If you are ready for a career that blends science, creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on skills to improve people’s lives in the environment, then the green industry is for you. Each year, over 175,000 people start careers in the landscape and horticulture industry in the U.S.
Students in the Horticulture program of study have the option of pursuing either a diploma or an associate degree and will choose a specialization of either General Horticulture or Landscaping.
Horticulture students learn the science and design principles that are necessary to grow and maintain plants for food and medicine and to manage and improve the landscape around people. Studying plants and their environmental requirements will prepare professionals who will be able to apply knowledge and skills to successfully manage plants indoors and outdoors.
The indoor and outdoor labs at NGTC include an aquaponic/hydroponic greenhouse, traditional greenhouses and cold frames, outdoor gardens, a 3.5-acre research farm/arboretum protected by deer fence, and outdoor production areas for landscape plantings. Ongoing projects such as a pollinator garden and design projects in the community and on campus ensure that students practice skills and use equipment such as compact tractors/backhoes and tracked loaders, and other landscape equipment.
Career preparation experiences for students include field trips to area greenhouses and nurseries and the Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) Wintergreen trade show. Students also have the opportunity to compete in the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Collegiate Landscape Competition (NALP-NCLC) to network and prepare for their career in Georgia and the United States.
Courses in the program include:
Graduates may take positions with:
Greenhouse and growing production companies
Retail or wholesale garden centers and nurseries
Land or property management companies
Green Industry or sustainability companies
Students who complete the Horticulture program may take positions and perform responsibilities such as:
Landscape design
Landscape project management
Cost estimating
Property management maintenance
Small farm management
Additional career options can be researched on the following site(s):
If you are ready for a career that blends science, creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on skills to improve people’s lives in the environment, then the green industry is for you.
