Horticulture

Earn a degree in Horticulture

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Horticulture

Horticulture is the science and art of growing and using fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants and grasses to enhance our living environment and to diversify human diets. Horticultural crops are typically produced on a small scale with intensive management and require a high degree of skill. Many horticultural crops are grown for aesthetic enjoyment and recreation. Students are required to fulfill one of five options offered under the horticulture major at Nebraska: landscape design-build, production, entrepreneurship, plant science, or sustainable food production.

$38,825 in scholarships awarded in 2017–2018
Explore the world through faculty-led study abroad tours
39 students enrolled for fall 2017
Kelsey Foster and Elizabeth Lutz
Senior horticulture majors Kelsey Foster (left) and Elizabeth Lutz work in the greenhouse.

Career Opportunities

A wide variety of career paths is available in this rapidly-changing field. With a degree in horticulture, careers are possible as a:

  • Landscape designer or contractor
  • Greenhouse/nursery grower or manager
  • Floral designer
  • Business owner
  • Educator/researcher
  • Plant breeder

Internships

Internships are key components of your academic experience. They allow you to explore different areas of horticulture, make connections with future employers, and experience a professional work environment. One internship is required for graduation, but students often complete more than one during their undergraduate career. Horticulture internships are available across Nebraska and the United States. Recent student internships include:

  • Bessey Nursery, Halsey, Nebraska
  • Daniels Produce, Norfolk, Nebraska
  • Earl May Garden Center, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Lincoln Parks and Recreation Public Gardens Section, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Midwest Hop Producers, Plattsmouth, Nebraska
  • Moore Farms Botanical Garden, Lake City, South Carolina
  • Nebraska Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Health, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Nebraska Nursery and Color Gardens, Lincoln, Nebraska
    • Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Lincoln, Nebraska
    • Oak Creek Vineyards, Lincoln, Nebraska
    • Panhandle Research and Extension Center, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
    • Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, Gering, Nebraska
    • TessFresh Flowers, San Diego, California
    • Innovation Campus Greenhouse, Lincoln, Nebraska
    • Denver Botanical Gardens, Denver, Colorado
    • Nebraska Forest Service, Lincoln, Nebraska
    • Oak Creek Plants and Flowers, Lincoln, Nebraska
    Chrissy Peters
    2017 graduate—Chrissy Peters
    My life changed for the better when I discovered the landscape design-build option within the horticulture major at Nebraska. With endless scholarship opportunities, leadership in Horticulture Club, assistant teaching, dedicated professors and a wide span of networking, I was given the tools and assurance to have a career doing what I love most—working with plants and people.

    NEED ASSISTANCE OR ADVISING?

    Contact Anne Streich Associate Professor of Practice and
    Undergraduate Recruitment Coordinator


    202A Keim Hall, East Campus
    402-472-1640

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