Horticulture Science
Create Beautiful Landscapes
Create a more beautiful world with Kirkwood’s Horticulture Science program!
Design students focus on crafting innovative plant designs utilizing plant knowledge and artistic principles. In the construction track, you’ll actually build what a designer would put on paper.
You'll learn to create well-designed landscapes that add beauty and value to any home or business and provide functional outdoor spaces for years to come.
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year.
Graduates of the Horticulture Science program will be able to:
- Operate and maintain equipment currently used in the industry.
- Identify annual, perennial and woody ornamental trees and shrubs using both common and scientific nomenclature.
- Apply basic biological principles to the culture and maintenance of plant material.
- Create aesthetically pleasing and functional landscape designs using proper plans selection, drafting, and layout skills.
- Construct hardscape features that conform to industry standards.
- Integrate estimating and bidding skills into design/construction projects.
- Demonstrate effective workplace communication and industry-related technology skills.
- Develop an appreciation for a diverse and dynamic workplace.
A one-hour program conference is required prior to acceptance to the program. You'll learn more about the program, specific admissions requirements, and have the opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty and staff.
Program Costs
Horticulture Science
School Year: 2023–2024
Program Entry Semester: Fall/Spring/Summer
| Pre-Reqs | Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 0 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 68 |
| In-State Tuition | $0 | $3,360 | $3,360 | $0 | $3,780 | $3,780 | $0 | $14,280 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $0 | $50 | $50 | $0 | $50 | $0 | $0 | $200 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $75 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $75 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $0 | $320 | $420 | $0 | $430 | $370 | $0 | $1,540 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $85 | $30 | $0 | $65 | $30 | $0 | $210 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $50 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $50 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,865 | $3,935 | $4,325 | $4,230 | $16,355 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $210 (In-State), $281 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates with Horticulture Science degrees can obtain jobs in a variety of different career opportunities.
Work on a landscaping crew doing plant installation, plant material maintenance, or hardscape installation.
Prospective students would have the following characteristics: organized, motivated, like to work with plants, enjoy being outside, be creative, and enjoy working with their hands.
Students graduating with this degree are in high demand.
Program Requirements
To get into the Horticulture Science program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
Additional Information
Take A Closer Look
Explore Kirkwood's horticulture programs, including Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management, Horticulture Science, and Parks & Natural Resources.
“I work full time and drive about an hour to come to class. I come to campus part time and take the rest of my classes online, so that helps make it all possible for me. It’s nice to have online options and some flexibility, but it’s nice to get to meet and know people face-to-face when I’m on campus for class too.”
Breann Millburn-Nesler,
Monmouth, Iowa
Mission Statement
The mission of the Horticulture Science A.A.S. program is to prepare students for employment in the green industry by creating an educational culture that promotes professionalism, integrity, honesty, and equips students with the basic knowledge, applied skills, and landscape ethic demanded in today’s dynamic workplace.
Questions?
Agricultural Sciences
1000 Washington Hall
319-398-5609
agsciences@kirkwood.edu