focus is more science-intensive, requiring additional chemistry courses including organic and advanced organic chemistry with labs. Students also choose advanced agriculture and horticulture courses such as plant breeding, crop systems management, hydroponics, and greenhouse management. This focus prepares students for roles in regulated cannabis production and related plant science industries where applicable.Overall, the program combines business knowledge, scientific training, and hands-on experience, equipping graduates with the skills needed for careers in horticulture, greenhouse operations, landscaping, urban agriculture, or emerging plant-based industries.