Ornamental Horticulture
School of Natural Resources Management
Schneebeli Earth Science Center, Rm. 105 · (570) 320-8038
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the three emphases within the Ornamental Horticulture program?
- What does each emphasis represent?
- What type of job could I get in the Landscape Technology Emphasis (OD) career path?
- What type of job could I get in the Plant Production Emphasis (OH) career path?
- What type of job could I get in the Horticulture Retail Management Emphasis (OR) career path?
- What other options do I have in Ornamental Horticulture?
- What if I want to earn a four-year degree in Ornamental Horticulture?
- What kinds of courses should I take in high school to prepare me for your College?
- What if I don't have the appropriate high school courses? Can I still be admitted to Penn College?
- I'm just interested in the technical courses in my major. Why do I have to take math, English, fitness, and other unrelated courses? Why can't I just concentrate on the courses I'll be using after I graduate?
- What is the placement rate of your Ornamental Horticulture graduates?
- What kind of salary can I expect with a two-year degree in Ornamental Horticulture?
- What if I can't afford to go to college?
- How do I get to the Earth Science Center from Main Campus?
- I still have other questions. Who can I talk to?
- How do I apply?
Q: What are the three emphases within the Ornamental Horticulture program?
A: Landscape Technology Emphasis (OD), Plant Production Emphasis (OH) and Horticulture Retail Management Emphasis (OR).
Q: What does each emphasis represent?
A: The emphases are designed as career paths into specific business areas within the horticulture industry. For example, Landscape Technology Emphasis (OD) offers a curriculum specifically designed for a job in residential and commercial landscaping and hardscaping businesses. The Plant Production Emphasis (OH) is designed specifically for jobs within large-scale plant production businesses. The Horticulture Retail Management Emphasis (OR) is designed for students interested in working in retail businesses that may require in-depth knowledge regarding plant care, species identification, and floral design.
Q: What type of job could I get in the Landscape Technology Emphasis (OD) career path?
A: Graduates in the Landscape Technology (OD) emphasis can be employed as: landscape designers, ornamental horticulture small business owners, interior landscape designers, landscape supervisors, landscape managers, hardscape technicians, estate gardeners, arborists/tree care specialists, institutional or governmental horticulturists.
The Landscape Technology (OD) emphasis career path is the only horticulture program in Pennsylvania accredited by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).
Q: What type of job could I get in the Plant Production Emphasis (OH) career path?
A: Graduates in the Plant Production Emphasis (OH) emphasis can be employed as: plant propagation technicians; greenhouse and nursery production specialists, including production of trees, shrubs, tropical, annual, and perennial plants; arborists/tree care specialists; horticultural product marketing and merchandising agents.
The Plant Production Emphasis (OH) emphasis career path also offers the benefit of flexibility; allowing students to choose electives based on their personal interests – a design your own degree program.
Q: What type of job could I get in the Horticulture Retail Management Emphasis (OR) career path?
A: Graduates in the Retail Management Horticulture (OR) emphasis can be employed as: floral shop and garden center managers (both traditional and mass market); horticultural product marketing and merchandising agents; floral designers.
The Retail Management Horticulture (OR) emphasis career path also offers the benefit of flexibility; allowing students to choose electives based on their personal interests – a design your own degree program.
Q: What other options do I have in Ornamental Horticulture?
A: Penn College has entered into an arrangement with The Pennsylvania State University, our affiliate, to offer a two-year associate of applied science degree in Turfgrass Management. By completing pre-program course work at Penn State and enrolling at Penn College for an additional year, students can gain the skills necessary to become golf course supervisors.
Q: What if I want to earn a four-year degree in Ornamental Horticulture?
A: Many of our graduates have done just that. If you are planning to transfer to another college, you should let your adviser know as soon as possible, so that you can take the appropriate level course work here to transfer elsewhere. Schedule an appointment with our transfer counselor in the Counseling Center for assistance with that process.
With an additional two years of study at Penn College, you can also earn a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management. With its strong emphasis in business management, this degree is especially helpful if you are considering starting your own horticulture-related business.
Q: What kinds of courses should I take in high school to prepare me for your College?
A: We recommend that you have at least two years of algebra, two years of science (biology and chemistry are particularly helpful), and four years of English. Although we are a technical school, we have the same general education requirements as other colleges. A strong foundation is essential to your success here.
Q: What if I don't have the appropriate high school courses? Can I still be admitted to Penn College?
A: Yes! Penn College offers developmental course work in math, English, and reading. Once you've applied to Penn College, you will be scheduled for a placement test. This test provides us with information regarding your skill level in those three areas. You will automatically be scheduled for developmental courses if your test scores indicate a need. Developmental course work does not "count" toward credits within your program, so it may take you an additional semester or so to complete your degree. Developmental courses offer you the opportunity to strengthen your skills so that you can go on to be successful in your program.
Q: I'm just interested in the technical courses in my major. Why do I have to take math, English, fitness, and other unrelated courses? Why can't I just concentrate on the courses I'll be using after I graduate?
A: Unfortunately, this is a common misperception among some students. English, math, computer science, etc., WILL BE a part of your future career. Advisory board members, who are representatives from businesses and industries hiring our graduates, have specifically requested that our students receive instruction in these areas. We continually hear that our graduates need to be able to communicate effectively on the job. Also, students who graduate with degrees are likely to have more career advancement opportunities than those who have not earned degrees. English, math, and electives are required to earn that degree! Those courses help develop critical thinking skills and expose students to other view points and diversity - all important in the world of work.
A: In our most recent graduate survey (2005/2006), graduates of related programs reported an overall placement rate of 88%
Q: What kind of salary can I expect with a two-year degree in Ornamental Horticulture?
A: Based upon our most recent data from our 2004/2005 graduate survey, salaries range from $25,000 to $30,000. Of course, salaries vary based upon location, job classification, and company size.
Q: What if I can't afford to go to college?
A: Penn College's Financial Aid Office can give you good advice about paying for college. Many of our students use loans and grants to help pay for their education. In addition, there are many scholarship opportunities available based on economic need, previous academic achievement, and other award-specific criteria.
Q: How do I get to the Earth Science Center from Main Campus?
A: The Earth Science Center is located approximately 12 miles south of Williamsport, just off of Route 15. View Earth Science Map
River Valley Transit provides Penn College students with free transportation to the Earth Science Center. The schedule is based on Earth Science Center student schedules and fits the majority of student needs. (Main Campus classes may conflict with the bus schedule.) Note: The bus schedule is subject to change based on student use and River Valley Transit determinations. View Bus Schedule
Q: I still have other questions. Who can I talk to?
A: Feel free to call us at (570) 320-8038. We will answer your questions or put you in touch with faculty who can tell you more. You may also e-mail us at naturalresources@pct.edu.
If you'd like to come to our campus for a tour, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-367-9222 or schedule a tour online.
A: To obtain an application for admission to Penn College, you may phone our Admissions Office at 1-800-367-9222, or e-mail them at admissions@pct.edu. You may also apply for admission online.