Horticulture

Career Outlook

Horticulturists spend their careers outdoors caring for the health of plants and managing natural environments — working in nurseries, landscaping, and agriculture. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for landscaping careers to remain stable through 2030. Demand for agricultural science careers is expected to grow by 9%.

Our Horticulture certificate program prepares you for careers in agriculture, plant management, and more. Some career paths include:

• Agricultural Engineer
• Arborist
• Botany and Plant Scientist
• Culinary Horticulturist
• Garden Center Specialist
• Greenhouse Management
• Landscaping
• Nursery Management
• Organic Farming
• Viticulture

Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

Where Our Graduates Work

After completing the Horticulture certificate program, our graduates have worked at:

• Sonnenberg Gardens
• NY State Ag Experiment Station
• George Eastman Museum
• Mohonk Mountain House
• Local landscaping companies

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

• Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
• Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Learn From Horticulture Professionals

Meet professional horticulturists through guest lectures and field trips. You'll learn from experts at Cornell Cooperative Extension, the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Department of Environmental Conservation, among others.

You'll explore regional gardens, greenhouses, and nurseries to witness professional horticultural practices, including:

• Cornell AgriTech — a research center providing practical solutions for farmers and agriculture businesses to thrive.
• Coldwater Pond Nursery — a family nursery specializing in growing woody ornamental plants.
• Highland Botanical Park — a world-class arboretum with 500+ varieties of lilacs, woody plants, and tree species.

Real-World Experience in Plant Management

Our Horticulture certificate program includes over 50 hours of professional experience in plant propagation, cultivation, and greenhouse management. Community partners are eager to teach you about organic gardening, plant research, and more.

Horticulture program graduates completed work experience at historical gardens, alumni-owned landscaping businesses, and our on-campus greenhouse.

Join Our Horticulture Club

FLCC's Horticulture Club builds community and provides additional field trip experiences. Visit botanical gardens, greenhouses, native plant nurseries, organic seed companies, and research centers. Horticulture Club engages in fundraising activities — such as the biannual plant sale — which sponsors distinguished speakers at club events.

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• AGR 100 - Soil Science
• BIO 251 - Plant Structure and Function
• HRT 110 - Introduction to Horticulture
• HRT 150 - Herbaceous Plant Materials
• HRT 151 - Woody Plant Materials
• HRT 220 - Field Experiences in Horticulture