Purdue University offers a master gardener program as part of its Cooperative Extension Service. Student participants get to enhance their knowledge and skills in a wide range of horticultural subjects. Before the program ends, participants are required to volunteer with Purdue University's Cooperative Extension Service, which aims to educate Indiana communities to participate in gardening activities.
If you are interested in joining the program, simply find a master gardener training session in your county. Contact information can be found at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/Pages/Counties.aspx.
Purdue University also offers a Horticultural Science undergraduate degree. Here, your knowledge regarding horticulture is further enhanced. Training involves genetic manipulation, new methods of propagation, growth, handling and marketing of horticultural crops. Graduates of the degree program can expect to work in careers as horticultural scientists. The undergraduate curriculum provides extensive knowledge in plant breeding and research, which also encourages students to seek a graduate degree, to advance their knowledge and seek wider career possibilities.
If you want to further expand your education to obtain a career in horticulture, you may want to enroll in Vincennes University's two-year program in horticulture technology. Most graduates are able to enhance their knowledge in landscape horticulture, as the curriculum emphasizes training in nursery and turf management, landscape design, construction and maintenance. The degree program also promises a modernized approach to horticultural practices and provides hands-on experience for students,as early as their freshman year.
After the course, you may choose to own a nursery or a landscape business, work in a private company that does landscape contracting and sales or in a public park, recreation area and even with the federal government. According to Vincennes University's horticulture department, their graduates are looking at a $30,000 salary excluding benefits.