Program Requirements
Typical Program
Degree/Certificate: Certificate
HEGIS Code: 5402
SUNY Code: 1736
Major Code: HORT
The Career
Are you the kind of person who enjoys the outdoors? Are you environmentally conscious? Do you take pride in growing plants and caring for the landscape around your home? Are you interested in growing your own food or working in a greenhouse? Have you always wanted to design outdoor spaces or create the floral arrangements for large events? If so, you may want to pursue a career in horticulture.
Horticulturists need to understand how plants grow and how to identify, propagate, install and maintain different types of plants including trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous perennials, bedding plants and floral crops. They also focus on environmental concerns and pest problems associated with plants and the landscape. The NCCC Horticulture program is geared to help both the novice and the more experienced “plant person” gain the education and training necessary to obtain employment or advance their careers in the industry. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as landscape designers, landscape installation crew leaders, diagnosticians, floral designers, nursery salespeople, garden center managers, greenhouse production assistants, turf managers, grounds people and more. The field of horticulture is rapidly expanding and offers numerous career opportunities both locally and nationally.
The NCCC Approach
NCCC’s Horticulture program combines classroom, greenhouse and field instruction in a certification program not matched elsewhere in Western New York. The certificate program offers a selection of courses permitting the student to customize their education to best meet their career goals.
The mission of the Niagara County Community College Horticulture program is to prepare students for employment in the green industry by engaging them in the art and science of plants. With an emphasis on sustainable horticultural techniques, the latest scientific research and best management practices, the NCCC Horticulture program provides students with the knowledge, skills and field experience necessary to excel in their careers and build a greener community. Coursework is based on real-world projects similar to those professionals encounter in the industry. With both theory and practical hands-on experience, students are introduced to the techniques and processes of the industry using various formats, professional tools and equipment. Field trips, externships and collaborative activities with trade associations provide students with educational and networking opportunities with the owners, managers and employees of local industry leaders. Graduates may also choose to continue their education in the NCCC Horticulture, A.A.S. program.
Admission
Students are admitted in fall, spring and summer.
The Horticulture certificate is offered as a full-time or part-time program. Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take more than one academic year of full-time study if a student begins this program in a spring or summer semester.
See Horticulture, A.A.S. for associate degree option.
Program Goals and Objectives
- To provide students with an education in the basic principles of horticulture that will prepare them for employment in the industry
- To provide a horticulture-based pathway for successful student transition to a Horticulture, A.A.S., degree at NCCC
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the Horticulture certificate program, the student will:
- Describe the basic principles of plant taxonomy, anatomy, morphology and physiology
- Describe the components and effects of environment and soils on plant growth and development
- Describe the techniques required for proper selection, installation and maintenance of plant materials
- Identify and manage common landscape and greenhouse pests and disorders in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner
- Describe the variety of careers available in the horticulture industry including the landscape, greenhouse, nursery, turf management areas as well as emerging career trends
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