If you are interested in greenhouse management; growing bedding plants, potted plants, and perennial flowers; woody plant production; or nursery and garden center management, the UMass sustainable horticulture program at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture is the place to be. Our students design their own focus of study by electing courses in a range of horticulture topics. The green industry is the largest segment of plant agriculture, by economic measures, in Massachusetts and New England. Abundant career opportunities exist in the field and in related industries and services. We offer the following degree paths:
- Online Certificate (one year)
- On-campus Associate of Science degree (two-year)
- Online Associate of Science degree (two-year)
The next generation of students graduating from land-grant universities will be faced with the challenge of redesigning sustainable landscapes in response to diminishing supplies of fossil fuels and water as well as greater financial stress in public and private enterprises.
What You'll Learn
The UMass horticultural sciences curriculum provides fundamental knowledge in basic science, plant biology, sustainable management, and applied horticulture courses. Students hone their skills in the following areas:
- Horticulture science and techniques
- Greenhouse cultivation and landscape horticulture
- Production of herbaceous ornamentals, nursery crops, fruits, and vegetables.
- Horticulture business management
- Plant physiology, plant pathology, postharvest biology, and tissue culture
- Soil science and management
Careers
Horticulture is the science and art of growing flowers, ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables. If you like the idea of combining art and science, enjoy working with plants and people, or wish to beautify the environment, then a career in horticulture would be very satisfying to you.
- Plant grower, breeder, or propagator in greenhouse operations and landscape nurseries
- Owner or manager of horticultural business
- Landscape operation
- Horticultural product sales and marketing
- Technician for a plant production facility
- Researcher, educator, or professor of horticultural sciences
- Extension specialist
- Greenhouse operator
Resources