Horticulture and Animal Science in Georgia

This pathway prepares students for careers in companion animal care and management, a growing sector in metropolitan Atlanta, Savannah, and other Georgia urban areas. Students learn animal behavior, health management, grooming, nutrition, and facility operations relevant to kennels, shelters, and veterinary clinics. The program combines scientific understanding of animal physiology with practical care skills demanded by pet owners and professional facilities. Curriculum covers species-specific knowledge for dogs, cats, birds, and other companions, emphasizing humane handling and evidence-based care practices. Students develop customer service skills crucial for positions in grooming facilities, boarding kennels, and retail pet supply operations. The pathway responds to Georgia's growing pet economy in urban centers where companion animal businesses continue expanding. Georgia's veterinary and animal welfare organizations provide guest experts and field placement opportunities. Students gain exposure to current industry practices and emerging trends in pet health and wellness.

This comprehensive pathway prepares students for careers managing livestock systems that produce food for Georgia and regional markets. Students study animal physiology, nutrition, breeding, health management, and production practices for cattle, swine, poultry, and sheep. The program emphasizes sustainable production, food safety, and welfare standards demanded by modern consumers and retailers. Georgia's position as a major food animal production state provides abundant career opportunities in production management and quality assurance. Curriculum integrates animal science foundations with applied production management. Students learn genetics principles influencing herd improvement, feed science affecting productivity and costs, and disease prevention protocols. The pathway connects to food processing, agribusiness, and quality assurance careers. Students engage with current industry challenges including environmental stewardship and animal welfare certification requirements. Georgia's agricultural extension system provides educational resources and expert consultation. Field experiences with production facilities expose students to commercial scale operations and industry best practices throughout the state.

This pathway prepares students for careers managing landscape operations throughout Georgia's urban and suburban areas. Students study landscape design principles, plant selection and installation, maintenance operations, and business management for landscape companies. The program addresses growing demand from property owners seeking professional landscape services in metropolitan Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and surrounding communities. Students develop expertise in landscape design software, equipment operation, and crew management. Curriculum covers landscape plant knowledge, design principles, installation techniques, and maintenance practices. Students learn equipment operation for mowing, trimming, and hardscape construction. The pathway emphasizes customer service, scheduling, and financial management essential for landscape company success. Students understand plant selection for Georgia's climate zones and regional preferences. Field experiences with established landscape companies develop practical expertise in design and operations. Students engage with Georgia's landscape and nursery industry professionals. Georgia's expanding urban and suburban areas provide abundant landscape service opportunities and employment growth.