Earn a degree in Horticulture
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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: plant and landscape systems, entrepreneurship, landscape design and management, specialty crop production or design your own. An “& Science” emphasis (4-17 credits) can be added to any of the these options, but with additional requirements in basic sciences and research experiences to prepare students for graduate school and careers in research.
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:
- Armstrong Apples, Orchard, and Winery,
Campbellsport, Wisconsin - BrightView Landscapes, Long Grove, Illinois
- Chevy Chase Club, Chevy Chase, Maryland
- Cornell University Research Station, Geneva, New York
- Daniels Produce, Norfolk, Nebraska
- Kinghorn Gardens, Omaha, Nebraska
- Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha, Nebraska
- Lincoln Parks and Recreation Public Gardens Section,
Lincoln, Nebraska
- Midwest Hop Producers, Plattsmouth, Nebraska
- Moore Farms Botanical Garden, Lake City, South Carolina
- Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Oak Creek Vineyards, Lincoln, 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
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.
