Horticulture and urban agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Plant Science
Grow your potential
Horticulture professionals make careers out of growing and caring for plants — from managing landscapes at a golf course; to overseeing botanical gardens, nurseries and greenhouses; to raising crops of flowers, landscape shrubs and trees, fruits or vegetables.
But horticulturists need more than a green thumb. In this program, you will study the science behind the profession and explore topics like pruning and grafting, soil science, crop production, pollination, landscape and turf management and pest control.
You will also gain hands-on experience at the plant science farms and computer-controlled greenhouses, through real-world crop production projects, and on field trips to nurseries, golf courses and private landscape installations.
In this program, you can:
- Complete your own independent study
- Grow flowering crops and tropical plants to gain crop production and management experience
- Use specialized cloning techniques to produce flowering, fruiting and vegetable plants
- Visit nurseries, golf courses and top-of-the-line landscape installations
- Grow and donate produce from the U of I organic farm to a local food bank
Overview
Related Topics
Sustainable practices, green thumbs
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy nature and working in the outdoors
- Are interested in science
- Want to help the environment
- Like to garden
- To prepare for courses required to earn this degree, we recommend you:
- Take biology and science courses
- Plant a garden
- Visit greenhouses
- Work on a farm
Course descriptions and up-to-date program requirements can be found in the U of I General Catalog.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
3,685 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
$28,721 - Farmworkers
$27,770 - Agricultural Managers
$15,736 - Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
$28,975 - Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
$35,157
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Plant science farms
- Computer-controlled greenhouses
- Nurseries, golf courses, landscape installations
- Study abroad in Taiwan, Mexico or India
Clubs
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.