SOUTH
Associate of Science  (203.4)

See Horticulture Technology Certificate Programs

This program prepares the student to work in the fields of Landscape Horticulture and Ornamental Horticulture. The student selects from three options: Landscape Design, Landscape and Turfgrass Management or Ornamental Horticulture.

Horticulture Program Objectives:

• Retrieve, analyze, synthesize, organize and evaluate information about horticulture through technological and traditional means while using accurate horticulture terminology.
• Evaluate landscape, garden, and design situations and solve problems related to horticultural subjects.
• Use and operate horticulture-related equipment and structures.
• Recognize and apply standard business practices of the industry, such as estimating and bidding, insurance, state regulations, and laws and regulations related to pesticide use and safety.
• Describe the importance of plants to the environment and daily life while recognizing the global issues related to plants and their uses in culture and society.

Students must choose one of the following fields of study:
Option A: Landscape Design    
Option B: Landscape and Turfgrass Management, or
Option C: Ornamental Horticulture.

(A) LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The landscape design option prepares the student for a career in the fields of landscape design and landscape construction. Emphasis is on the design and use of outdoor spaces at residential and commercial sites. Plant materials and their installation and maintenance are highlighted. Graduates may be self-employed or work as designers for construction companies, garden centers, nurseries, or design/ building firms.

Completion of this option will prepare students to take the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association (PLNA) certified horticulturist exam.

See the Checksheet for this program in printable PDF form.

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credits to Graduate: 62-64

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(B) LANDSCAPE AND TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT

The landscape and turfgrass management option prepares the student for employment as a landscape and turfgrass specialist. These industry professionals find positions installing and maintaining plants and lawn areas and as assistants to superintendents of golf courses, parks, and cemeteries. Graduates may be self-employed or work for landscape service companies or with turf care companies. Graduates will be prepared to take the Pennsylvania core and categories 6 and 7 exams for pesticide applicators, as well as the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association (PLNA) certified horticulturist exam.

See the Checksheet for this program in printable PDF form.

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credits to Graduate 62-64

*This course must be a BUS alpha code.

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(C) ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE

The ornamental horticulture option prepares students to cultivate, manage, and care for common horticultural crops in nurseries, garden centers, greenhouses, and public horticulture facilities. Graduates may be employed in greenhouses, nurseries, garden centers, conservatories and arboreta, and find positions as gardeners, growers, garden center and nursery managers and sales associates of horticultural products. Completion of this option will prepare the graduate to take the Pennsylvania core and category 22 exams for pesticide applicators.

See the Checksheet for this program in printable PDF form.

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credits to Graduate 62-65

*This course must be BUS alpha code

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