Agricultural Sciences

Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of engaging, hands-on courses focused on horticulture, sustainability, and plant-based design. These classes are perfect for students who enjoy working with plants, care about the environment, or are curious about careers in the green industry. Agricultural science—the study of growing plants, raising animals, and managing natural resources to produce food, fuel, and fiber—is a key focus throughout these courses. Students learn valuable skills like growing and caring for plants, designing with flowers and greenery, and understanding how agriculture can be more sustainable. Along the way, they gain real-world experience by helping to manage greenhouses, participate in community projects, and run events like plant sales and a floral shop. These courses not only build confidence and leadership but also open doors to future studies and careers in fields like horticulture, environmental science, and landscape design.

Courses in this Pathway

Introduction to Horticulture

Location: Interlake High School

This class is designed for students interested in the environment and the green industry. Through classroom learning, students will propagate and maintain plants for small scale gardens and other urban spaces. Students will learn the fundamentals of plant growth, explore greenhouse growing, pruning, plant propagation and identification. Take an active stance on environmental change and contribute to improving it. Gain leadership and career skills through hands-on, individual and group projects. Learn about the business and career aspects of the horticulture industry by growing, planning, publicizing and staffing the yearly plant sales.

Nursery and Greenhouse Operations

Location: Interlake High School (Available to all schools)

Students can begin or continue their study of horticulture and the green industry through extensive industry related experience. Students will maintain and operate state-of-the-art greenhouses as they extend their knowledge of the horticulture industry, plant production and sales through the student-run yearly plants sales. Students will develop the sales from the ground up by selecting plants, propagating, planning and managing the sales. Classes will take extensive horticultural field trips, use community resources and develop projects that take an in-depth look at the horticulture industry. Students participate in maintaining the school arboretum and partner with the community to improve green spaces. Through hands-on learning, students will gain entry-level job skills and possible opportunities for summer work. Students will be prepared for further study in Environmental Science, Urban Forestry, Ecology, Green Environments, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.

Environmental Sustainability

Location: Interlake High School

Students in Environmental Sustainability will investigate the complex relationships of the environment and learn how these connections are utilized in the growing field of Sustainable Agricultural. Through lab science and discussions on the implications of modern agriculture, students will explore the importance of sustainability in global ecological systems. Students will spend time learning about the interactions of plants and animals in the environment and then apply this information to design sustainable agricultural systems. Global climate change has a direct impact on agricultural systems. Without a shift in how food is grown the impacts can be devastating. This course asks students how careers in Agriculture and Horticulture can be improved through sustainable practices.

Plant Based Design 1

Location: Interlake High School

This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of art through floral and plant-based design. Students create multiple floral arrangements, plant seasonal container arrangements, learn landscape design, and participate in the annual plant sales. This class is intended for students who are interested in careers in the plant-based industry, those who would like to learn more about plant-based design or how to apply art to flowers and plants.

Plant Based Design 2

Location: Interlake High School

This course is designed to continue the student's exploration of principles of art through floral and plant-based design. Students create large scale floral arrangements, create arrangements for monthly flower subscriptions, and build a living wall. In addition, PBD2 students manage and run the Interlake Floral Shop. This class is intended for students who have already taken Plant Based Design 1 (PBD1) and those who may be interested in a plant-based design career.

Post-Secondary Opportunities

Washington State offers a variety of post-secondary opportunities for students interested in agriculture. These programs are available at both university and community college levels, providing a range of degrees and specializations to suit different career paths in the agricultural sector.

Washington State University (WSU):

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS): WSU's CAHNRS offers an extensive array of programs with 22 majors, 19 minors, and 27 graduate programs. This makes it one of the largest and most diverse agricultural colleges in the state.

Community and Technical Colleges:

Walla Walla Community College (WWCC): Offers programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources, focusing on skills for jobs in agriculture, water, and natural resource management.
Yakima Valley College (YVC): Provides agriculture degrees designed to equip students with skills and abilities desired by employers in central Washington's agriculture industry.
Spokane Community College (SCC): Offers a program in Agriculture Business, combining business management studies with hands-on training in plant science, soils, and pest management.
Wenatchee Valley College (WVC): Provides an Associate of Technical Science Degree with pathways in General Agriculture, Horticulture/Tree Fruit Production, Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, and Agriculture Technology.
Columbia Basin College (CBC): Offers an Associate in Arts and Science Degree with pathways in Agriculture and Crop & Soil Science, preparing students for further education in agriculture and related fields.
Highline College: Features a program in Sustainable Agriculture, providing training in skills sought by agriculture-centered employers, including tool and equipment proficiency, crop planning, and farm design.

Careers in this Pathway

Crop & Plant-Related Jobs

Farmer / Grower – Plants, cultivates, and harvests crops.
Irrigation Specialist – Manages watering systems for optimal crop growth.
Greenhouse Worker – Grows plants in controlled environments for food, flowers, or research.

Science & Research Jobs

Agronomist – Studies soil and crops to improve farming methods.
Soil Scientist – Analyzes soil composition and health for agriculture.
Plant Breeder / Geneticist – Develops better crop varieties for yield, disease resistance, or climate resilience.

Support & Tech Roles

Agricultural Technician – Collects data and assists with research or farm testing.
Mechanic / Equipment Technician – Maintains and repairs farm machinery.
Precision Agriculture Technician – Uses tech like drones, GPS, and software to support farming operations.

Business & Advisory Roles

Farm Manager – Oversees entire farm operations, budgets, and staff.
Agricultural Sales Representative – Sells seeds, equipment, and agrochemicals to farmers.
Extension Officer – Provides education and advice to farmers on best practices.