Tennessee's Horticulture Science pathway prepares students for careers in ornamental horticulture, landscape design and maintenance, greenhouse and nursery operations, turf management, and urban agriculture. This specialized agricultural program focuses on plant science, propagation, pest management, soil science, and sustainable horticultural practices. With Tennessee's significant nursery and greenhouse industry, landscape services sector, and growing interest in urban agriculture, horticulture careers provide diverse opportunities throughout the state.
The pathway covers plant identification and selection, plant propagation techniques, soil management, integrated pest management, landscape design principles, irrigation systems, greenhouse management, and business operations for horticultural enterprises. Students gain hands-on experience through greenhouse operations, landscape projects, plant propagation laboratories, and management of school horticulture facilities. The curriculum integrates plant science, environmental stewardship, design principles, and business management skills essential for horticulture careers.
Tennessee's Horticulture Science pathway maintains partnerships with nurseries, landscape companies, golf courses, and botanical gardens throughout the state providing work-based learning and employment opportunities. Students complete Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects in horticulture and participate in FFA activities developing leadership and professional skills. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in horticulture industries, operation of landscape or nursery businesses, or continuation to horticulture degree programs at Tennessee universities and colleges.
Horticulture Science at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Tennessee's Horticulture Science standards align with national Plant Systems standards within the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster. State standards emphasize plant science and identification, plant propagation, soil science and fertility, integrated pest management, landscape design and installation, greenhouse and nursery management, turf management, and sustainable horticultural practices. The framework supports agricultural education's three-component model including classroom instruction, SAE projects, and FFA participation.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Horticulture Science I: Plant Science Foundations | C10110 |
| Horticulture Science II: Plant Propagation and Management | C10111 |
| Horticulture Science III: Landscape and Greenhouse Operations | C10112 |
| Horticulture Science IV: Advanced Horticulture and SAE | C10113 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
- ✓Certified Horticulture Professional
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Landscape Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $33,910 - $43,900
Adjusted for cost of living: $36,652
Greenhouse Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $29,440 - $36,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $33,722
Nursery Production Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $29,440 - $36,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,820
Landscape Designer
ExperiencedSalary range: $59,650 - $93,730
Adjusted for cost of living: $81,053
Horticulture Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $29,440 - $36,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $33,722
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete SAE projects including greenhouse plant production, landscape installation and maintenance businesses, plant propagation ventures, or turf management enterprises. Work-based learning occurs at nurseries, landscape companies, golf courses, botanical gardens, and garden centers throughout Tennessee. Students gain experience through internships, summer employment in horticulture, and FFA competitive events showcasing horticultural knowledge and skills.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs
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Tennessee Standards Built In
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Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Tennessee
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
ProgrammaticReady to Build Horticulture Science Programs at Scale?
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