Applied Biological Sciences (Sustainable Horticulture) ,BS
Arborist, Ecology, Environment, Hydroponic, Landscape Designer, Medicinal, Nursery Manager, Organic Farmer, Plant Propagators, approved for STEM-OPT extension, urban
Are you interested in growing sustainable plants, foods and herbs? Acquire the skills needed to oversee greenhouses, botanical gardens or arboretums. Engage in field trips and hands-on experiences to learn about advanced technologies and best practices for promoting a more sustainable world.
The sustainable horticulture concentration within the BS program in applied biological sciences is designed for students who want theoretical and practical experiences in distinct aspects of plant culture in an urban desert environment.
Students acquire the skills to produce, design and care for ornamental and edible plantscapes. Students interested in sustainable practices have the opportunity to specialize in vertical farming and other plant-related technologies. Students in this program contextualize knowledge through experience-based learning activities, including:
- case studies
- faculty-guided research and service-learning projects
- field trips
- greenhouse experiences
- internships
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
-
Location:
Polytechnic
- Second language requirement: No
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
-
Math intensity:
Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Students can explore habitats and ecosystems around the world in one of several Global Education programs; opportunities include working with scientists and conducting independent research. Students can stay on track for graduation by earning ASU credit while becoming immersed in other cultures. Studying abroad builds professional skills that employers demand, such as collaboration and critical thinking.
Horticulture is a multibillion-dollar national and international enterprise that offers a diverse and exciting choice of professional careers. Graduates can pursue numerous entry-level careers in horticulture. Employment opportunities exist in private and public sectors. The general program in sustainable horticulture also prepares graduates to succeed in roles such as:
- arboretum or botanical garden manager
- city horticulturist
- horticultural consultant, plant researcher or educator
- horticulture supply sales representative
- integrated pest management specialist
- interior plant specialist or plant propagator
- landscape designer or contractor
- nursery plant broker or cultivator and plant salesperson
- organic urban farmer or permaculturist
- urban plant ecologist, forester, tree specialist or arborist
Career opportunities for urban horticulture graduates are not limited to any one geographic location; graduates can embark on careers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and overseas.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
-4.6%
|
$75,760
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$85,860
|
|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$65,790
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$83,930
|
|
|
4.7%
|
$65,730
|
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
