Turning Your Passion For All Things Green Into A Career: Horticulture Degree
In order for people to survive a safe and healthy food supply is required. If you would like to play a role in ensuring that the growing need for these foods are met, then a degree in horticulture will be worth your time. It is a great degree for anyone interested in making a career out of growing and managing plants and offers a combination of business and science. Horticulture is also a very broad industry, which means there are plenty of career paths that you can forge with this type of degree. There are a number of issues facing our planet, ranging from climate change to water shortages, that has highlighted the importance of horticulture. So, if you have a green thumb and a desire to work with plants in order to make the world a better place, then horticulture could be ideal for you.
Horticulture Degree Information
Associate of Applied Science in Horticulture
The Associate of Applied Science in Horticulture typically takes about two years to complete. Courses may include Soils, Ground Management, Plant Pest Management as well as focus areas, such as Landscape Management, Plant Production and Marketing, Landscape Design and Turfgrass Management.
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
The Bachelor of Science in Horticulture is typically a 120 credits course that takes about four years to complete. Courses may include Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, Greenhouse Management, Plant Physiology, Horticulture Crop Production & Management, Weed Management and Control, Horticultural Entomology: Food Crops and more.
Master of Horticultural Science
For students interested in a master’s degree in horticulture, but who do not plan on pursuing a PhD can opt for a non-thesis program such as the Master of Horticultural Science degree. To qualify for this type of program you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution as well as meet the GPA requirements. Courses included in this degree range from Viticulture and Plant Breeding Methods to Postharvest Physiology, Plant Metabolism, Physiology of Flowering, Environmental Stress Physiology and more.
Horticulture Degree FAQ
Is It Possible To Study For A Horticulture Degree Online?
There are a number of online courses available for students interested in horticulture. These courses can either be taken as part of a certificate program or as part of a degree. In addition, there are blended degree programs available, which means a portion of the courses must be done on-campus while the rest can be completed online. Some online programs also require students to either take part in virtual lab projects or to purchase kits in order to complete the hands-on lab experiences that are required for the course. In other cases an internship option might be available to those with more flexibility in their schedules. For online courses where internship is a requirement, you may be able to use your employment if you are already working in the horticultural industry. Studying horticulture online is great for people who are unable to attend campus based classes due to work or family obligations. However, most online programs offer the same course materials as their campus counterparts, which means it requires just as much hard work to complete. Studying online doesn’t mean that you are completely on your own either. Typically, you are still able to communicate with the faculty and your peers via online discussion forums, email, video chat and other types of applications.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study For A Horticulture Degree?
Before studying horticulture you should be sure that you are the type of person who enjoys the outdoors. While not all careers in horticulture requires you to be outdoors, it is a big part of many of them. Having a green thumb is obviously also very beneficial for many careers in this field as is the ability to work well with others as part of a team. Good problem solving skills and an eye for detail is a must along with plenty of patience. The work can sometimes require long hours, so you have to be dedicated and good communication skills are needed for research.
What Type of Career Options Might Be Available To Me With A Horticulture Degree?
Although there are some entry-levels jobs available in the horticulture industry for people without degrees, you will want at least a bachelor’s degree if you are interested in jobs that are more advanced or higher-paying. There are also a number of different areas in which you can specialize if you are a horticulturist, so you can base your career around your interests. Many horticulturists work in nurseries or garden centers while others choose to enter the landscaping business. In addition, there are numerous industries related to horticulture that employ people with this type of degree. This means that you could be doing anything from marketing and research to teaching, inspection and sales using your expertise of horticulture.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Working In This Type of Industry?
Your potential income when working in the horticulture industry will depend on the career path you chose as well as your position. The type of degree you have earned can also play a role. For example, grounds maintenance workers typically do not require a degree, but have median hourly wages of only $12.90, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the other hand, landscape architects typically have at least a bachelor’s degree and earn about $63,480 per year. Generally, those working in science, research and education are amongst the highest earners in this industry. Since a horticulture degree may be enough to find work in virtually any industry that involves plants, it is very difficult to determine the exact salary scale that you can expect.
What Are The Other Advantages Of Studying Horticulture?
A horticulture degree is great if you are passionate about plants and nature, but there are also other benefits to this degree. The horticulture industry is one of the few industries where employment is relatively stable, particularly if you choose to specialize in the food industry. It is also the type of degree that can open up a lot of different career opportunities in a number of different environments. In addition, depending on your career path, it is the type of degree that can help you to make a difference in the quality of life for many other people.
