HORTICULTURE
Horticulturists work to make the world healthier and greener.
Make an impact with a degree in horticulture. Learn to grow more nutritious food, improve the environment, and bring life to the social spaces we inhabit. No green thumbs required. Horticulture is the art and science of growing fruits, nuts, vegetables, ornamentals, herbs, spices and medicinal plants. UGA’s horticulture program trains students in plant physiology, nutrition and identification, as well as soils, sustainable and organic production systems, pest control, design and more.
Careers in Horticulture
Landscape contractor
Urban forester
Greenhouse manager
Plant breeder
Extension agent
Horticulture instructor
Organic grower
Garden center manager
and more!
Nestled on the south campus in Athens, the UGA Trial Gardens offer a stunning environment for students, researchers and the public. We talked to John Ruter, professor and director of the Trial Gardens and Trial Gardens manager Sandy Begani about what visitors might find in the garden, what a plant trial entails and more.
Programs
UNDERGRADUATE
UGA's bachelor of science degree in horticulture provides a strong background in plant sciences, which is complemented with technical courses preparing graduates with the knowledge to pursue their career goals in horticulture.
During the first two years of the degree, students follow a standard science core supplemented with foundational horticulture courses.
In the second two years, students select from a wide range of courses in horticulture and related disciplines to provide a balance of science and technical skills.
Mark Whatley, a master's student in scientist Savithri Nambeesan's fruit ripening and postharvest lab, studies blueberry genes to improve product shelf life.
Mark Whatley, a master's student in scientist Savithri Nambeesan's fruit ripening and postharvest lab, studies blueberry genes to improve product shelf life.
GRADUATE
Graduate work in horticulture is designed to develop a high order of independent thought, broad knowledge and technical skills. The programs for both master's and doctoral degrees are planned on an individual basis by the student and their advisory committee relative to previous experience and career objectives.
The emphasis in graduate work is placed on research, supplemented by courses and seminars. Research opportunities span Georgia’s horticulture commodities and the various disciplines of horticulture.
Experiential Learning
The experiential learning requirement allows students to gain real-world experience, broaden their horizons and become more marketable to employers through several curricular options. CAES offers a range of courses and activities that support internships, research, service-learning, study abroad, field study and other hands-on specialty experiences.
From the greenhouse to space: Two UGA students head to NASA for high-tech agriculture internships
"The horticulture program, especially the Horticulture Club, has introduced me to so many kind, intelligent, and hardworking people that are passionate about plants and the environment.
The professors in horticulture are unmatched as well. They are also extremely kind, caring and talented people that will help you succeed in every way that they can. It has been such an honor to learn from such intelligent and passionate people."
– Kendall Busher, 2021 horticulture graduate
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The horticulture department specializes in a multitude of research areas and works on a vast array of fruit, vegetables, ornamentals, endangered native species and row crops. Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of the department.
The CAES Undergraduate Research Program allows students the opportunity to conduct research under the direction of a CAES faculty member, giving them hands-on research experience at an undergraduate level.
Study Abroad
Learn more about horticulture students' study abroad opportunities.
Gallery
A graduate student monitors a plant's carbon dioxide output using a specialized sensor.
A graduate student monitors a plant's carbon dioxide output using a specialized sensor.
The Winegrowers Association of Georgia partnered with CAES to offer three viticultural internships.
The Winegrowers Association of Georgia partnered with CAES to offer three viticultural internships.
Aerial photo of the UGA Trial Gardens on the Athens, GA campus
Aerial photo of the UGA Trial Gardens on the Athens, GA campus
Professor Esther van der Knaap (left) and post doctoral researcher Yanbing Wang work with tomato plants in a Center for Applied Genetic Technologies greenhouse.
Professor Esther van der Knaap (left) and post doctoral researcher Yanbing Wang work with tomato plants in a Center for Applied Genetic Technologies greenhouse.
Interested in becoming a CAES student?
Schedule a campus visit and learn more about the admissions process today.
CAES students work alongside world-class scientists to get hands-on experience in their field. Through scholarship opportunities, small class sizes and faculty support, CAES students are empowered to become the next generation of leaders.
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