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Although our ability to cultivate plants has become much more sophisticated, our understanding of horticulture’s impacts on human health is just beginning. Significant potential exists for horticultural and agricultural industries to impact human health in both positive and negative ways. This transdisciplinary graduate certificate program gives you the historical context and scientific understanding to better evaluate potential health impacts. In addition to growing your understanding of both horticultural science and the study of human health, this program puts your analytical skills to the test.
As more consumers seek to utilize plant-based foods to maintain or improve personal health, a growing number of individuals and companies attempt to source or create food that can be marketed for its health benefits. Unfortunately, this process is often fraught with insufficient, misleading, and sometimes patently false information.
Considering the increase in obesity and chronic disease around the world, a clear need exists for the healthcare and agricultural communities to collaboratively support (and better understand) human health without significantly impacting food production. These challenges can be met in part by giving entrepreneurial professionals the analytical skills to systematically improve the development, access, and utilization of the human food supply to facilitate chronic disease prevention in a manner consistent with the 21st century mandates for energy independence, environmental sustainability, and food security and safety.
As a student in this program, you will expand your understanding of core horticultural and human health concepts. After completing this graduate certificate, you will:
Although anyone with an interest in personal health can benefit from studying in this program, the course material will be particularly useful for people who work in (or plan to work in) the following industries:
Henry Thompson is a professor in the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department within CSU's College of Agricultural Sciences. His research interests include human nutrition and breast cancer prevention.
To earn this graduate certificate, you must complete all four required courses. Please note that you must be admitted into this program for the certificate to appear on your official University transcript.
| Fall semester | August 1 |
| Spring semester | January 1 |
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowThis online graduate certificate requires that students have an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution.
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
Request one official transcript from the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.
Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary): Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
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