Horticulture and Forest Science in Georgia

This advanced pathway prepares students for leadership roles in Georgia's horticulture industry, covering nursery production, landscape design, turf management, and horticultural entrepreneurship. Students develop comprehensive understanding of ornamental plant production, specialty crop cultivation, and horticultural business operations. The program emphasizes strategic management, financial analysis, and innovation in nursery and landscape enterprises. Georgia's nursery industry represents a multi-billion-dollar sector creating numerous advancement opportunities for leadership-focused professionals. Curriculum integrates horticulture science with business management and leadership development. Students study production systems for various ornamental and specialty crops, analyzing profitability and market trends. Leadership components address personnel management, financial planning, and strategic business development. Students engage with major Georgia nurseries and landscape companies. The pathway prepares graduates for positions managing nursery operations, directing landscape companies, or starting horticultural businesses. Students explore emerging trends including specialty production and high-value crops. Georgia's major nursery operations and landscape industry provide abundant mentorship and field learning opportunities.

This comprehensive pathway prepares students for careers managing forest ecosystems and natural resources with emphasis on conservation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship across Georgia's diverse landscapes. Students study forest ecology, wildlife management, water resources, and conservation practices that balance economic uses with environmental protection. The program addresses growing demand for professionals managing public lands, private conservation properties, and restoration projects throughout the state. Students develop understanding of both traditional resource management and emerging conservation approaches. Curriculum integrates ecology, environmental science, and land management principles. Students learn inventory methods, habitat analysis, and restoration techniques. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training enables data-driven decision-making. Students understand regulatory frameworks, including federal and state environmental laws. The pathway connects to careers in government agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations, consulting firms, and private landowner services. Students engage with Georgia's natural resource professionals and conservation programs. Field experiences with public lands, wildlife sanctuaries, and restoration projects provide authentic environmental learning and career exposure.

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.