Become a Horticulturalist: Education and Career Roadmap

What can you do with a horticulture degree? There are a number of different career paths you can take once you have obtained a horticulture degree. You might end up becoming a soil or plant scientist, working with farms, environmental protection agencies, city planners, and more in order to study soil quality and plan ideal plant growing conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, soil and plant scientists made a median salary of $63,200 as of May, 2019 and had a projected job outlook of 7% growth between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average.

Horticulturists may also work as supervisors of agricultural workers, earning a median annual salary of $48,280. Then again, they may work as landscapers ($30,440), helping to plan and maintain gardens and grounds. Some horticulturists pursue further horticulture education requirements; in this career, you may become a horticulture teacher at the post-secondary level, earning a median salary of $68,970 and experiencing a projected job growth of 4% from 2019 to 2029.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Purdue Global College of Agriculture in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Higher Education Programs, North Carolina Board for Licensing Soil Scientists, Soil Science Society of America, Certified Crop Adviser.

Let's take a look at the steps required to become a horticulturalist.

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

How long does it take to become a horticulturist? Becoming a horticulturalist begins with a bachelor's degree program in horticulture, botany, or a related field. Most bachelor's degree programs last four years and begin with introductory courses in botany, chemistry, and soil science. Some courses require participation in laboratory experiments that allow students to gain insight into plant cultivation and breeding. As students advance in the major, they might have the option of specializing in specific fields, such as urban forestry or production horticulture.

Additionally, students who actively participate in an internship program while in college have the opportunity to work in the field and gain valuable skills. Duties performed during an internship provide first-hand experience.

Step 2: Find a Job

Horticulturalists can find employment in several sectors, including landscape construction companies, university research departments, and government agencies. Accordingly, their job functions vary based on location and job title. For example, horticulturalists working for landscaping construction companies could specialize in planting and maintaining gardens, and those working for research departments might conduct experiments on plant genetics and breeding. Some horticulturalists spend their time in an office planning garden arrangements, while others travel to farms, offering recommendations to improve crop yields.

Some states require horticulturalists working as soil scientists to be licensed. Although licensure requirements vary by state, most include completing a bachelor's degree program in an industry-related field, having several years of working experience and successfully passing a state licensing exam. Most states that regulate licensure require professionals to participate in continuing education in order to keep their licenses current.

Step 3: Consider Certification

Horticulturalists can earn credentials, such as those designated by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) or the Certified Crop Advisers (CCA), in order to improve employment opportunities. SSSA candidates must have a Bachelor of Science degree in addition to five years of experience. The SSSA mandates certified professionals complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their credential. Credit is awarded for attending SSSA seminars and participating in other approved events.

Professional horticulturalists interested in advanced positions in crop management or consulting could consider becoming CCAs. CCA applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree program coupled with two years of work experience or accrued four years of experience in the field. Candidates who have met these requirements and successfully completed the two certification examinations qualify to earn the CCA designation.

Step 4: Advance Your Career

Experienced horticulturalists wishing to advance their careers can move up to managerial and supervisory positions or pursue advanced degrees. Some careers, such as those in research or academia, require a master's degree or PhD. Students could earn a Master of Science (M.S.) in Horticulture or an M.S. in Plant Science to increase employment opportunities or qualify for management and teaching positions. These programs typically allow students to create a curriculum appropriate to their interests. For example, a student wishing to pursue a career as a crop consultant would study topics in pest management and soil science.

Here are some of the most important skills that you can develop as a horticulturist:

• Attention to detail
• Enjoyment of outdoor work
• Extensive knowledge of plant species
• Farm equipment safety
• Patience
• Problem-solving skills
• Manual dexterity

Here are some of the benefits and challenges of working in horticulture:

Horticulturalists need a bachelor's degree in plant science, social science, or horticultural studies and a minimum of a master's degree is needed for field-specific research and teaching positions.