Environmental horticulturists provide solutions necessary to achieve aesthetically pleasing, functional, and environmentally sound outdoor spaces. They also design, build and  manage private and public landscapes. In addition, they develop the entrepreneurial skills necessary to successfully own and manage business within the profession. Three concentrations are offered in the Environmental Horticulture major— Landscape Design and Contracting, Nursery and Landscape Management, and Turf Management.

Learning Objectives

Successful students will demonstrate:

  1. Management and leadership skills necessary for a successful career in the green industry.
  2. Technical and creative competencies needed for the design, construction and management of outdoor spaces.
  3. Sustainable solutions for effective growth and management for outdoor spaces, such as residential and commercial landscapes, golf courses, and parks.
  4. Skills to assess site issues, provide creative and environmentally sound design, build and management solutions.
  5. Analytical and problem-solving skills that allow identification of challenges related to the management or production of ornamental and landscape plants, as well as strategies to solve them.

Potential Occupations

Graduates of the Environmental Horticulture major will find career opportunities in a multitude of fields in the green industry. Increased focus for environmental solutions and resilient landscapes will position our students for successful careers in a diverse range of professions including: landscape design and construction, sports turf management, retail and wholesale nursery and garden center management, golf course superintendents, arborists, plant propagation, landscape project management, landscape management, landscape estimating, landscape account management, irrigation design and water resource management, arboriculture, botanic gardens or landscape business management and entrepreneurship.

Concentrations