Gaining a horticulture degree is no easy feat. We will take you on the steps to take. When pursuing a bachelor of science in horticulture, you will study horticulture, which is the study of the science and business of growing plants.
Students gain the knowledge necessary to be successful in roles in landscaping, agriculture, and gardening by studying topics like soil and nutrient management, learning about plant biology, and learning how to identify and care for a variety of plant types.
Read: 7 Top Universities To Your Needed Agricultural Engineering Degree
What Does a Horticulture Degree Entail?
Life on Earth depends heavily on plants. They provide us with beauty, oxygen, and nourishment. If you’ve always been fascinated by the usefulness and beauty of plants, you might want to think about getting a bachelor’s degree in horticulture. You’ll learn about the science and business of growing plants in a horticulture degree program. Take classes in soil management, plant identification, pest management, greenhouse management, agriculture, and plant cultivation methods.
You’ll be ready for a range of employment in a variety of industries with a solid education in horticulture. Some graduates work in agriculture, setting up their own farms to raise organic foods. Others run greenhouses where crops are grown indoors, or they cultivate plants to sell to nurseries or florists. Some go into the gardening and landscaping industries, starting their own firms, becoming landscape architects, or designing areas for huge zoos and gardens.
What Positions Can You Achieve With a Horticulture Degree?
Horticulturist employment is predicted to increase nearly as quickly as the average for all occupations in the United States, thus recent graduates should have a good chance of obtaining employment in their sector following graduation.
Additionally, as more people shop at farmer’s markets and local food distributors for their plants, fruits, vegetables, and grains, there may be an increase in demand for horticulturists in the coming years due to growing interest in the environment, environmental sustainability, conversation, and organically grown foods.
Jobs with a Horticulture Degree
Plants are the focus of horticulturists’ jobs, which they might perform in a variety of contexts. Some people own and operate nurseries, greenhouses, and farms. Some people own their own gardening enterprises, work in the landscaping industry, or design gardens for zoos or parks.
Others pursue advanced degrees, enter the field of research, and work on developing genetically modified organisms or researching the use of plants in pharmaceuticals.
What Degrees Would I Study If I Wanted To Major In Horticulture?
- Agricultural & Resource Economics
- Agricultural Law
- Agricultural Finance
- Greenhouse Management
- Plant Physiology
- Crop Production & Management
- Weed Management & Control
- Horticultural Entomology
Top Horticulture Universities
- Colorado State University
- Washington State University
- University of Wisconsin
- Michigan State University
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- Temple University
What is the Time Frame?
A four-year full-time course load is common for a horticulture bachelor’s degree. However, there are various ways to shorten the time limit, like enrolling in a community college or taking additional classes online.
Best Career Paths
For every outdoor enthusiast looking for a job, studying horticulture opens up a world of opportunity. One of the most significant living things in our world is the plant. We cultivate them, consume them, and even employ them as medicine. The outcomes will surprise you. Learn about some of the top horticulture employment prospects.
1. Plant Pathologist
Plant pathologists carry out lab tests and experiments on plant material to identify the traits of diseases that affect plants.
As part of your profession, you may get the chance to visit areas with a high prevalence of plant diseases where you’ll probably carry out tests on the soil’s composition and gather samples.
Additionally, you might create novel plant species that are disease-resistant and significantly benefit society, particularly in the field of food production.
2. Ornamental Horticulturist
Those who specialize in ornamental horticulture frequently work at nurseries, florist shops, or landscaping companies. Horticulturists that specialize in ornamental gardening deal with plants and flowers for aesthetic purposes.
The main responsibilities of the position include designing corsages and bouquets, making low-maintenance flowerbeds or other ornaments for homes, and giving clients basic guidance on how to utilize and care for plants for decorative purposes.
3. Horticultural Inspector
Inspectors contribute to preserving a high standard of production in the food sector. As an inspector, you will evaluate agricultural products including fruits and vegetables for public and private organizations and make sure that yields meet quality standards.
Additionally, you will offer suggestions for enhancing procedures. You’ll be more successful in this career path if you have a solid understanding of both industry and horticulture.
4. Writer
Writers with expertise in horticulture may find work for radio, television, gardening websites, and magazines. This is undoubtedly a fantastic job opportunity for you if you love horticulture and want to spread it to the rest of the world.
A writer needs to be able to fulfill deadlines and have a strong knowledge of the English language. If you intend to write for the web, it will also be helpful to understand HTML.
5. Landscape Designer
In order to develop gardens that meet aesthetic goals while also having the right plants, soil, and upkeep to grow over time, landscape designers integrate horticulture with hardscapes.
Landscape architects serve a variety of clientele, including the government as well as businesses, and private individuals. For those who want to incorporate horticulture into live environments, it is a fulfilling career.
6. Horticultural Consultant
Numerous businesses and organizations can benefit from the wide range of services offered by horticultural consultants. Depending on your area of expertise, you might be counseling golf course managers on grass selection and upkeep, selecting plant species for an urban park area, or advising farmers on which crops to grow.
Consultants must be able to blend horticultural expertise with a grasp of business and presentation skills, as well as be at ease with travel commitments. You’ll combine knowledge of plant and soil behavior with the technical details of taking care of them and the financial aspect of making sure they get the attention they need.
What Distinguishes Horticulture from Agriculture?
You may think of horticulture as a subfield of agricultural science. Both practice agriculture on a large scale, like farming, while horticulture is done on a smaller size, like gardening. Both use nearly the same techniques for crop cultivation. Horticulture deals with vegetables, trees, flowers, turf, shrubs, fruits, and nuts, while agriculture deals with all facets of crop growth.
Conclusion
You have a variety of employment options to select from if you study horticulture. With ICI’s horticulture certificate, you may release your passion and become a certified horticultural.
