Program Overview

Horticulture - BS

The Horticulture major is designed for students in USU's regional campus system along the Wasatch Front. It is targeted to the field of ornamental horticulture and will prepare students for careers in arboriculture, nursery production, landscape management, greenhouse crop production, and related green industries.

About This Degree

The curriculum is focused on the application of horticultural principles, including weed, insect, and disease control; soils; crop production; plant biology; and others. The degree is distinct from the Plant Science BS offered on the Logan campus by having less emphasis on the science of crop production.

At a Glance

• College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
• Department: Plants, Soils and Climate Department
• USU Locations:
  • Statewide campuses

Program Requirements

• Horticulture - BS

Career And Outcomes

Success rates for students in the green industry after graduation are high. Examples of career opportunities include:

• Orchard, greenhouse, or nursery management
• Golf course or parks superintendent
• Private businesses in irrigation equipment sales
• Garden center, seed, and chemical sales
• Agricultural production
• Owning or managing farm-related businesses
• Agricultural product sales
• Working for nurseries and greenhouses
• Owning private landscaping businesses
• Designing gardens, lawns, and other small landscapes
• Designing and landscaping for private residences and businesses

The Utah Department of Workforce Services describes these positions as having a good employment outlook and relatively high wages. The department also describes the field as having faster than average employment growth with a high volume of annual job openings. With the expected population growth in the state, increased demands on horticulture crop production and urban landscapes will require expertise in this field obtained in the BS in Horticulture.

Job Outlook

Students can receive industry certification and prepare for license tests while pursuing the Horticulture degree including the State of Utah Pesticide Applicators License, the Certified Nursery Professional through the Utah Nursery & Landscape Association, or Certified Arborist. As an example, all students who successfully complete PSC 2200 Pest Management Principles and Practices are also certified by the state as pesticide applicators.

USU Locations

This degree is available at various USU locations, including:

• Kaysville
• Orem
• Salt Lake

Related Programs

• Agronomy - Minor: This minor blends the science of plant and soil management and crop production to instill the fundamental best practices of agriculture and resource conservation in a variety of contexts, from urban to rural settings.
• Horticulture - Minor: From soil science to modern vegetable production, this minor lets you tailor your education to fit your interests, whether you'd like to go into science, research, landscaping, or agriculture-related careers.
• Ornamental Horticulture: Earn a certificate or an associate degree in ornamental horticulture with hands-on experience in greenhouses as you prepare to either continue on for a bachelor's in plant science or pursue horticulture as a career and hobby.
• Plant Science: From research to learning the best hands-on applications of plant production, this is the only agriculturally focused plant science program in the state, plus you'll be able to work in laboratories, greenhouses, and fields one-on-one with experts.