Horticulture Sciences
Create Beautiful Landscapes
Create a more beautiful world with Kirkwood’s Horticulture Sciences 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 Sciences 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 Sciences
School Year: 2025–26
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 | $3,536 | $3,536 | $0 | $3,978 | $3,978 | $0 | $15,028 |
| 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 | $75 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $75 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $0 | $320 | $420 | $0 | $430 | $370 | $0 | $1,540 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $90 | $30 | $0 | $65 | $45 | $0 | $230 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $15 | $0 | $15 |
| 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 | $4,046 | $4,111 | $0 | $4,523 | $4,458 | $17,138 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates with Horticulture Sciences 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 Sciences program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
Additional Information
Students in Kirkwood's Horticulture Sciences program, as well as those pursuing the Landscape Design and Construction Certificate and/or Turfgrass Management Certificate, are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization (PAS), a student-led organization that allows students to build and sharpen their skills so that they are ready for the workplace.
PAS is a recognized member of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
Take A Closer Look
Explore Kirkwood's horticulture programs, including Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management, Horticulture Science, and Parks & Natural Resources.
“I considered getting a welding job right out of high school, but I realized I had no idea what type of welding I wanted to do and that I needed certification to do it. Since I started classes, I’ve learned so much more in-depth. Now I know I want to go into travel welding.”
Keara Millsap,
Hiawatha, Iowa
Mission Statement
The mission of the Horticulture Sciences 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