Environmental Horticulture

Environmental Horticulture Career Preparation

No matter your interests, York College’s experienced faculty will guide you toward academic and experiential learning opportunities that allow you to build a strong professional network in your ideal subject area.

Whether you prefer getting your hands dirty in the soil or staying clean in a high-tech greenhouse, prepare to enter the global horticultural industry as an independent entrepreneur or a competitive and valued employee in areas such as:

• Fruit and vegetable production
• Landscaping and turf operations
• Nursery operation
• Greenhouse operation
• Urban food production
• Food security
• Floriculture
• Soil and plant nutrition management
• Integrated pest management

The well-rounded BS in Environmental Horticulture degree program positions students to pursue fieldwork and research positions, careers producing and marketing ornamental and food plants, community outreach work, and more. Graduates may find opportunities in roles such as:

• Research technician
• Crop systems specialist
• Greenhouse grower
• Horticulturist
• Community educator
• Entrepreneur

York College’s Environmental Horticulture major program intentionally trains students in management and encourages research and applied opportunities. A solid foundation in these fields will help you excel as a professional, whether you explore starting your own business in foraging, greenhouse farming, or horticultural sales, or you smoothly transition to careers at national and international corporations.

Preparation for Advanced Professions

If you’re interested in enacting high-level change in sustainability, conservation, climate change science, crop science, policy, or education, further graduate-level credentials are typically needed.

Majoring in Environmental Horticulture is the ideal first step for students interested in pursuing graduate education leading to advanced careers in plant science, horticulture, ecology, agriculture, plant biotechnology, public policy, education, business, and more.

Horticulture Degree Salary and Career Outlook

Throughout the horticulture industry, demand is great for well-trained professionals who can combine optimized production systems with sustainable practices. Students in the BS in Environmental Horticulture program develop the highly relevant skills necessary to grow healthy, nutritious food and manage beautiful landscapes without harm to soil, water, and the global climate.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural and food scientists earn an average annual salary of $74,160 with employment growth projected at 8%, higher than the average of all occupations. The BLS reports that agricultural managers such as farmers can earn an average of $73,060 per year. Careers in conservation science are projected to grow 5% over ten years by 2031 and can earn an annual average salary of $63,750.