For the past several years, many college horticulture programs have experienced a decline in undergraduate enrollment, resulting in the elimination of some degrees. In this study, we compared postsecondary U.S. horticulture program availability from a survey completed in 1997 with offerings existing in 2012 and 2017. In 1997, 446 U.S. postsecondary institutions offered degrees and/or certificates in horticulture. In 2012, this number had decreased by 43% to 253 institutions, which included 98 with 4-year degrees, 215 with 2-year degrees, and 138 with certificate programs. In 2017, the total number of institutions offering horticulture-related degrees and/or certificates decreased to 209, representing a 53% decrease over the 20 years from 1997 to 2017 and a 17% decrease during the 5-year period between 2012 and 2017.
The Downward Trend in Postsecondary Horticulture Program Availability between 1997 and 2017

MORE RESOURCES:
Public Garden Magazine Index 2024
Public Garden Index—Volumes 1–39 (1986—2024) PG Cumulative Index—volumes 1–39 (1986—2024) 1 Note: All page numbers refer to the printed magazine....
READ MORE
Disaster Readiness Virtual Workshop (March 2025)
This recording captures Session One of the virtual workshop which took place on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Please note that...
READ MORE
Slicing and Dicing Your Data
Presented by the Development & Membership Community Watch this webinar to learn about how two organizations use their data to...
READ MORE
Supporting Partners Across the Southeast Region to Create National Impact for Plant Conservation
Presented by the Native Plants and Plant Conservation Communities Based at Atlanta Botanical Garden, the 'Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation'...
READ MORE