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Associate of Applied Science

Horticulture (A.A.S.)

Department of Agriculture & Food Science
Horticulture is the study and application of plant cultivation. Although botany and agriculture are similar, only Horticulturists use their knowledge to grow, care for, and design with plants. Horticulturists not only work to care for plants, but they also use their practical knowledge to design with them. It is an art as much as it is a science. Horticulture has a positive impact on landscapes, communities, food production, and the environment.
Student caring for tomatoes in the Hydroponic Greenhouse

Horticulture Introduction

Horticulture is a degree that requires hands-on effort and creative ideas. Students can choose from one of three emphasis when planning their classes: Floral Design; Production; or Design, Build, and Maintain. No matter the emphasis, all students will gain a strong foundation in:

  • Plant biology and care
  • Design plant environments (landscape design, floral art, edible landscaping, etc.)
  • Growing, producing, and managing plants in various settings
  • Hands-on and technological horticultural practices
  • Business and management fundamentals

Getting Started in this degree

If you are interested in Horticulture, start with one of the following major-specific courses
APS122 - Introduction to Plant Science
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APS220 - Introduction to Soils
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HORT224 - Introductory Plant Identification
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4-Year Plan
See Example Class Plan
See all required courses

Find Out if This Degree Is Right for You!

Watch expert advice on how to succeed in this major + career options

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Horticulture have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

BYU Idaho graduates enter a diverse industry where starting salaries for designers and managers often range from $40,000 to over $70,000 with significant growth potential. Experienced professionals in specialized sectors or large scale operations can see earnings exceeding $90,000 as they advance in their careers.

Common Career Paths

Our curriculum prepares you for dynamic roles in landscape design, greenhouse operations, and floral artistry by combining theoretical knowledge with hands on practical experience. You will gain the versatile expertise necessary to lead in public gardens or manage large scale plant production facilities.

Preparation for Grad School

Graduates are exceptionally well prepared to pursue advanced degrees in landscape architecture, plant science, or agribusiness management to further their professional influence. This strong foundation ensures you are ready for specialized research or leadership roles within sustainable food systems and environmental planning.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

Learn more about AI in Academics
AI in Horticulture
You will learn to apply AI tools to enhance design accuracy and optimize plant production while prioritizing ethical stewardship and human creativity. This approach prepares you to use emerging technologies to solve complex environmental challenges and improve professional efficiency in the field.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

A horticulture student cares for plants in the BYU-Idaho garden.
Horticulture (B.S.)
Learn the science and art of cultivating plants, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental gardens.
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Horticulture students work in their gardens on campus
Plant Science & Technology (B.S.)
Find solutions to improve plant health and develop better agriculture practices with science and technology.
Get Involved
Chris Humphrey's class out in the field doing some evaluations on the Idaho wheat commission trials, a MSR research program
Plant Science & Technology (A.A.S.)
Gain a basic understanding of how to improve plant health with science.
Get Involved
Two female students practice making bouquets in Ben Romney's Floral Design class
Floral Design (A.A.S.)
Artistic arrangement and creative use of fresh and artificial flowers.
Get Involved

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Learn How to Apply
Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
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