BS Horticultural Science at University of Kentucky

Programme overview

If you’re interested in understanding the science behind the plants and soil that grow around us, and enjoy working outdoors, Horticulture Science may be the path for you. Firstly, Horticultural Science provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the production and management of plants and soils for food, fiber, forage, oil, recreation, landscaping and the enhancement of the human environment.

Faculty: Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment | Duration: 120 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall, Spring, Summer | Location: Lexington, KY, United States

What you will study

The Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Science program focuses on the science, technology, and art of growing and managing fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and landscape systems. Students study topics such as plant biology, soil science, pest management, greenhouse operations, sustainable production, and landscape design.

Career pathways

The Horticultural Science degree will prepare you for production, management, or research focused careers in a variety of sectors including private industry, academia, government, and non-profit, such as: Botanical garden educator

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level requirements (not programme-specific): official high school transcript with pre-college curriculum; ACT or SAT optional (test-optional admission). Applies to admission to Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year entry term: Fall 2027 (applications open August 1). Transfer entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer.

UK is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year; most freshman applicants may apply without an ACT or SAT score.

First-year applicants for Fall 2027: Early Action deadline December 1 (recommended for Lewis Honors College and competitive and academic scholarships); Regular Decision deadline February 15. Application fee is $50 for domestic and $60 for international applicants. Apply with the UK application or the Common App.

Transfer applicants: application deadlines are August 1 for Fall (scholarship deadline June 15), November 15 for Spring and April 15 for Summer. The application fee is $50, waived for applications fully submitted on listed Transfer Tuesday dates.

Graduate applicants apply online through The Graduate School application system; deadlines and supplemental materials are set by each programme page. Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.75, minimum graduate GPA 3.0, and 2.5 for graduate certificate applicants (programmes may require more).

Apply through the official page: https://academics.uky.edu/apply

Explore more study programmes

Engineering