Landscape/Horticulture Technology: Landscape Emphasis
The Landscape Emphasis curriculum offers rewarding careers to students who enjoy working with plant materials in an innovative and constructive environment. In addition to vast career opportunities, graduates may transfer into advanced-degree programs at other colleges and universities.
The coursework emphasizes:
- landscape design
- sustainability
- installation and maintenance of landscape materials
- turf management
- plant insects and diseases
- plant information and identification
Classroom and laboratory activities include:
- operation of landscape equipment
- landscape construction including retaining walls, walkways, patios, decks, and general landscape operations
- an emphasis on economic and environmental aspects of the industry
Graduates of this program will have the skillset required to sit for the PA Certified Horticulturist (PCH) exam and the PA Pesticide Certification exam.
Graduates have a diverse set of skills and abilities that could prepare them for "green" careers focused on energy, renewable energy, and the environment. Read more...
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: LE – view in catalog
- School: Natural Resources Management
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
An internship is required in this major.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
The Landscape/Horticulture Technology - Landscape Emphasis is the first horticulture degree in the state of Pennsylvania to be recognized and accredited by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).
PLANET recognizes schools that have landscape-contracting curricula that meet or exceed industry standards. The prestigious accreditation offers scholarships to students, continuing-education opportunities for faculty development, and a wealth of online and printed resource materials.
The PLANET evaluation team praised the faculty for an excellent program and the College for its commitment to the future.
"We are pleased that PLANET has recognized the quality of our Landscape/Horticulture Technology curriculum, faculty and facilities," said Dr. Mary A. Sullivan, dean of the School of Natural Resources Management. "The accreditation has created additional educational opportunities for students and faculty, which will result in overall program enhancement."
After graduation
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics industries with the highest published employment and wages for first-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 53,730 | $20.71 | $43,080 |
| Local Government (OES Designation) | 11,570 | $24.28 | $50,510 |
| Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 11,410 | $23.30 | $48,460 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 2,790 | $22.43 | $46,650 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 2,460 | $22.59 | $46,980 |
*Statistics reported in May 2010
Internship Requirement
Read more about the required internship.
Students in this major are required to complete a 400 hour internship, that often leads to employment. It is typically done in the summer between the first and second year of coursework.
Many companies in Pennsylvania and across the country have served as internship sites, learning about the fields of landscape design, sports turf, tree care, nursery, and greenhouse.
We have had interns placed at these locations and many other businesses across the state and country:
| Bailey Nursery | Dahlkemper Landscape & Architects & Contractors | Eichenlaub, Inc | Little League International | Valley Crest Landscaping |
| Bartlett Tree Experts | Davis Landscape, LTD | Erb Brothers Landcaping, Inc. | Longwood Gardens | Ruppert Landscaping |
| Brickman | Eaton Farms | TruGreen Landcare | Moon Nurseries of MD | Denison Landscaping and Nursery, Inc. |
Transfer Procedures
View general transfer procedures via the College Catalog.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
Tools
Tools should not be purchased until you have consulted with your faculty adviser or have attended HRT101 the first week of classes.
Uniform/Safety Protection: (required for all labs)
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection (ear plugs)
- Work gloves
- Knee pads
- Thick sole leather steel-toe safety boots for work labs
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
Horticulture Club
The purpose of the Horticulture Club is to promote and advance the field of horticulture through its members by giving back to the school and community. A practical experience in the field and exposure to the industry through out of the classroom experiences and sharing of knowledge between members is what the Horticulture Club is all about.
Regular Horticulture Club activities include community and college service projects, fund-raising projects, interscholastic competitions, and social club gatherings.
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Landscape/Horticulture Technology Advisory Committee
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
