What is Horticulture?
Horticulture is the science major for the artist in you! Students who major in Horticulture (sometimes called Horticultural Science) learn how to grow vegetables, fruits, grasses, shrubs, and flowers. Horticulture majors learn about soil science, but they also learn about the best grass for a baseball field. They learn how to manage a greenhouse, arrange a bouquet of flowers, and landscape around hospitals. Horticulture is a broad field that covers all things beautiful plants!
Is Horticulture a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Do you love gardening? Do you have a green thumb? Can you name all the flowers you see? Do you love your science classes and your art classes? Are you creative? Are you a hands-on learner? Are you organized? Do you have a good memory? Do you find satisfaction in helping things grow? If so, a Horticulture Degree might be for you!
High School Classes Needed for a Horticulture Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- 4 Math Credits
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Earth Science
- Visual Arts
- 3 Social Studies Credits
- 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Calculus
Common Horticulture Courses in College:
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Economics of Agriculture
- Floriculture
- Genetics
- Greenhouse Management
- Insect Identification
- Landscape Plants
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Propagation
- Soil Resources
- Trigonometry
Some programs require internships.
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Agriculture: the science and business of producing crops and raising livestock
- Botany: the scientific study of plants
- Food Science: a course of study that explores the planting and harvesting, the raising and slaughtering, and the processing, packaging, and shipping of foods
- Forestry: the science of managing and caring for forests
- Horticulture Technology: a two-year course of study that prepares students for middle management and technical positions in horticulture
- Landscape Architecture: a course of study that prepares students to plan, design, and create landscaped grounds
- Ornamental Horticulture: a course of study that prepares students to grow and sell decorative plants
- Soil Science: the scientific study of soil as a resource
- Sustainable Agriculture: a branch of agriculture study that focuses on conserving and protecting natural resources while producing healthy food
Horticulture Careers:
Wherever there are gorgeous flowers, there is a horticulturist behind the scenes (unless of course, you’re out in the woods). People want to make things beautiful and so a background in horticulture is in high demand. Some horticulture majors go on to manage their own greenhouses, gardens, and/or flower shops. Some go into landscape horticulture. Some assist construction companies. Others work for: parks, gardens, golf courses, colleges, resorts, real estate developers, schools, towns, and states. A horticulture major graduates with many opportunities.
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