Horticulture and urban agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Plant Science
Overview
- In-state: $9,824
- Out-of-state: $29,300
- WUE/Invitation to Idaho: $13,538
Related Topics
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 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
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
Sustainable practices, green thumbs
Curriculum
The B.S.Pl.Sc. in horticulture and urban agriculture is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
View the sample four-year plan for this degree.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog.
Learning objectives
- Learn how plants grow, develop and respond to environmental stressors
- Evaluate soil fertility, composting methods and nutrient management
- Apply scientific techniques to propagate horticultural crops
- Produce food and ornamental crops in managed, small-scale, controlled-environment systems
Hands-on learning
- Learn at on-campus plant science farms and computer-controlled greenhouses
- Gain experience with internships at nurseries, golf courses and landscape companies
- Study abroad to learn about global horticulture and urban agriculture issues
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
Career outcomes
Current job openings
3,644 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Agricultural Managers
$36,682 - Floral Designers
$40,212 - Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
$60,289 - Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
$42,970 - Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators
$45,148
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
- Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
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.
Overview
- In-state: $9,824
- Out-of-state: $29,300
- WUE/Invitation to Idaho: $13,538
Related Topics
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
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Connect with program faculty
Supporting farmers with agricultural expertise
Myla Crites finds joy in supporting farmers.