Crop science relates primarily to the genetics, breeding, cell biology, physiology, management of field crops, pest and weed management. Soil science is heavily oriented towards soil chemistry, soil origin, soil microbiology, soil fertility and soil management as applicable to plant growth. Environmental Horticulture is that branch of plant science which deals with the production and management of ornamental plants including flowers, trees, shrubs and turf grasses. Environmental Horticulture is an extremely diverse field encompassing greenhouse production of cut flowers and potted plants, garden center operation, landscape maintenance, landscape construction, landscape design, urban forestry, public garden management, horticultural therapy and many more. Job opportunities for plant science majors in the past several years have been excellent.
Many students choose to go back to family farms or horticultural businesses.
Various governmental agencies such as the Cooperative Extension Service and the Soil Conservation Service employ many agronomy or horticulture graduates. Private individuals and companies such as farm cooperatives have recently hired many plant science graduates as crop consultants. Chemical companies hire plant science majors as sales people or technical representatives. Horticulture graduates might find employment in retail or wholesale nurseries, garden centers, botanical gardens, parks or golf courses. With additional training, plant science graduates might get involved in research and teaching at the university level.