Cornell University MPS Public Garden Leadership

Program Partners

Cornell University Cornell is a world-renowned University with over 1,600 faculty making contributions in all fields of knowledge in a manner that prioritizes public engagement to help improve the quality of life in our world. Cornell is one of the best institutions of higher education in the world, with the top-rated plant science program in the U.S. Cornell offers over 4,000 courses across the University and the student body is exceptionally diverse.

PREPARE FOR GARDEN LEADERSHIP

Cornell Botanic Gardens Cornell Botanic Gardens is responsible for the natural beauty of the Cornell University campus with a mission to inspire people – through cultivation, conservation, and education – to understand, appreciate, and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain. With 135 acres of cultivated gardens, 3,500 acres of stewarded natural areas, and a robust education program, Cornell Botanic Gardens is one of the leading university public gardens in the United States.

Botanic Gardens Conservation International Botanic Gardens Conservation International is the largest plant conservation network in the world, representing a network of 500 botanic gardens in more than 100 countries. BGCI’s goal is to collect, conserve, and cultivate samples from all of the world’s plants as insurance against their extinction in the wild and as a source of plant material for human innovation, adaptation and resilience.

The Cornell University Master of Professional Studies program in Public Garden Leadership

To learn more about the program, contact our Program Directors or visit cornellbotanicgardens.org/pgl Don Rakow, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section, dr14@cornell.edu +1.607.255.1045 Sonja Skelly, Ph.D., Director of Education & Communications, Cornell Botanic Gardens sms92@cornell.edu +1.607.255.2406

The Cornell University Master of Professional Studies program in Public Garden Leadership prepares students to lead public gardens and similar organizations to positively impact the world through plant conservation, education and horticulture. Students study and work alongside world renowned Cornell University faculty and field professionals in the vanguard of garden management and development.

Program Format Key features of the program in Ithaca include: • An earned Master of Professional Studies degree from Cornell University • Graduate with the degree in one calendar year.

Includes two academic semesters of courses, professional development opportunities, and work throughout the year on a problem-solving project • In-depth study tours to public gardens in North America • Hands-on experiences at Cornell Botanic Gardens • Access to the robust professional networks of Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Cornell faculty, Cornell alumni and public garden professionals

Who Should Apply Our one-year Master of Professional Studies program is designed for botanic garden professionals, horticulturists, plant scientists, educators, and other professionals preparing for leadership roles or seeking career advancement in the public garden field.

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and have knowledge of and experience in the botanic garden or related professions. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us.

What Our Graduates Say Erin Marteal, Executive Director, Ithaca Children’s Garden “The public garden leadership program opened doors for me to so many opportunities, including an incredible internship in South Africa and research travel that directly shaped my career path. Not to mention lifelong friendships with my fellows, unique coursework, and all the benefits that come with status as a Cornell alumna!”

John Manion, Kaul Wildflower Garden Curator, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Program Benefits • Graduate with the skills and knowledge to step directly into a leadership and/or management position • Gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of public garden management • Capitalize on the full range of academic resources of Cornell University • Learn to lead with confidence and agility

One of the strengths of this program is the latitude given to fellows in regard to their area of interest and course selection. I was interested in native plants and curation and the program offered countless opportunities for practical study in this area.

Justine Tay, Parks Manager, Singapore Parks Board “I came to appreciate the value of the program even more when I actually started work in the field. The program gave me a big-picture perspective of the thought process that goes behind the running of public gardens, and even of organizations in general.”

How To Apply • Apply online at gradschool.cornell.edu • Applications are due the 1st of February • A completed online application, official college/ university transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of reference, & GRE scores are required • International applicants must also submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores