Agribusiness, Associate in Applied Science
A Landscape and Horticultural Technology Option
This option provides career preparation in the skills needed to work in horticultural related service industries as well as in both wholesale and retail sales of horticultural products. Ideal for those who love the business aspect of the horticultural field but who do not feel drawn to designing as well as for those with a desire to be actively involved in sales positions. This option includes a strong emphasis on both horticultural technical knowledge as well as business management skills. Career opportunities are varied and, in addition to retail and wholesale nurseries, include equipment suppliers, landscape product suppliers, fertilizer and pesticide sales, as well as business management related to design build companies.
Named one of the top six Outstanding Post-Secondary Agriculture Programs in the United States by the National Association of Agricultural Educators, Landscape and Horticultural Technology is designed to provide students with the technical knowledge to succeed in a wide range of horticultural related professions. With a primary focus on ornamental horticulture, the program offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate in Applied Science through either the Landscape Management and Design option (curriculum code 3320), Turf and Turfgrass Management (curriculum code 3324), or the Agribusiness option (curriculum code 3321). The program also provides students who have very focused career goals the choice of earning career certificates in Landscape Design, Grounds Maintenance, Landscape Contracting, Garden Center Management, or Horticultural Apprenticeship Certificates in Horticulturist, Landscape Technician and Landscape Management Technician.
These certificates are designed specifically for students who may not need to earn an Associate Degree.
Each option has been designed to prepare students for employment in specialized occupations in the field of agriculture, horticulture and ornamental horticulture. The Agribusiness option prepares students for careers in horticulture business operations including retail and wholesale endeavors, service businesses, retail and wholesale equipment suppliers and floral shops. The Landscape Management and Design option prepares students to become professional landscape designers or specialists in the design and installation of landscapes in both the residential and commercial markets. The Turf and Turfgrass Management option is specifically structured to prepare students to become profession turf managers of commercial complexes, sports turf, recreational turf, and golf courses.
The emphasis in each option is on the development of professional attributes, problem solving capability, and strong technical skills. Students are provided opportunities to develop leadership ability and entrepreneurial skills as well as management ability. Graduates of the Landscape and Horticultural Technology Program can find employment as landscape designers, landscape installers, managers and supervisors, golf course superintendents, grounds maintenance supervisors and much more. Upon completion of the Associates degree, students may also elect to transfer to a four-year institution to further their education.