418 Results of an Ornamental Horticulture Survey Conducted at High Schools in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

Abstract

Fifty high schools were surveyed in northwestern Illinois, northeastern Iowa, southeastern Minnesota, and Wisconsin to determine the number of students interested in pursuing a horticulture degree at a 4-year university. Students were asked several questions pertaining to horticulture. About 45% of our surveys were returned. Of the 451 surveys received, about 47% of the high school freshman, sophomore, junior, and seniors indicated that they were interested in horticulture. About 41% of the students interested in horticulture wanted to work in landscaping, 20% greenhouse, 14% florist shop, and 7% in turfgrass management. About 70% of the students indicated that they wanted to own and operate their own horticultural business. Almost 53% of the students indicated that they would prefer an emphasis/minor in Agribusiness or Business Administration compared to plant and soil science (19%), biotechnology (14%), plant breeding and genetics (13%), or comprehensive horticulture (1%) in combination with their horticulture degree. The above information was used by our School of Agriculture and Depts. of Biology and Business and Accounting to develop a major in Ornamental Horticulture.