Greenhouse Management Training and Degree Programs
Find out what kinds of programs are available for prospective greenhouse managers, including online options, and the types of courses offered in these programs. Read on for information about potential careers in the industry and places of employment.
What Types of Greenhouse Management Degrees And Training Are Available?
<p>This field of study is available in a variety of formats, including 2- and 4-year degree programs, certificate programs and continuing education courses. Bachelor's degree programs specifically in greenhouse management are rare; however, 4-year degrees in horticulture and integrated plant sciences are available with concentrations or courses in greenhouse management.
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<p>The 2-year degrees are usually offered in the Associate in Applied Science format. Associate's degrees can qualify you for some entry-level greenhouse management positions, but bachelor's degree programs offer elective courses in more advanced areas and can lead to employment in various additional areas, like landscape horticulture and arboretum management.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b> Degree Options </b></td><td>Associate, bachelor's, and graduate certificate</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Botany, soil science, irrigation, pest control, floral crops</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> Practicum, supervised work experience</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Estate gardener, head grower, greenhouse manager</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $68,090 (<i>for all farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 6% decline (<i>for all farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---CanIEarnTheDegreeOnline">Can I Earn the Degree Online?</h3>
<p>Very few programs are available online. Online options may be limited to individual courses or courses offered by a university's extension department. For such courses, you'll need a fully up-to-date browser, basic computer skills and the ability to open and view certain files, like videos or PDF documents. Some on-campus programs may offer the courses during the evening or over the weekend, if you're looking for scheduling flexibility.
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<h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3>
<p>Associate's degree programs introduce the basics of greenhouse operations, landscape design and plant identification. You'll be likely to participate in a practicum or a supervised work experience course, which can involve several weeks of full-time work at a greenhouse or other horticulture setting. Typical course subjects include:
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<ul><li>Garden maintenance
</li><li>Floral crop production
</li><li>Soil science
</li><li>Pest control
</li><li>Botany
</li></ul><p>Bachelor's degrees in horticulture, integrated plant sciences or related fields cover such topics as entomology, weed management and plant nutrition. Elective courses are available in many advanced areas, such as post-harvest biology, conservation and natural resources. Topics also explored at the bachelor's degree level include:
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<ul><li>Irrigation
</li><li>Soil and fertilizer
</li><li>Growing materials
</li><li>Horticultural sales
</li><li>Crop protection
</li><li>Plant biology
</li><li>Management and supervisory skills
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegreeOrTraining">What Can I Do With My Degree or Training?</h3>
<p>Bachelor's degrees qualify you for jobs in a variety of areas, or you could use the degree to prepare for graduate training. An associate's degree program will prepare you for entry-level employment in commercial and retail greenhouses or nurseries, landscaping services and more. Some common job titles include:
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<ul><li>Estate gardener
</li><li>Head grower
</li><li>Greenhouse manager
</li><li>Horticultural-product broker</li></ul>