2023-2024 Student Catalog 
    
    Dec 14, 2024  
2023-2024 Student Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Horticulture, A.A.S.



Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:   Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code:            5402
SUNY Code:             0610
Major Code:             HRT

The Career

Horticulture is an intensive subset of agriculture that deals with ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, and cannabis. Horticulturists need to understand how to identify, propagate, install and maintain different types of plants.  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, cannabis growers, bud tenders and more. The field of horticulture is rapidly expanding and offers numerous career opportunities both locally and nationally. Graduates may also choose to continue their education at a four-year college.

The NCCC Approach

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 science-based theory and practical, hands-on experience, students in this program are introduced to the techniques of the industry using professional tools and equipment on real-world projects.  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 are also fully prepared for and eligible to take the New York State Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional exam and the NYS Pesticide Applicator’s exam.  Graduates may be prepared for other types of professional certification exams depending upon course selection.

Admission

Students are admitted in fall, spring and summer.

The Horticulture, AAS, is offered as a full-time or part-time program. Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take more than two academic years of full-time study if a student begins this program in a spring or summer semester.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To provide students with an education in the principles of horticulture that will prepare them for employment in the industry
  • To ensure students fulfill at least four General Education categories

Program Learning Outcomes

 Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to: 

  • Describe the principles of plant taxonomy, anatomy, morphology and physiology and the influence of environment on plant function and development
  • Analyze soil properties and use sustainable practices to optimize plant growth
  • Identify, use and care for woody and herbaceous plants in the landscape and greenhouse, emphasizing ecological relationships and the importance of site analysis, plant selection and proper planting and maintenance practices
  • Identify and manage common biotic and abiotic 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

Program Requirements (HRT)


 A total of at least 62-credit hours with a minimum curriculum grade-point average of 2.0. Academic Foundations courses do not count toward the degree.

  1. Horticulture: A minimum of 12-credit hours to include:
     
     
     
     
     
      
  2. Horticulture Electives:  A minimum of 18-credit hours selected through advisement
    HRT  ___  Horticulture  electives
  3. Biology:  A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
     
     
     
      
  4. Business Elective:  A minimum of 3-credit hours selected through advisement from the following:
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
  5. Computer Technology (CIS or CPS) Elective:  A minimum of 3-credit hours
    CIS/CPS ___ - Computer Technology  elective
  6. Health/Physical Education:  A minimum of 2-credit hours to include:
      
  7. Humanities:  A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
     
      OR
    ENG 103 - Writing for STEM  
  8. Liberal Arts/General Education:  A minimum of 12-credit hours to be selected through advisement.

Typical Program


First Semester


Total Credit Hours: 15

Total Credit Hours: 15

Third Semester


  •  ___  ___  Business elective selected through advisement 3 Cr.
  •  ___  ___  Computer Science elective selected through advisement 3 Cr.
  • HRT  ___  Horticulture elective selected through advisement 3 Cr.
  • HRT  ___  Horticulture elective selected through advisement 3 Cr.
  • ___   ___  Liberal Arts/General Education elective 3 Cr.
  • ___   ___  Liberal Arts/General Education elective 3 Cr.
Total Credit Hours: 18

Fourth Semester


Total Credit Hours: 14

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 Foundation/Scholarship Office is located within the Foundation Office, A-265 or by phone (716) 614-5910.