If you’re interested in understanding the science behind the plants and soil that grow around us, and enjoy working outdoors, Horticulture Sciences may be the path for you.
Horticultural Sciences provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the production and management of plants and soils for food, fiber, forage, oil, recreation, landscaping and the enhancement of the human environment. Graduates have the technical and scientific skills as well as the communication, computational, leadership, and interpersonal capabilities necessary to function effectively as professionals.
Students will customize their courses to pursue the path that best fits their interests and career paths. Our program offers two areas of emphasis:
Horticulture students can find opportunities in career paths including:
To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases.
After wandering around in several majors, I found my home in horticulture. Walking into classes each semester and recognizing friendly faces makes the learning experience that much more enjoyable! And the College of Agriculture faculty and staff are the most friendly, helpful, and welcoming people in the university.
source: myUK: GPS
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the college. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we awarded nearly $1 million to our students during the 2022-23 academic year. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more.
For CAFE first-semester freshmen, the scholarship application is now open and will close January 16, 2024.
For CAFE transfer students and current students, the scholarship application opens in January and will close on March 1.
Live where you learn:
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Living Learning Program (CAFE LLP) is open to all first-semester freshmen at the University of Kentucky.
Through field trips, professional development workshops and service programs, students in our LLP apply their knowledge and passion to global issues at the intersection of food, economics and environment. All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life.
Click here for more information on the CAFE LLP.
Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.
These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce.
Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services.
Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with:
Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students may be interested in:
Horticulture Club
provides the means for students to gain additional knowledge, experience and friendships centered around horticulture
Agronomy Club
expand your agronomy knowledge as you have the opportunities to travel, compete and experience the industry together
Environmental Science Club
join like-minded students that share a common interest in all things environmental
UK Forestry Club
promotes the practice of forestry through involvement in events, Fire Cats, tree plantings, and more service opportunities
Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$135,160
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
554,700
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
22,500
new jobs (average)
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$73,080
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
1.65m
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
20,500
new jobs (average)
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$76,400
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
35,400
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
2,100
new jobs (average)
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
N6 Agricultural Science Center
859-257-3469