Plant Nursery Operations and Management
Total graduates
34
2025 · 9 schools
International share
0.0%
0 international students
Bachelor's degrees
11
0.0% international
Overview
Plant Nursery Operations and Management is a specialized field focusing on the cultivation, production, and management of plants in a nursery setting. This program equips students with essential skills and knowledge required to operate a successful plant nursery, covering both the practical and business aspects of the industry.
In this program, students learn about various types of plants, including ornamental, fruit, and vegetable varieties, and gain expertise in propagation techniques such as seed germination, cuttings, and grafting. Understanding plant biology, pest management, and soil health are crucial components, as they help future nursery managers ensure healthy plant growth and sustainability.
The business side of the program covers essential topics such as marketing strategies, financial management, and customer service. Students learn how to develop business plans, manage inventory, and navigate the complexities of supply chain management. Additionally, courses often include landscape design principles, enabling students to offer comprehensive services to clients and enhance their marketability.
Internships and hands-on experiences are typically integral parts of the curriculum, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Graduates of this program can pursue various career paths, including nursery management, landscape design, horticultural sales, and consulting. With the growing interest in gardening and sustainable practices, professionals in this field are in high demand, making it a rewarding choice for those passionate about plants and nature. Overall, Plant Nursery Operations and Management prepares individuals for a fulfilling career in the green industry, blending horticultural science with business acumen.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 49% and the international share went from 1.5% to 0.0%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 9 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #191 | Washington | 11 | 0 | |
| — | HHawaii Community College | Hawaii | 7 | 0 |
| — | CCuyamaca College | California | 5 | 0 |
| — | FFullerton College | California | 5 | 0 |
| — | California | 2 | 0 | |
| — | MMerritt College | California | 1 | 0 |
| — | California | 1 | 0 | |
| — | SSanta Rosa Junior College | California | 1 | 0 |
| — | Washington | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers | 952,640 | $20.33 | $42,290 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | 130,760 | $29.31 | $60,960 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | 27,960 | $30.16 | $62,730 |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation | 27,050 | $22.63 | $47,070 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 8,920 | — | $102,050 |
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | 6,500 | $47.99 | $99,820 |
| Forest and Conservation Workers | 6,050 | $21.00 | $43,680 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.