Plant Science and Horticulture
Florida is the nation’s second leading horticulture state in greenhouse and nursery sales. And with all the resorts, theme parks, golf courses, parks and recreational areas, Central Florida has become one of the major and most diversified horticulture centers in the world—offering abundant career opportunities in the landscape and horticulture field.
Career Programs in:
Plant Science and Agricultural Technology with specializations in:
Skills to Grow
Are you curious about how the landscapes at theme parks, golf courses or master-planned communities are so perfectly designed and manicured? Wonder where that exotic plant came from? Or, have the desire to help family, friends and neighbors keep their lawns and gardens in top condition? If so, a career in plant science and agricultural technology may be just for you.
Job Outlook
About 40% of all agricultural service workers are employed in Florida, California and Texas. Get help with job search strategies, employment readiness, interviewing and more at one of our four on-campus Career Centers.
Plant Science and Agricultural Technology
(Salary Range: $28,000 – $35,000)
It takes many specialized skills and technicians to grow plants and incorporate them into attractive landscape designs. The A.S. degree in Plant Science and Agricultural Technology takes a well-rounded approach to providing these skills by offering three areas of specialization. Graduates of this program will be able to perform the following tasks:
- Propagate, grow, maintain and market plants
- Inspect, diagnose and treat plants for disease and health
- Design, construct and maintain landscapes
- Oversee landscape operations in parks and other recreational areas
- Design and maintain a crop management program
Potential Careers:
- Agriculture Specialist
- Horticulture Manager
- Horticulture Specialist
- Landscape Designer
- Landscape Manager
- Landscape Specialist
- Nursery Manager
- Park Supervisor
Horticulture Specialization
The horticulture specialization lays the groundwork for students preparing for a career in both greenhouse and nursery operations. This includes instruction in greenhouse culture of foliage and flowers and woody nursery production.
Landscape Specialization
The landscape specialization provides for skills in landscape design, construction and maintenance. In this specialization, students are trained to supervise, manage and design exterior and interior landscapes.
Sustainable Agriculture Specialization
The sustainable agriculture specialization teaches students how to develop and maintain a crop management program for edible production. Students learn about plant physiology and growth and develop solutions for a wide variety of plant health issues.
Valencia College provides equal opportunity for educational opportunities and employment to all. For more information, please visit valenciacollege.edu/equalopportunity