Overview of Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

An associate degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills within the realm of horticulture and business services. This degree provides a broad foundation of essential knowledge on topics such as plant science, plant biology, landscape design and horticultural business services. Through a combination of classroom and practical experience, students learn through both theory and practical application.

Career Opportunities for Graduates with an Associate Degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

An associate degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services prepares graduates to pursue a variety of career paths in the horticultural industry. Roles that graduates could potentially pursue include Nursery Manager, Horticultural Technician, Landscape Designer, Garden Center Manager, Greenhouse Manager, Plant Breeder, and Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant.

Internship/Co-op Opportunities Related to Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

In addition to classroom instruction and required coursework, many universities and colleges offer internship and co-op experiences for students pursuing Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services. These experiences provide students with real world experience in the horticulture and business industry and could potentially lead to permanent employment after graduation. Some universities may have industry- sponsored internships available as well.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

Depending on the school and the specific program, Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services may offer specialized tracks or concentrations. These specialized tracks or concentrations may include Plant Science, Plant Biology, Landscape Design, or Horticultural Business Services. Pursuing a specialization may give graduates the unique skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a specific type of role in the horticultural industry.

How Does an Associate Degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Prepare Students for Further Education?

An associate degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services provides students with the foundation to pursue further education in horticulture and related disciplines. Furthermore, through classroom instruction and practical experience, graduates gain a broad understanding of plant science and an understanding of the basic principles of horticultural business. An associate degree can also provide graduates the base knowledge to specialize in either horticulture, plant science, landscape design, or horticultural business services in higher level degrees.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that’s quickly becoming more and more ubiquitous in the world. AI is having a profound effect on how we learn, how we do business, and even on the job market. With the rise of AI come new tools and technologies for horticulturalists and business professionals that weren’t previously available. These tools, such as AI-powered robotics and analytics, are allowing horticulturalists and business professionals to manage tasks faster, improve efficiency, and even increase yields in the green industry.

The Career Outlook for Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

There is currently a strong demand in the marketplace for applied horticulture and horticultural business services professionals. As population growth increases and global climate change affects existing green spaces, there is a growing need for qualified professionals to manage these green spaces and cultivate new horticultural projects. With the increasing use of AI and robotic technology, the horticultural industry is ready for innovation. With the right education and training, graduates with an associate degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services may find a variety of high demand employment opportunities.

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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, Salary: $53,956

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, Salary: $53,956

The Pennsylvania State University, Salary: $53,956

North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Salary: $38,901

Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Salary: $38,839

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Salary: $38,719

Southeast Technical College, Salary: $29,253

Pennsylvania College of Technology, Salary: $26,470

Front Range Community College, Salary: $26,205

Spartanburg Community College, Salary: $22,952

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