Grow Your Career with a Horticulture Degree
The horticulture associate in applied science (AAS) degree at St. Louis Community College helps you turn your interest in plants, sustainability and outdoor spaces into a career. You’ll learn how to grow and care for plants while developing skills in areas such as plant identification, landscape management, irrigation, turf management and landscape design.
With 10 acres of living laboratories and outdoor classrooms, you’ll gain experience working with plants in real-world environments. Strong connections with regional businesses and organizations provide opportunities to learn from industry professionals and prepare for careers in landscaping, gardening, environmental conservation, nursery operations and other horticulture-related fields.
What is Horticulture at St. Louis Community College?
The horticulture program at STLCC combines science, design and environmental stewardship to prepare you for work in the plant and landscape industry. You’ll study plant care, growing practices, landscape systems and sustainable approaches used by today’s horticulture professionals.
Through coursework and industry experiences, you’ll learn from experienced faculty and connect with professionals who share current practices and career insights. You’ll explore topics such as:
- Plant identification and health.
- Landscape design and management.
- Sustainable growing practices.
- Irrigation and turf management.
- Nursery and greenhouse operations.
- Environmental and conservation practices.
Field experiences, guest speakers and visits to horticulture businesses and organizations help you understand the wide range of career opportunities available in the industry. The program builds the technical knowledge and professional skills needed for careers in landscape management, plant production, garden centers, conservation and related horticulture fields.
"The hands-on education I’ve had in the horticulture program has been incredible. The Garden Classroom, in conjunction with the regular classroom setting, has been a wonderful learning tool for me and my fellow classmates."
- Sharon Ricker, expected 2025 graduate
What Can You Do with a Horticulture Degree?
A horticulture degree can help you turn your interest in plants, landscapes and sustainability into a rewarding career. This program prepares you with the knowledge and skills needed to support farmers, landscapers, growers and other professionals in agriculture and plant-related industries.
Graduates may find opportunities in settings such as botanical gardens, national parks, research and development companies, greenhouses, golf courses, cannabis production facilities, independent landscape companies and other horticulture organizations.
In fact, 80% of STLCC horticulture students are working in the field before graduation. The program also prepares you for local certifications in areas such as Plant Pest Management, Native Plant Certification and Landscape Design Certification.
With an associate degree in horticulture, you’ll be prepared to pursue careers that combine plant science, environmental care and creative problem-solving.
AAS in Horticulture
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
Certificate of proficiency (CP) also available - Locations: Meramec, BRDG Park
- AAS hours to complete: 61
- CP Hours to complete: 30
- Program contact: Jerry Pence
- Program contact email: jpence@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Accreditation
St. Louis Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). All college degree programs are approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD).
Why You Should Choose STLCC’s Horticulture Program
Graduate with Little or No Debt
Save over $4,700 per year with tuition that’s one-third lower than other local institutions. We’ll also help you navigate scholarship options and financial aid.
Professional Faculty and Staff
STLCC has experienced and passionate horticulture professors and staff from the green industry who help students land great jobs.
Hands-on Learning
STLCC Meramec's 10-acre outdoor Garden Classroom and state-of-the-art facilities give horticulture students hands-on experience in all aspects of the field.
Business Networking
STLCC's horticulture program partners with local businesses and organizations to give students real-world experience and knowledge of the latest trends and strategies.
STLCC. What's your reason?