Elevate Your Passion for Plants: Exceptional Horticulture Careers in Academia Await!
Horticulture faculty jobs blend cutting-edge research with teaching the next generation of plant scientists. From developing drought-resistant crops amid climate challenges to innovating urban green spaces, these roles drive sustainable food systems and landscape innovation. Students dreaming of academia should dive into bachelor's programs in horticulture or plant sciences, progressing to master's and PhDs for faculty tracks. Seasoned experts find abundant faculty positions at land-grant universities like UC Davis and Cornell, where extension specialists bridge research and practice.
Job seekers, discover thriving opportunities in higher ed jobs. Parents guiding students: horticulture offers stable paths with median entry-level salaries around $60,000 rising to six figures. Explore professor salaries tailored by role and location. Rate professors via Rate My Professor to gauge programs. With demand surging 8% through 2032 per BLS data—fueled by food security needs—these careers promise impact. Browse Horticulture Faculty Jobs
Student Guide: What to Study for Horticulture Careers
Aspiring horticulturists start with a BS in Horticulture, covering plant propagation, soil management, and pest control. Key courses include plant physiology and greenhouse management. Top programs like Purdue University's emphasize hands-on trials, such as breeding disease-resistant strawberries—a fringe success from their 2022 trials yielding 20% higher yields.
Advance to MS/PhD for academia. Unique quirk: Florida's citrus programs tackle greening disease, training students in biotech solutions. Check rate my professor reviews for horticulture undergrad courses. Career paths lead to research jobs or industry, but faculty roles offer prestige at schools like California campuses. Parents, note scholarships via AcademicJobs.com scholarships.
Top Horticulture Programs 🌱
- UC Davis: Leader in sustainable viticulture
- Cornell: Ornamental plant breeding hub
- Texas A&M: Turfgrass innovation
Horticulture Faculty Job Opportunities
Assistant professor horticulture openings dominate, focusing on extension or research. Recent postings seek experts in vertical farming—a trend exploding post-2020 urban ag boom. Fringe case: North Carolina State's 2023 hire for hemp horticulture amid legalization shifts. Lecturers fill teaching loads at community colleges; see community college jobs.
Tenured roles at R1 universities demand grants; prestige peaks at land-grants. Job seekers, target Sacramento for ag-tech hubs. Use free resume templates for applications. Rate potential colleagues at Rate My Professor horticulture.
Horticulture Professor Salaries and Earnings
Earnings vary by rank and locale. Dive into detailed data at professor salaries. 2023 AAUP reports show strong compensation, boosted by ag funding.
| Role | National Avg (2023) | High-Pay Locale (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $88,500 | $102,000 |
| Associate Professor | $105,200 | $120,000 |
| Full Professor | $135,800 | $155,000 |
Extension specialists earn $95,000 median. Trends: 5-7% raises in ag-heavy states. Compare via university salaries.
Trends and Quirks in Horticulture Academia
Growth hits 7% by 2030, per USDA, driven by organics and climate adaptation. Quirk: Rutgers' blueberry breeding program traces to 1910s, producing $500M industry impact. Locale note: Florida's tropical focus yields quirky mango genomics research.
Postdocs bridge to faculty; browse postdoc jobs. Get advice at higher ed career advice. Rate courses via Rate My Course for insights. Future: AI in precision horticulture.
Associations for Horticulture
International Society for Horticultural Science
The world's leading independent organization dedicated to promoting and encouraging research and education in all branches of horticultural science globally.
American Society for Horticultural Science
A professional society that advances horticultural research, education, and application in the United States through publications, conferences, and networking.
Royal Horticultural Society
The UK's leading gardening charity focused on promoting horticulture, supporting gardeners, and advancing horticultural science and practice.
Canadian Society for Horticultural Science
An organization that promotes horticultural science in Canada by facilitating research, education, and the exchange of information among professionals.
Australian Society of Horticultural Science
A society dedicated to advancing horticultural science, industry, and education in Australia through conferences, publications, and professional development.
Japanese Society for Horticultural Science
A professional organization that promotes research and development in horticultural science within Japan and fosters international collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
🌱What does a horticulture professor do?
Horticulture professors teach plant science, conduct research on crops like disease-resistant varieties, and extend knowledge to farmers. Roles blend classroom, lab, and fieldwork.
💰How much do horticulture faculty earn?
Assistant professors average $88,500 nationally, up to $155,000 for full professors in high-cost areas. Check professor salaries for details by location.
📚What degrees lead to horticulture faculty jobs?
A PhD in horticulture or plant science is essential. Start with BS/MS; top paths at UC Davis or Cornell prepare for faculty jobs.
🏫Best schools for studying horticulture?
Leaders include Purdue, Texas A&M, and Rutgers. Rate faculty at Rate My Professor for undergrad insights.
📈Job outlook for horticulture academics?
8% growth projected to 2032, driven by sustainability. Demand high in California for ag innovation.
🔬Unique trends in horticulture research?
Vertical farming and CRISPR-edited fruits lead; quirk: NC State's hemp program post-legalization.
⭐How to rate your horticulture professor?
Share experiences at Rate My Professor to help peers choose programs.
💼Career advice for horticulture job seekers?
Tailor resumes with free templates; seek career advice for academia transitions.
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