2015-2016 Student Catalog 
    
    Oct 04, 2024  
2015-2016 Student Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Viticulture, A.A.S.


Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:    Associate in Applied Science Degree
HEGIS Code:            5402
SUNY Code:             11764
Major Code:             VITI

The Career

Viticulture is designed as a program that focuses on the application of scientific and agribusiness principles to the production of grapes and the wine business. The program includes instruction in grapes and wines of the world, grape production, plant biology, chemistry, food science and safety, soil science, pest management, and marketing and business management.  Students are required to partner with an approved vineyard to participate in the required field experience portion of the course.

The NCCC Approach

Viticulture is designed to teach students about grape production.  Topics will include varietal selection, site preparation, equipment, site selection, first season establishment, vine growth development and training, trellis systems, weed control, vine disease control, and pruning for training purposes.  Current practices for establishing a commercial vineyard will also be covered.

Students are required to partner with an approved vineyard to participate in the required field experience portion of the course. 

With our new Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, Viticulture students will have the most unique of experiences getting real-life, hands-on knowledge in a wine boutique and a student-run fine dining restaurant.

Admission

Students admitted in fall, spring and summer.

Program Goals and Objectives

Upon completion of the program the graduates will:

  • Understand the growing characteristic of vinifera and lambrusca grape varietals.
     
  • Gain vineyard employment at New York State wineries.
     
  • Determine the correct harvest time for specific grape varietals.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will:

  • Prepare a cost comparison and return on investment for establishing a vineyard.

  • Discuss grapevine cultivars and their popularity.

  • Explain how to select rootstocks for a specific vineyard site.

  • Perform soil sampling.

  • Distinguish between trellis types and discuss the differences between types.

  • List the most common grape vine diseases in Western New York.

  • Discuss sustainable practices including their advantages and disadvantages.

Program Requirements (VITI)


  1. A total of at least 60-credit hours with a minimum curriculum grade-point average of 2.0. Academic Foundations courses do not count toward the degree.
  2. Because the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) is not a branch campus students enrolled at NFCI must take at least one course on the Sanborn campus or opt for an online offering of at least one course required in the program.
  3. Viticulture: A minimum of 26-credit hours to include:
    VIN 111  -  Introduction to Viticulture  
    VIN 113  -  Seasonal Techniques: Winter  
    VIN 114  -  Seasonal Techniques: Spring  
    VIN 115  -  Seasonal Techniques: Summer/Fall  
    VIN 135  -  Botanical Viticulture  
    VIN 146  -  Introduction to Enology  OR
    VIN 266  -  Sensory Evaluation 
    VIN 211  -  Integrated Pest Management  
    VIN 213  -  Regional Vineyard Management   
    VIN 293  -  Soils for Viticulture  
    WBV 107  -  Wine Chemistry  
  4. Natural Sciences - General Education: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    BIO 102  -  Introduction to Plant Biology 
    BIO 102L  -  Introduction to Plant Biology Lab  
  5. Basic Communication - General Education: A minimum of 9-credit hours to include:
    ENG 101  -  Writing I 
    ENG 102  -  Writing II & Introduction to Literature  
    BUS 229  -  Business Communications  
  6. Mathematics - General Education: A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
    MAT 106  -  Contemporary Mathematics  
    MAT 164  -  Introduction to Statistics  
  7. Arts - General Education: A minimum of 3-credit hours to be chosen from:
    ART 137  -  Ancient to Gothic Art  OR
    ART 138  -  14th to 19th Century Art  
  8. Social Science - General Education: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    PSC 101  -  American Government  
  9. Computer Technology: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    CIS 100  -  Introduction to Computer Applications  
  10. Business Education: A minimum of 1-credit hour to include:
    BUS 182  -  College Success: Business  
  11. Health and Physical Education: A minimum of 3-credits to be chosen from:
    Health/Physical Education elective  

Typical Program


Because the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) is not a branch campus students enrolled at NFCI must take at least one course on the Sanborn campus or opt for an online offering of at least one course required in the program.

Scholarship Opportunities


There are several scholarships available to NCCC students.  Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship webpage at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships . The NCCC Scholarship Office is located within the Financial Aid Complex, A-114 or by phone (716) 614-6205.