Horticulture Major
Horticulture is the study of the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, and landscapes. It is a major within Agriculture & Environment.
Horticulture is the study of growing and managing plants for food, ornament, and landscape purposes. The major explores how to cultivate fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and ornamental plants in ways that are productive and sustainable. Students learn the science behind plant growth, including soil chemistry, plant biology, and pest management, alongside practical skills like propagation, pruning, and irrigation design. The field also addresses questions about how environmental conditions affect plant health, how to design and maintain gardens and landscapes, and how to solve problems that arise in plant production.
Students drawn to horticulture typically have an interest in plants, outdoor work, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. The major usually begins with foundational courses in plant science, soil science, and basic cultivation techniques. As students progress, they move toward more specialized and applied topics—such as specific crop production, landscape design, greenhouse management, or plant breeding—allowing them to develop expertise in areas that match their interests. Learning combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on experience in gardens, nurseries, and field settings.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Horticulture program commonly includes topics such as:
- Plant propagation
- Soil and plant nutrition
- Greenhouse management
- Landscape design
- Pest management
- Crop production
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Horticulture is commonly offered at these levels:
- Associate
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Horticulture background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Horticulturist
- Greenhouse manager
- Landscape specialist
- Nursery manager
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Horticulture major?
Horticulture is the study of the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, and landscapes. It is part of agriculture & environment, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Horticulture majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as plant propagation, soil and plant nutrition, greenhouse management, landscape design, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Horticulture major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as horticulturist, greenhouse manager, landscape specialist. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Horticulture offered at?
It is commonly offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's level, though availability varies by institution.