Coursework

Course Descriptions 

Arboriculture (3 credits) includes the study and practice of the concepts and techniques of arboriculture, such as climbing, pruning, cabling, bracing, planting, evaluating trees for hazards, and safety.

Business Management (2 credits) introduces business and accounting practices as they pertain to the field of horticulture and landscape design.

Capstone Garden Project (3 credits) provides an authentic, project-based learning experience through the installation and maintenance of a seasonal display garden within Longwood Gardens.

Chemistry in Horticulture (1 credit) provides an understanding of introductory principles of chemistry: matter, atomic structure, molecules, bonding, and chemical reactions.

Entomology (3 credits) provides the knowledge and skills to diagnose, identify, and use a range of solutions to resolve insect issues on plants.

Floral Design (2 credits) allows for the exploration of floral design and application of floral design through seasons and events.

Floricultural Crop Production (3 credits) expands on the learning in Greenhouse Crop Production providing for an immersive experience scheduling, growing, and producing a diversity of traditional and trending floral crops culminating in a spring plant sale to the public.

Fruit and Vegetable Culture (3 credits) introduces the diversity of fruit and vegetable crops while allowing the opportunity to grow, harvest, and market produce to a certified green restaurant.

Fundamentals of Soil Science (3 credits) introduces soil structures, substrates, and types of soil with a focus on plant health, growth, and development including how to take soil samples, analyze, and problem-solve issues.

Garden Practicum (1 credit) provides an immersion in the design, planting, and care of ornamental plants in an assigned plot.

Greenhouse Crop Production (3 credits) introduces greenhouse production systems and technologies to grow common greenhouse crops culminating in a holiday plant sale to the public.

Herbaceous Ornamental Plants (3 credits) showcases the identification, ornamental characteristics, pest and disease problems, cultural requirements, and garden use of over 180 herbaceous ornamental plants.

History and Theory of Landscape Design (2 credits) explores the history of landscape design through different cultures and eras.

Introduction to Landscape Design (3 credits) provides the foundation for designing and selling designed outdoor spaces including the study of the use of plant materials in landscape composition.

Landscape Design and Construction (3 credits) provides an immersive experience in the creation of construction documentation, plant procurement, and interpretive materials for display gardens.

Nursery Production (3 credits) introduces commercial nursery production including an immersive learning experience in the production of woody crops.

Plant Ecology (3 credits) showcases the relationship between plants and their environments, emphasizing how our built landscapes impact ecological processes.

Plant Pathology (3 credits) provides the knowledge and skills to diagnose, identify, and use a range of solutions to resolve diseases and disorders of plants.

Plant Propagation (3 credits) explores plant reproduction through sexual and asexual techniques and the influence of environmental factors on plant propagation.

Principles of Horticulture (3 credits)   introduces the fundamentals of plant taxonomy, plant identification and nomenclature, as well as plant anatomy.

Speech Communications (3 credits) introduces and incorporates methods of communication to improve professionalism in the workplace.

Study Abroad (3 credits) is an integral component of the Professional Horticulture program to provide the students with an opportunity to visit public and private gardens, greenhouses, nurseries, etc. in another country.

Tropical (Indoor) Plant ID (2 credits) showcases the identification, cultural requirements, and use of 150 indoor foliage and flowering plants and the management of the interior environment pertinent to home, garden, institutional, and commercial applications.

Turfgrass Management (3 credits) includes the study and practice of the fundamental aspects of turfgrass science such as identification, propagation, fertilization, pest control, and other soil-plant relationships.

Weed ID and Management (3 credits) showcases the identification and breadth of herbaceous, woody, terrestrial, and aquatic weeds in horticultural production systems.

Woody Ornamental Plants (3 credits) showcases the identification, ornamental characteristics, pest and disease problems, cultural requirements, and garden use of over 250 deciduous trees and shrubs, broad-leaved evergreens, and conifers.