Horticulture applies knowledge from many disciplines, including biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, communications, business, and education to solve real world problems related to the production, marketing and management of landscape plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Training to improve plants through genetic manipulation and to investigate new methods of propagation, growth, handling, and marketing of horticultural crops. Horticultural scientists work at colleges and universities, state and federal experiment stations, and public or private laboratories and foundations. This area of study prepares students for science-oriented careers such as technicians in plant breeding, propagation, and research industries. Or it’s excellent preparation for postgraduate study toward a master’s degree or Ph.D.

Public horticulture is a professional program leading to employment in botanical gardens, arboretums and other horticultural establishments in the public sector, as curators of plant collections, educators, plant propagators, illustrators, and writers. Practical training through internships in public gardens is stressed.

Careers in Horticulture (multiple concentrations)

  • Fruit, vegetable, or ornamental plant grower
  • Landscape contractor
  • Plant breeder
  • Plant propagator
  • Equipment and supply sales
  • Extension Educator
  • University professor
  • Research scientist
  • Graduate school