I want to be a water feature designer but cannot figure out which degree would be best... I have also always had an interest in floral arrangements so it feels as though this was a packaged deal.
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I honestly do not know if there is a degree specifically for that.
But for the landscaping design itself (which is what the water feature falls under) architecture with an eye for landscaping may be helpful as well as classes and electives covering computer aided design.
Some classes on Botany might not go amiss either. Something to help you figure out what plants complement each other and will play nice with the local flora and fauna.
Note: BS as in Bachelor of Science, Not Bull $#|+. Landscape design BS are very important and include botany along with lots of other stuff. To get a license (which is required for many states and many types of projects, you need some type of degree in architecture, landscape architecture or "equivalent course studies." (I used to work in engineering/planning company with large landscape architecture department so I know of what I speak.)
In mean time, a general degree in business or liberal arts would be good (either BS/BA or AS), and then look for certification programs. With job competition as it is right now, you really need a degree. Even if you can only afford an AS right now at community college, lots of the credits can be transferred to universities, especially state universities.
Community colleges are affordable and there are lots of grants and loans with very low interest around. Google "college grants" and see how much there is. Look in particular at the Federal gov’t programs and there are a lot out there. In addition, one of the better things Obama has done that they haven’t YET overturned is that anything related to continuing career education is tax-deductable. Meaning if you pay 4,000 for a certificate program, you deduct $4,000 from your tax return. Makes a BIG difference.
Even after a certification program, you would need to be kind of an apprentice. That is why business and good communication writing skills help. You could get a job making decent money in business related to floral design (such as florist, but also landscape design, etc.) perhaps as an associate manager to start and learn hands-on while doing the certification work.
Landscape design is a BS degree, and that lets you design gardens and water gardens. Not a lot of pay starting out though. Follow your heart for a job, not necessary the money — you will be a much happier person.
Good luck.
I have a multitude of degrees, but none specific to design nor to horticulture, botany, landscaping or business. If you wish to learn, apprentice yourself to someone already in the business and as you learn decide what you want to learn more about. Community college classes are always helpful.
What ever degree you choose (I think landscape design would suit best) it would help you to get a part time job in a garden center or aquatic specialist shop. This will teach you things that will compliment your degree and help you to meet people that could further your job prospects post college.