Landscape/Horticulture Technology: Plant Production Emphasis
Gain skills in:
- Wholesale production, retail sales, and marketing of horticulture crops
- Extensive tree, shrub, vines, groundcover, and herbaceous plant identification as well as horticultural use and maintenance
- Identifying and evaluate horticultural problems created by insects, diseases, and physiopaths and implement pest management plans
- Sales and marketing of landscape and greenhouse plant material, including computer and internet tools for business management
- Practices in in sustainabilityy and application in plant production
Students have the opportunity to gain experience in the hydroculture lab. This educational laboratory, promoting sustainable agriculture, will provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills for the production of earth friendly growing environments.
Depending on the electives chosen, students prepare for careers in all phases of the plant production industry, including woody landscape plants and herbaceous plants used in the landscape, greenhouse, floriculture, and vegetable trade. Sustainability from an environmental and economic perspective is highlighted.
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: LP – view in catalog
- School: Natural Resources Management
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
After graduation
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
Top paying states for this occupation are located in the northeast region of the United States.
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 | 56,860 | $20.73 | $43,110 |
| Local Government (OES Designation) | 10,800 | $24.84 | $51,680 |
| Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 10,360 | $23.46 | $48,800 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 2,480 | $23.93 | $49,770 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 2,110 | $23.07 | $47,990 |
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, First Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping, 2012-13 Edition (visited May 22, 2013)
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
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 (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.
