Horticulturist / Botanical Garden Curator
Cultivate and manage plant collections for research and education.
View Full Testimonial“Unity’s flexibility to its students helped me effectively manage my time day-to-day. I could go to work without having to worry about losing hours because I needed to attend a virtual class or catch a test.”
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Learn More About a Bachelors in Sustainable Horticulture
Sustainable horticulture combines plant science with eco-friendly practices to cultivate plants in various settings, from fields to greenhouses to vertical hydroponic systems. You’ll learn to select, manage, and improve plant species and products for diverse environments, while mastering skills in integrated pest management, disease identification and monitoring, and the safe use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
The field also explores the social, spiritual, economic, and cultural importance of plants in both historical and modern communities. Graduates are prepared for careers in agronomy, farming, greenhouse management, hydroponics, and seed production. They can apply climate-smart agricultural practices to improve sustainability and address global challenges such as climate change, water availability, food safety, and energy use.
This degree prepares you for eco-conscious careers in plant science, food production, and landscape management. You’ll gain skills in organic cultivation, pest management, and sustainable business planning, learning to integrate eco-friendly practices across greenhouse management, landscaping, and gardening. Graduates go on to a range of horticultural careers, or pursue advanced study, with a strong foundation in leading sustainable growing operations from field to greenhouse.
Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.
Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.
Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:
- 48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years
- 30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
- 24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
General Education Core: 39 credits
Environmental Professional Core: 14 credits
Elective Courses: 28 credits
Program Core: 39 credits
- BIOL 201: Organisms that Sustain the Earth: Understanding Plants
- BIOL 315: Cell Biology
- BIOL 320: Plant Breeding
- BIOL 325: Plant Pathology
- BIOL 330: Integrated Pest Management
- CHEM 205 Applications of Chemistry for Horticulture
- ENVJ 307: Food Systems and Social Justice
- ESCI 301: Soil Analysis
- HORT 301: Growing Hydroponic and Aquaponic Crops
- HORT 401: Climate-Smart Agriculture
- MGMT 301: Starting Your Small Business
- SUFA 201: Sustainable Farm Management
- SUFA 301: Sustainable Agriculture for Small Farms
For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture Course Examples
Plant Pathology
Explore plant diseases and their impact, then design strategies to prevent and treat disease and promote healthy plant growth.
Organisms that Sustain the Earth: Understanding Plants
Discover what drives plant growth, distribution, and abundance, and how plants shape energy and nutrient flow in ecosystems.
Soil Analysis
Study the biological, chemical, and geological components of soil, including soil chemistry, taxonomy, geography, and erosion.
Learn from Leaders
Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.
Why Unity Distance Education?
Learning Flexibility
Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want.
Transfer-Friendly
Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.
Multiple Start Dates
Up to 8 terms each year let you take breaks without affecting financial aid.
Real Career Outcomes
Ranked in the top 1% of universities nationwide by the Social Mobility Index.
High Educational Value
Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.
Personalized Guidance
Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.
Inspiring Faculty
Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the animal industry.
Sustainability Core
Focused on sustainable practices for an environmentally aware future.
