Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
Department
Department of Biological Sciences
College
The College of Science and Technology
Overview of the program
The overall educational objective of the horticulture program is to provide students with a strong background in general horticulture with emphasis on ornamental horticulture. Other program objectives:
- Students will acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of biological principles.
- Students will acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of chemistry principles.
- Students will acquire a basic of knowledge of business.
- Students will be able to apply technology for the purpose of problem solving in the horticultural field.
Total semester hours required: 120-123
Strengths of the program
The horticulture program has been developed to provide the student with a strong overview of the Horticulture industry. Laboratories utilize hands-on teaching approach at the Horticulture Center facilities and students gain a working knowledge through service learning with grounds landscaping and maintenance with Southeastern Louisiana University Horticultural Services. Graduating horticulture majors will be licensed for immediate placement in the workforce as well as prepared for advanced studies.
Preparing for a job in the program
Students hoping to pursue a career in horticulture should:
- Enroll and participate in all Horticulture classes available.
- Focus on a particular area of Horticulture and develop competency through hands on experience by jobs or course work.
- Develop leadership skills by participating in school, community and other organizations.
- Develop good communications and decision making skills.
- Acquire computer, management and business skills.
Careers in the program
- Landscape contractor
- Landscape architect
- Landscape consultant
- Urban forester
- Horticultural technician
- Pesticide applicator
- Crop pest inspector
- Quarantine officer
- Landscape maintenance worker
- Extension specialist
- Field surveyor
- Greenhouse manager
- Greenhouse grower
- Vegetable producer
- Vegetable processor
- Fruit producer
- Nut producer
- Environmental specialist
- Nursery owner
- Flower exporter/importer
- Plant shipping manager
- Botanical garden manager
- Interior designer
- Professor
- Researcher
- Laboratory analyst
- Park manager
- City horticulturalist
- Turfgrass specialist
- Golf course superintendent
- Florist
- Arborist
- Lawn equipment specialist
- Seed producer/sales
- Horticultural propagator
- Turf equipment sales
- Fruit/nut processor
- Quality control specialist
- Retail garden center owner/manager
- Wholesale plant buyer
- Irrigation specialist
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
Landscape Contractors, $30,000 - $60,000
Horticulturalist, $29,000 - $36,000
Greenhouse Growers, $31,000 - $50,000
Extension Agents, $30,000 - $45,000
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
Southeastern Louisiana University Horticulture Club
Related fields that might interest you
- Plant ecology
- Botany
- Agronomist
- Forestry
- Plant pathology
- Plant physiology
- Plant entomology
- Geneticist
Some of these occupations may require additional schooling at graduate or professional schools. For information on training and qualifications needed for the specific occupations you are considering, consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other career guidance resources. Also, take advantage of career planning services offered by the university.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for horticulture majors include:
- An analytical mind
- Self-confidence and motivation
- Good decision-making skills
- An ability to assess the best course of action when faced with many problematic factors
- Good leadership skills
- Strong botanical knowledge
- Strong plant identification skills
- Good observation skills
- Good communication skills
- Good computer skills
Notable Alumni
Dr. Allen Owings, Professor of Horticulture, Louisiana State University and Executive Secretary of Louisiana Nurserymen and Landscape Association
Dr. Ed Bush, Professor of Horticulture, Louisiana State University
Contact Information
Department of Biological Sciences
College of Science and Technology
SLU 10469
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Horticulture Center
Telephone: 985-549-3841
Fax: 985-549-5174
E-mail: sguedry@selu.edu
