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A Degree in Horticulture for Military and Veterans

A Degree in Horticulture for Military and Veterans

The College of Lake County describes its degree program in Horticulture as "the essential science and art of plant-centered enterprise" noting that a degree in Horticulture can lead to careers in a "range of plant-centered businesses or organizations. You can go to work in a local landscape company, an environmental consulting firm or a start-up. You may serve the community by working for a city, a park district or a public land management agency..."

Horticulture is the science, business, and art associated with all things plants: flowers, trees, shrubs, turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Horticulture is both food and beauty. Horticulture is the production and processing of our food supply. Horticulture is also a major source of beautification including areas around homes, cities, parks, highways, and other areas.

What can you do with a Horticulture Degree?

A Horticulture Degree will guide students to become experts in fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops! In a word: horticulture! A Horticulture Degree includes diverse and interesting topics such as:
  • horticultural (fruit, vegetable, ornamental) crop production and cultivation
  • plant growth and development
  • plant interactions with the environment
  • sustainable environments
  • floriculture
  • urban horticulture
  • nursery production
  • viticulture
  • soil microbiology
  • crops for biofuel
  • ecological pest management
  • agriculture and climate change
  • genome editing for crop improvement

Jobs with this degree include:

  • Postsecondary Teacher – Instruct students in courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
  • Environmental Specialist– Use knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Median Annual Salary: $76,000.
  • Agricultural Scientist– Research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. Median Annual Salary: $74,000.
  • Forester– Manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. Median Annual Salary: $64,000.

Can I Use the GI Bill to Earn a Horticulture Degree?

A Horticulture Degree is very hands-on making it a great degree to consider for those that wish to earn practical as well as theoretical knowledge. See our list below for schools that participate in GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon options.

Getting a Degree in Horticulture

Associate Degree in Horticulture

An Associate Degree in Horticulture is a great introduction to this field of study. An Associate Degree in Horticulture prepares students for careers in horticultural professions such as:
  • landscape management
  • garden planning (zoos, parks, arboretum, etc.)
  • small farm production
  • environmental sustainability
  • urban garden planning
  • turf management (golf courses, sports complexes)
  • forestry
  • horticulture business (nursery)
  • greenhouse operations
Associate Degree programs typically emphasizes practical experience through hands-on training including outdoor labs and internship opportunities. Graduates are well prepared for entry-level employment in horticulture and related. Students may also choose to continue their studies in a Bachelor’s Degree program for a wider option of career opportunities.

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture

A Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture will emphasize the fundamental and technical aspects of horticulture. Students will explore courses such as:Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce in a career of their choosing, with a variety of jobs and pay options.

Master’s Degree in Horticulture Using GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Programs

A Master’s Degree in Horticulture will allow students to further explore and master this field of study.

Students will get opportunities to delve deeper and study horticulture comprehensively, from the cellular level to the entire plant. Topics include:

PhD in Horticulture

Become the premier expert in the field! A Doctorate in Horticulture is an ideal option for students that wish to pursue careers in business, research, and academia. With a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Horticulture students are expected to pick at least one specialty field of study. Many students choose to complement their knowledge of horticulture and plant biology with a specialty focus in areas such as:

Is a Horticulture Degree worth it?

Horticulture Degrees have been popular for as long as the US has had farming. They are once again gaining popularity as related niche areas grow in popularity as well. Farm-to-table dining, farmer’s markets, community gardens, and urban horticulture are just a few examples of a horticultural movement headed your way!

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.

Ready to start your Degree in Horticulture? Check out these great programs available at our partner GI Bill schools:  

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University – Offers a Master’s of Science in Horticulture and a PhD in Horticulture. Virginia Tech is a GI Bill® approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Virginia Tech is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Kent State University– Offers an Associate of Applied Sciences in Horticultural Technology and a Bachelor of Applied Horticulture Degree. Kent State University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for CLEP exams. Kent State University  is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Oklahoma State University– Offers a variety of Bachelor Degrees in Horticulture including Urban Horticulture, Horticultural Business, and Horticultural Food Science. Oklahoma State University also offers a Master of Science in Horticulture. Oklahoma State University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Oklahoma State University is a MyCAA approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and Oklahoma State University is a Yellow Ribbon school.

University of Concordia Wisconsin– Offers a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. Concordia U-WI has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Concordia U-WI is a MyCAA approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance and Concordia U-WI is a Yellow Ribbon school.