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CIP 01.0606 Agriculture

Plant Nursery Operations and Management

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

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

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 49% and the international share went from 1.5% to 0.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
58.8%
Asian
2.9%
Hispanic
23.5%
Black
0.0%
Other
14.7%
Intl.
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.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#191 Washington State University Washington 11 0
— Hawaii Community College Hawaii 7 0
— Cuyamaca College California 5 0
— Fullerton College California 5 0
— Santa Barbara City College California 2 0
— Merritt College California 1 0
— MiraCosta College California 1 0
— Santa Rosa Junior College California 1 0
— Edmonds College Washington 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean 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.