Overview of Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services is an interdisciplinary field involving the application of scientific principles to the cultivation, selection, care, and utilization of ornamental and edible plants to create beautiful landscaping and green areas in addition to providing production and services that are beneficial to society. Skills associated with the field may include both the physical and the managerial aspects of the horticultural industry including the planning and management of growing and propagation sites, the delivery and production of horticultural products, the operation of floristry or greenhouses, as well as the marketing of goods and services.

Career Opportunities

Careers in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services may include a variety of roles such as Horticultural Technician, Horticulture Manager, Landscape Architect, Plant Breeder, Landscape Designer, Greenhouse Manager, and Plant Scientist, among others. Depending on the job, typical duties may include irrigation, fertilization, pest control, landscaping, crop production, arborist services, and greenhouse growing.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities

Internships and co-ops related to Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services can be found both inside and outside of universities. For example, some students may opt to work in a florist shop or nursery to gain practical experience in the field and develop relationships with mentors in the industry. Alternatively, those that would like to focus on research involvingplant improvement and propagation could join an internship program offered by a research organization or agribusiness.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations

There are several specialized tracks or concentrations related to Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services. These include Plant Breeding and Genetics, Crop Production, Sustainable Landscaping, Plant Pathology, Arboriculture, Plant Propagation, and Greenhouse Management. Depending on the school, some of these programs may offer concentrations such as Business, Natural Resource Management, Entomology, and Plant Physiology.

Preparation for Graduate School and Further Education

The knowledge and skills developed in an Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services program can be used to prepare for further education at the graduate level. For example, those who would like to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration, for example, may find a specialized track preparing them with the needed analytics, accounting, and organizational skills to succeed. In addition, the underlying scientific knowledge and specialized skills in Agriculture can be beneficial when applying to doctoral programs in research.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

The advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are rapidly transforming the field of Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services. AI is leveraging computer vision, machine learning, predictive analytics, and natural language processing to monitor large crop fields, identify weeds and diseases, improve watering techniques, and automate essential tasks such as harvesting and quality control. This type of automation will result in increased efficiency, productivity, and cost savings for farmers and businesses in the horticultural industry.

The Career Outlook for Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

The career outlook for Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services is highly promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of agricultural and food scientists, which includes horticulturists, is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. Jobs related to this field are expected to increase as demand continues for foods and services provided by agricultural producers, food processors, and related businesses.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services:

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, Salary: $47,738

Brigham Young University, Salary: $47,377

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, Salary: $45,940

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, Salary: $45,940

The Pennsylvania State University, Salary: $45,940

Texas Tech University, Salary: $40,980

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Salary: $40,717

Colorado State University-Fort Collins, Salary: $38,139

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Salary: $37,501

Texas A & M University-College Station, Salary: $35,444

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services.