2024-2025 Student Catalog 
    
    Dec 08, 2024  
2024-2025 Student Catalog

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Horticulture, A.A.S.



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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 SUNY Niagara Approach

The mission of the SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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 20-credit hours to include:
    HRT  ___ 17 credits of Horticulture  electives
    HRT  ___  3 credits of Horticulture electives that also meet a general education category
  3. Natural Science & Scientific Reasoning (NSCI): A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
     
     
     
      
  4. Business Elective:  A minimum of 3-credit hours to include: 
    ACC 116  -  Financial Accounting   OR
       OR
       OR
       OR
       
  5. Computer Technology (CIS) Elective:  A minimum of 1-credit hour
    CIS ___ - Computer Technology  elective
  6. Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (MATH):  A minimum of 3-credit hours to include: 
    MAT ___ - Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning General Education category elective
  7. Communication - Written (COMW):  A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
     
      OR
    ENG 103 - Writing for STEM  
  8. Communication - Oral (COMO): A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    ___  ___ - Communication - Oral General Education category elective AND Liberal Arts category elective
  9. Liberal Arts/General Education:  A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    ___  ___ - Diversity: Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (DVRS) General Education category elective AND Liberal Arts category elective
  10. Free Electives: A minimum of 5-credit hours

Typical Program


First Semester


Total Credit Hours: 15

Total Credit Hours: 15

Third Semester


  •  ___  ___  Business elective selected through advisement 3 Cr.
  •  ___  ___  Computer Technology (CIS) elective 1 Cr.
  • HRT  ___  Horticulture elective 3 Cr.
  • HRT  ___  Horticulture elective that also meets a General Education category 3 Cr.
  • ___   ___  Liberal Arts/ Diversity: Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (DVRS) General Education elective 3 Cr.
  • ___   ___  Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (MATH) General Education elective 3 Cr.
Total Credit Hours: 16

Fourth Semester


  • 3 Cr.
  • ___  ___  Horticulture elective 3 Cr.
  • ___  ___  Horticulture elective 2 Cr.
  • ___  ___  Communication - Oral (COMO) General Education/Liberal Arts elective 3 Cr.
  • ___  ___  Free electives 5 Cr.
Total Credit Hours: 16

Scholarship Opportunities


There are several scholarships available to SUNY Niagara students. Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship webpage at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships. The SUNY Niagara Foundation/Scholarship Office is located within the Foundation Office, A-265 or by phone (716) 614-5910.

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