Horticulture: Academic Programs

Undergraduate

Studying Horticulture at Georgia

Horticulture is the science and art of producing nutritious food for the body--fruit, nut, and vegetable crops--and beautiful food for the soul--flowers, ornamental plants, and lawns.

Training in horticulture will prepare you for success in a variety of fields--from sales to research. A degree in horticulture will usually allow you to choose from many job opportunities in areas such as floriculture, nursery crops management, landscape horticulture, and fruit, vegetable, and nut crop management. You might choose to teach horticulture, pursue a career with firms that service the horticulture industry, or operate your own business.
Students at the Department of Horticulture have ready access to modern laboratories and teaching equipment, teaching and research greenhouses, a 100-acre teaching and research farm, and the State Botanical Garden. They take frequent trips to nurseries and landscape projects in Atlanta and surrounding areas and to nationally famous gardens.

For more information contact Tim Smalley, Undergraduate Coordinator.

Career FAQs

• What is horticulture?
• Why do students choose to study horticulture at UGA?
• Why do most people become horticulturists?
• Are jobs available for UGA Horticulture students?
• What are typical jobs?
• What are typical salaries of horticulture graduates?
• What are the majors in the Horticulture department?
• What does the future look like for horticulture majors?
• How large is the Georgia horticulture industry?

What is horticulture?

Horticulture is the art and science of growing fruits, nuts, vegetables and ornamentals--"garden or yard culture." UGA's Horticulture program trains students in many aspects of plant science--physiology, nutrition, identification, soils, pest control, and design. By carefully choosing electives, horticulture students can broaden their background in international agriculture, business management, education, journalism, GIS, and many other physical or biological sciences.

Why do students choose to study horticulture at UGA?

• Small class size
• Advising by caring faculty
• Enthusiastic Teachers
• Renowned faculty--authors of widely-adopted textbooks
• Small department and “family” atmosphere
• Nearby horticultural enterprises for numerous field trips
• Satisfied former students

Why do most people become horticulturists?

• Job satisfaction- they love working with plants
• Work environment- not in a cubicle all day
• Varied opportunities- from management to ownership

Are jobs available for UGA Horticulture students?

• Often multiple job offers per graduate
• Nationwide opportunities- not just Atlanta and the larger cities

What are typical jobs?

• Landscape contractor
• Garden center manager
• Greenhouse grower
• Nursery manager
• Golf course superintendent
• Urban forester, City horticulturist
• Extension agent, Horticultural Vo-Ag teacher
• Public garden horticulturist
• Orchard manager, Vegetable grower
• Plant, seed, chemical, and equipment sales
• Plant or produce inspectors
• Nursery or landscape business owner

What are typical salaries of horticulture graduates?

• Horticulture graduates typically start at salaries of $28-40,000 per year. Those with extensive experience gained from internships and part-time jobs, often start higher. Horticulturists with several years of experience can expect salaries of $40-75,000 per year, depending on size of company, responsibility and performance. According to the Professional Grounds Management Society, the national average salary for superintendents and managers is $60,000 per year. What are the majors in the Horticulture department?

What are the majors in the Horticulture department?

• Horticulture
• Landscape area of emphasis
• Horticulture Science area of emphasis

What does the future look like for horticulture majors?

• Atlanta is the number one business relocation site; therefore, more jobs, more houses, and greater demand for horticultural services.
• Decrease in leisure time prompts need for horticultural services
• Gardening is number one leisure activity and participation is predicted to increase.
• Studies show landscaping increases home sales and apartment occupancy rates
• Shift in vegetable industry from Florida to Georgia has increased production
• Horticulture is the fastest growing agricultural commodity in Georgia
• Tree ordinances and stormwater concerns have created new jobs for horticulturists

How large is the Georgia horticulture industry?

Total  value of Georgia Horticulture in 2008:$3.1 Billion (view report)

• Vegetables--$849 million
  • Vidalia Onions--$139 million
  • Watermelon--$118 million
• Landscape--$800 million
• Nursery--$290 million
• Fruit--$141 million
  • Blueberries--$61 million
  • Peaches--$49 million
• Greenhouse--$261 million
• Pecans--$125 million

Group photo of Horticulture Graduates, May 2009 Graduation Ceremony

Click here for USDA projected employment opportunities for College graduates, including Horticulture majors.

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