The major provides education and training in basic and applied sciences, arts and humanities, communication, and business and economics to provide an understanding of the underlying principles in plant growth and development and use of new technologies, and the operation of a horticultural enterprise.

In consultation with an academic adviser and mentor, students may individually focus their academic programs through required and elective courses to focus training in specialized areas such as production, greenhouse and floriculture sciences, turfgrass management, golf course management, nursery production and management, edible crop production, pest management, sales and support services, education and training, and horticultural consulting. An internship in the industry is required to gain practical, hands-on experience.

Job opportunities for horticulturists include horticulture crop production and management, horticulture merchandising and business, consulting, inspection, research, teaching, Extension, communications, allied industries serving horticultural producers, journalism, and developing private business. Students who specialize in landscape and aspects of ornamental horticulture will be prepared for careers in the landscape service industry, landscape nurseries, landscape design firms, private and public gardens, and public agencies such as parks and recreation. Job opportunities for students studying turfgrass management include golf course superintendent, sports field manager, turfgrass science companies, seed or sod production, commercial landscape turfgrass management, research, sales, teaching, or private consulting. Advanced study may be required for some careers.