Horticulture Sciences

Horticulture refers to the study of cultivating plants on a small scale. The science behind it involves developing defenses against diseases and insects, improving yield and maximizing nutritional value. Within a horticultural sciences program, students learn about the two basic types of plants--ornamental and edible. Ornamental plants are shrubs, trees and turf. Edible plants include fruits, vegetables, berries and nut trees.

Degree programs are available at the certificate, undergraduate and graduate levels. Those enrolled in an undergraduate program, such as a Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Sciences, research such subjects as plant propagation, plant diversity, crop production and horticultural physiology. Upon completion, students can enter into careers as a greenhouse managers, research biologists or produce buyers for restaurants and grocery stores. Those who pursue further education with a Master of Science or Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences can obtain careers as educators, crop systems engineers, crop inspectors or plant breeders.

An online master's degree in turf management teaches students to plant and care for grassy areas, such as parks, golf courses, athletic fields and lawns. Program curriculum covers botany, horticulture, landscape design, irrigation and transplanting.

Landscape designers are trained in horticulture and are responsible for consulting, planning and designing the arrangement of exterior landscapes. Some states do not require a degree or certification to work as a landscape designer. However, without proper schooling, along with field experience, most landscape designers are limited in their design work.

Residential Landscape Designers design gardens and lawns for owners of private property. They must have knowledge of art, design, technology, horticulture and business, and their work experience can be a platform for a career in larger-scale landscape architecture.

The Life Sciences, also called the biosciences, are the study of the organization, processes, functions, environments and relationships of life forms. Common Life Sciences careers include those in physiology, ecology, biology and genetics. This article will tell you more about common careers in the Life Sciences.