Horticulture is the branch of plant agriculture concerned with garden crops and ornamental plants. Degree programs in the field teach future
horticulturists the science and art of cultivating both fruits and vegetables and flowers. The typical curriculum incorporates classes in: \n
\u2022 Environmental and Horticulture Biology
\n\u2022 Chemistry
\n\u2022 Entomology \u2013 the study of insects and their relationship to humans, the environment, and other organisms
\n\u2022 Floral Design \u2013 the seven principles of floral design: proportion, scale, harmony, rhythm, balance, unity, and emphasis
\n\u2022 Forestry
\n\u2022 Genetics
\n\u2022 Ornamental / Landscape Horticulture \u2013 the production and use of plants to beautify outdoor spaces
\n\u2022 Floriculture \u2013 the production and use of flowers, potted plants, and annual bedding plants
\n\u2022 Plant Pathology \u2013 the science of plant diseases
\n\u2022 Plant Physiology \u2013 the study of how different parts of plants function
\n\u2022 Plant Propagation \u2013 the process of creating new plants
\n\u2022 Plant Taxonomy \u2013 the science of identifying, classifying, and naming plants
\n\u2022 Soil Science \u2013 the branch of science concerned with the formation, ecology, and classification of soil
\n\u2022 Vegetable and Fruit Crops
\n\u2022 Weed Science \u2013 the study of vegetation management
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.383073-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.807705-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 514, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Note** \r\nSome schools offer their horticulture programs under the banner of \u2018horticulture technology.\u2019 \r\n\r\n**Associate Degree in Horticulture \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nMany students who earn an Associate Degree in Horticulture go on to continue their studies in the field at the bachelor\u2019s level. Others enter the horticulture workforce in junior/support roles. \r\n\r\nHere are some examples of classes that make up the horticulture associate curriculum: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tSoil management \r\n\u2022\tLandscape design \r\n\u2022\tPlant identification \r\n\u2022\tPlant biotechnology \r\n\u2022\tUrban ecology \r\n\r\n**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Horticulture \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nWith a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Horticulture, graduates are well prepared to compete for various positions in the field, from greenhouse and nursery manager or marketer to [landscape architect](/careers/landscape-architect/) and horticultural researcher. \r\n\r\nThe typical horticulture curriculum at the bachelor\u2019s level includes courses like the following: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tFundamentals of Horticulture \r\n\u2022\tWoody Plants \u2013 the study of trees, shrubs, and vines \r\n\u2022\tEquipment Maintenance \u2013 the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment used in horticulture \r\n\u2022\tHorticulture Business Management \u2013 the business aspects of horticulture: budgets, tax laws, marketing, business plans \r\n\u2022\tArt of Floral Design \u2013 the aesthetic principles of floral design \r\n\u2022\tSoils \r\n\u2022\tHerbaceous Plants \u2013 the identification, culture and designs for native and cultivated annuals, perennials, bulbs, and wildflowers \r\n\u2022\tInterior Plantscaping \r\n\u2022\tGreenhouse Management \u2013 the basic concepts and principles utilized in greenhouse operation \r\n\u2022\tFood Crops \u2013 Community Sustainable Agriculture \r\n\u2022\tNursery Operation \u2013 the operation of wholesale and retail nurseries \r\n\u2022\tTrees \u2013 The Urban Landscape \u2013 the examination of efforts to integrate trees into the urban landscape \r\n\u2022\tArboriculture \u2013 the biology and care of trees \r\n\u2022\tTurf Management \u2013 an environmental approach to lawn maintenance and use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides \r\n\u2022\tPublic Horticulture \u2013 horticultural management in the public realm: botanic gardens, zoos, community gardens, and parks \r\n\u2022\tFlower Shop Management \r\n\u2022\tHorticultural Therapy \u2013 the design of therapeutic horticultural spaces for the physically and developmentally disabled, the visually impaired, and for those in healthcare settings \r\n\u2022\tLandscape Restoration \u2013 how to restore and manage meadows, forests, and wetlands \r\n\r\n**Master\u2019s Degree in Horticulture \u2013 Two to Three Year Duration** \r\nStudents who earn a Master\u2019s Degree in Horticulture qualify for a diverse range of positions in the field. They may work in production, management, marketing, education, and research. \r\n\r\nAt this level of education, the general curriculum and thesis research may address topics like: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tBioactive plant components \r\n\u2022\tDietary intervention / cancer prevention \r\n\u2022\tEcophysiology \u2013 the study of how the physical and biological environment interacts with the physiology of an organism \r\n\u2022\tEnology \u2013 the study of wines \r\n\u2022\tEnvironmental and stress physiology \u2013 the study of the physiological mechanisms that allow animals to cope with and adapt to changes in temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and other natural factors of their physical environment \r\n\u2022\tFloriculture \r\n\u2022\tFruit/vegetables \r\n\u2022\tGermplasm conservation \u2013 the most successful method of conserving the genetic traits of endangered and commercially valuable species \r\n\u2022\tGreenhouse technology \r\n\u2022\tLandscape ecology \r\n\u2022\tLandscape/ornamental plants \r\n\u2022\tLandscape water conservation/xeriscapes \u2013 landscaping designed for areas susceptible to drought \r\n\u2022\tOrganic/sustainable production \r\n\u2022\tPlant antioxidants \r\n\u2022\tPlant tissue culture \r\n\u2022\tPotato breeding \r\n\u2022\tPotato production management \r\n\u2022\tPotato storage physiology \r\n\u2022\tRhizosphere biology/ecology \u2013 the rhizosphere is the zone of soil surrounding a plant root where the biology and chemistry of the soil are influenced by the root \r\n\u2022\tTurfgrass science \u2013 the study of grasses, soils, water, and pests \r\n\u2022\tViticulture \u2013 the cultivation and harvesting of grapes \r\n\r\n**Doctoral Degree in Horticulture \u2013 Three to Five Year Duration** \r\nAt the doctoral level, Ph.D. candidates develop an original research program in consultation with faculty members. This original research is expected to contribute to the science of horticulture.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Note
\nSome schools offer their horticulture programs under the banner of \u2018horticulture technology.\u2019
\n
Associate Degree in Horticulture \u2013 Two Year Duration
\nMany students who earn an Associate Degree in Horticulture go on to continue their studies in the field at the bachelor\u2019s level. Others enter the horticulture workforce in junior/support roles.
\n
Here are some examples of classes that make up the horticulture associate curriculum:
\n
\u2022 Soil management
\n\u2022 Landscape design
\n\u2022 Plant identification
\n\u2022 Plant biotechnology
\n\u2022 Urban ecology
\n
Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Horticulture \u2013 Four Year Duration
\nWith a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Horticulture, graduates are well prepared to compete for various positions in the field, from greenhouse and nursery manager or marketer to landscape architect and horticultural researcher.
\n
The typical horticulture curriculum at the bachelor\u2019s level includes courses like the following:
\n
\u2022 Fundamentals of Horticulture
\n\u2022 Woody Plants \u2013 the study of trees, shrubs, and vines
\n\u2022 Equipment Maintenance \u2013 the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment used in horticulture
\n\u2022 Horticulture Business Management \u2013 the business aspects of horticulture: budgets, tax laws, marketing, business plans
\n\u2022 Art of Floral Design \u2013 the aesthetic principles of floral design
\n\u2022 Soils
\n\u2022 Herbaceous Plants \u2013 the identification, culture and designs for native and cultivated annuals, perennials, bulbs, and wildflowers
\n\u2022 Interior Plantscaping
\n\u2022 Greenhouse Management \u2013 the basic concepts and principles utilized in greenhouse operation
\n\u2022 Food Crops \u2013 Community Sustainable Agriculture
\n\u2022 Nursery Operation \u2013 the operation of wholesale and retail nurseries
\n\u2022 Trees \u2013 The Urban Landscape \u2013 the examination of efforts to integrate trees into the urban landscape
\n\u2022 Arboriculture \u2013 the biology and care of trees
\n\u2022 Turf Management \u2013 an environmental approach to lawn maintenance and use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides
\n\u2022 Public Horticulture \u2013 horticultural management in the public realm: botanic gardens, zoos, community gardens, and parks
\n\u2022 Flower Shop Management
\n\u2022 Horticultural Therapy \u2013 the design of therapeutic horticultural spaces for the physically and developmentally disabled, the visually impaired, and for those in healthcare settings
\n\u2022 Landscape Restoration \u2013 how to restore and manage meadows, forests, and wetlands
\n
Master\u2019s Degree in Horticulture \u2013 Two to Three Year Duration
\nStudents who earn a Master\u2019s Degree in Horticulture qualify for a diverse range of positions in the field. They may work in production, management, marketing, education, and research.
\n
At this level of education, the general curriculum and thesis research may address topics like:
\n
\u2022 Bioactive plant components
\n\u2022 Dietary intervention / cancer prevention
\n\u2022 Ecophysiology \u2013 the study of how the physical and biological environment interacts with the physiology of an organism
\n\u2022 Enology \u2013 the study of wines
\n\u2022 Environmental and stress physiology \u2013 the study of the physiological mechanisms that allow animals to cope with and adapt to changes in temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and other natural factors of their physical environment
\n\u2022 Floriculture
\n\u2022 Fruit/vegetables
\n\u2022 Germplasm conservation \u2013 the most successful method of conserving the genetic traits of endangered and commercially valuable species
\n\u2022 Greenhouse technology
\n\u2022 Landscape ecology
\n\u2022 Landscape/ornamental plants
\n\u2022 Landscape water conservation/xeriscapes \u2013 landscaping designed for areas susceptible to drought
\n\u2022 Organic/sustainable production
\n\u2022 Plant antioxidants
\n\u2022 Plant tissue culture
\n\u2022 Potato breeding
\n\u2022 Potato production management
\n\u2022 Potato storage physiology
\n\u2022 Rhizosphere biology/ecology \u2013 the rhizosphere is the zone of soil surrounding a plant root where the biology and chemistry of the soil are influenced by the root
\n\u2022 Turfgrass science \u2013 the study of grasses, soils, water, and pests
\n\u2022 Viticulture \u2013 the cultivation and harvesting of grapes
\n
Doctoral Degree in Horticulture \u2013 Three to Five Year Duration
\nAt the doctoral level, Ph.D. candidates develop an original research program in consultation with faculty members. This original research is expected to contribute to the science of horticulture.
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.384128-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.809192-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 514, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Horticulture", "summary_markdown": "**[Agronomy](/degrees/agronomy-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this field teach students how to investigate the growth and behavior of crops, the development of new plants, the soils and nutrients that nourish them, and the control of pests and diseases.\r\n\r\n**[Botany](/degrees/botany-degree/)** \r\nBotany is the study of the physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance of plants. Degree programs in the field include courses in biochemistry, microbiology, photosynthesis, and plant evolution. \r\n\r\n**[Forestry](/degrees/forestry-degree/)** \r\nForestry degree programs teach students how to conserve and manage forests through sustainable practices. This means the curriculum covers both preserving biodiversity, as well as producing wood products in ecologically responsible ways. Classes also address contemporary issues like climate change, carbon management, and how to plan and manage urban forests or green spaces in metropolitan areas. \r\n\r\n**[Landscape Architecture](/degrees/landscape-architecture-degree/)** \r\nLandscape architecture students learn how to apply both the creative and technical skills of architecture to plan outdoor spaces and landscapes, such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, residential areas, and college campuses. The curriculum includes computer-aided design (CAD) and courses specific to landscape architecture, such as horticulture, hydrology, geology, environmental design, and landscape design. \r\n\r\n**[Soil Science](/degrees/soil-science-degree/)** \r\nSoil science degree programs are focused on the formation, ecology, and classification of soil. Students take courses in seed science, fertilizers, geology, weed science, and genetics.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Agronomy
\nDegree programs in this field teach students how to investigate the growth and behavior of crops, the development of new plants, the soils and nutrients that nourish them, and the control of pests and diseases.
\n
Botany
\nBotany is the study of the physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance of plants. Degree programs in the field include courses in biochemistry, microbiology, photosynthesis, and plant evolution.
\n
Forestry
\nForestry degree programs teach students how to conserve and manage forests through sustainable practices. This means the curriculum covers both preserving biodiversity, as well as producing wood products in ecologically responsible ways. Classes also address contemporary issues like climate change, carbon management, and how to plan and manage urban forests or green spaces in metropolitan areas.
\n
Landscape Architecture
\nLandscape architecture students learn how to apply both the creative and technical skills of architecture to plan outdoor spaces and landscapes, such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, residential areas, and college campuses. The curriculum includes computer-aided design (CAD) and courses specific to landscape architecture, such as horticulture, hydrology, geology, environmental design, and landscape design.
\n
Soil Science
\nSoil science degree programs are focused on the formation, ecology, and classification of soil. Students take courses in seed science, fertilizers, geology, weed science, and genetics.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.385171-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.810961-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 514, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "Horticulture students develop several transferable skills, including: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tCommunication and teamwork \r\n\u2022\tPlanning and organization \r\n\u2022\tAttention to detail \r\n\u2022\tProject management \r\n\u2022\tCapacity to work in physically demanding environments \r\n\u2022\tHealth and safety awareness \r\n\u2022\tFlexibility \r\n\u2022\tIT skills", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Horticulture students develop several transferable skills, including:
\n
\u2022 Communication and teamwork
\n\u2022 Planning and organization
\n\u2022 Attention to detail
\n\u2022 Project management
\n\u2022 Capacity to work in physically demanding environments
\n\u2022 Health and safety awareness
\n\u2022 Flexibility
\n\u2022 IT skills
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.386589-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.812346-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 514, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Horticulture Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Horticulture graduates can apply their education in many different kinds of work: \r\n\r\n\u2022\tProduction and Sales \u2013 operating a landscape service, nursery, garden center, plant shop, vegetable farm, or orchard \r\n\u2022\tPublic Gardens \u2013 managing plant collections in conservatories and public gardens \r\n\u2022\tMarketing \u2013 wholesale or retail marketing and sales of fruits, vegetable, seeds, cut flowers, etc. \r\n\u2022\tResearch \u2013 developing techniques for improving the yield and quality of fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers \r\n\u2022\tTeaching \u2013 teaching horticulture in high schools, technical schools, and universities \r\n\u2022\tConsulting \u2013 working with seed firms, canning and freezing companies, and fertilizer manufacturers; advising communities and cities on grass selection for parks and golf courses \r\n\u2022\tInspection \u2013 conducting inspection of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables for government or private agencies \r\n\u2022\tLandscape Construction and Management \u2013 installing landscape projects \r\n\u2022\tLandscape Design \u2013 creating gardens \r\n\u2022\tPest management \u2013 working with regulatory agencies, agricultural suppliers, and large farms \r\n\u2022\tHorticultural Journalism \u2013 writing for farm and garden magazines, television, and radio \r\n\u2022\tPlant Pathology \u2013 conducting lab experiments on plant matter to determine the nature of diseases that attack plants \r\n\u2022\tOrnamental Horticulture \u2013 working in the florist and landscaping fields \r\n\u2022\tHorticultural Technology \u2013 planting and maintaining plant life used in the food, medical, and decorative sectors", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Horticulture graduates can apply their education in many different kinds of work:
\n
\u2022 Production and Sales \u2013 operating a landscape service, nursery, garden center, plant shop, vegetable farm, or orchard
\n\u2022 Public Gardens \u2013 managing plant collections in conservatories and public gardens
\n\u2022 Marketing \u2013 wholesale or retail marketing and sales of fruits, vegetable, seeds, cut flowers, etc.
\n\u2022 Research \u2013 developing techniques for improving the yield and quality of fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers
\n\u2022 Teaching \u2013 teaching horticulture in high schools, technical schools, and universities
\n\u2022 Consulting \u2013 working with seed firms, canning and freezing companies, and fertilizer manufacturers; advising communities and cities on grass selection for parks and golf courses
\n\u2022 Inspection \u2013 conducting inspection of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables for government or private agencies
\n\u2022 Landscape Construction and Management \u2013 installing landscape projects
\n\u2022 Landscape Design \u2013 creating gardens
\n\u2022 Pest management \u2013 working with regulatory agencies, agricultural suppliers, and large farms
\n\u2022 Horticultural Journalism \u2013 writing for farm and garden magazines, television, and radio
\n\u2022 Plant Pathology \u2013 conducting lab experiments on plant matter to determine the nature of diseases that attack plants
\n\u2022 Ornamental Horticulture \u2013 working in the florist and landscaping fields
\n\u2022 Horticultural Technology \u2013 planting and maintaining plant life used in the food, medical, and decorative sectors
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:04.387684-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:39.813565-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
