Ornamental Horticulture-
Landscape Development
The Degrees
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Certificate Program
The Outlook
According to the U.S. Labor Department, a faster-than-average growth in the area of landscape development is expected due to an increase in new construction and a growing commitment to environmental planning and historic preservation.
Employment opportunities exist in golf courses and lawn management, landscape design and sales, arborculture, plant propagation and nursery management, floriculture and greenhouse management, integrated pest management, garden center management, applied research, and education.
The Programs
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Ornamental Horticulture-Landscape Development is designed for students who enjoy working with nature to preserve plants and improve the environment. Ornamental horticulture enhances our living environment and merges the natural ecology of the land with the preservation and development of ecologically sound landscapes. Students in this program master the culture and production of ornamental plants, the development of landscape plans, and the protection of shrubs, trees, turfgrasses, and ornamental foliage plants from pests. They also learn to determine what composition of plant life will not only survive in a landscape, but will benefit the environment.
FLCC's Ornamental Horticulture Program is widely respected for its emphasis on quality. Our instructors are experts in the field and are often called upon for consultation and assistance by local and national agencies. Our small class size allows for individual attention, enabling you to uncover your talents and develop strong skills.
Certificate Program
A one-year certificate program in Ornamental Horticulture is offered if you are currently employed in the horticulture-landscape-plant protection field and wish to further your training, or if you have a general interest in flowers and plants and wish to grow ornamental plants to landscape your own property.This one-year certificate program is designed for individuals currently employed in the ornamental horticulture-landscaping plant preservation fields who desire further training or who wish to update their skills and knowledge. It also serves as an exploratory program for those individuals who have a general interest in flowers and plants and wish to grow ornamental plants or plan to manage their own landscapes. In addition, it is well suited for individuals in both the public and private sector who are responsible for horticultural decisions.
Students in this program may specialize in plant protection, general ornamental horticulture or landscaping. Students should contact their faculty advisor for courses required in each specialization.
First Semester (16 Credit Hours)
- BIO 121 General Biology I (4)
- BIO/HRT 151 Plant Materials (3)
- AGR 100 Soil Scienc (3)
- HRT 110 Ornamental Horticulture (3)
- Horticulture Elective (3)
Second Semester (16 Credit Hours)
- HRT 200 Pest Management and Control (3)
- BIO 251 Plant Structure and Functions (4)
- Horticulture Elective (3)
- Horticulture Elective (3)
- HRT 220 Horiculture Practicum/Internship (3)
Based on the sequence of courses listed, the individual may specialize in (1) plant protection, (2) general ornamental horticulture, or (3) landscaping. Students should contact their faculty advisor for courses required in each specialization.
Honors Courses
In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students in this degree program as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
The unique beauty of the Finger Lakes Region is part of the "outdoor classroom" in this degree program. As part of their training, students utilize the world-renowned New York State Agriculture Experiment Station in Geneva and the Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua.
Field trips
Extensive field experiences include trips to the Experiment Station for plant research and field technical training; to the Sonnenberg Gardens for plant materials, identification and design of trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground covers; to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, which yield the finest in arboretum education and plant collections; and many field trips with small classes to area gardens and landscapes for plant, insect, and plant-health specimen diagnosis.
Trips to the Niagara Horticulture Institute, Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, Letchworth State Park, and the Cornell University Plantations are also a feature of this program. You will also attend the New York State Turf and Grounds Conference, the Rochester Flower and Garden Show, Regional Integrated Pest Management conferences, and the Genesee/Finger Lakes Horticulture Education Days.
Internships
Internships at locations such as the Experiment Station, Genesee Mumford Museum, and Kodak Inc. enhance your experience at FLCC.
The Graduates
Graduates of the Horticulture program are prepared for employment opportunities in golf courses and lawn management, landscape design and sales, arborculture, plant propagation and nursery management, floriculture and greenhouse management, plant health care, insect management, arboretum management, garden center management, and field research in the applied plant sciences.
Those graduates who transfer pursue degrees in landscape architecture, plant pathology, forestry, environmental studies, biology, horticulture sciences, entomology, and turf management at such four-year institutions as Cornell, Syracuse, Penn State, Colorado State, and Purdue Universities, Universities of Texas, New Zealand, California, and Georgia, SUNY Colleges at Brockport and Geneseo, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute.*
* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions.
The Scholarships
Scholarships available to horticulture students meeting specific criteria include the New York State Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship, New York State Lawn Care Association Scholarship, Turfgrass Association and Arborist Scholarships,the Genesee Finger Lakes Nurserymen Scholarship, FLCC Conservation/Horticulture Faculty Scholarship, and the Collins Scholarship. For details, contact a member of the horticulture faculty or the Financial Aid Office.