General Horticulture

Associate in Applied Science Degree

This program is designed to provide a generalized study of horticulture requiring basic introductory courses while offering a wide range of electives so that the students can develop their desired areas of expertise.

Students receive training in plant identification, botany, entomology, soils, and horticulture. Students may elect courses such as: greenhouse management, plant propagation, landscape drafting, landscape construction, commercial floral design and arboriculture. The laboratory hours provide students with valuable “hands-on” experiences in our extensive greenhouses and ornamental teaching gardens.

Professional development opportunities are varied since the program offers students three horticulture electives. This allows students to choose their own areas of specialization within the program.

Typical Employment Opportunities

Floral Designer
Retail Florist
Flower Shop Manager
Sales Manager
Interior Landscape Designer
Commercial Grower
Interior Horticultural Service Technician
Wholesale Distributor
Garden Center Salesperson/Manager
Arboretum Technician
Nursery Salesperson/Manager
Wholesale Nursery Manager
Municipal & Urban Forestry Manager
Commercial or Utility Arborist
Landscape Garden Maintenance
Public Garden Employment

General Horticulture (AAS) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will receive a strong foundation in science and master skill sets utilizing traditional and cutting edge techniques.
  • Graduates will demonstrate diverse knowledge and skills required to perform professionally in today’s complex multi-disciplinary environment.
  • Graduates will exhibit the knowledge necessary to understand horticulture from an historical perspective, as well as current and future trends of industry.

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Contact Information

Urban Horticulture and Design

Dr. Jonathan Lehrer
Thompson Hall , Room 202
934-420-2711
horticulture@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Fall 2024

Subject to revision

College Requirement (1 credit)
FYE 101 First Year Experience* 1

Liberal Arts and Sciences (22-24 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
Oral Communication 3
Bl0 192 Botany 4
Bl0 198 Entomology OR
BIO 290 Entomology II 3-4
Natural Science/Mathematics 3-4
Students are required to take 3 credits in one of the following General Education competency areas: Humanities, World Languages, Social Science, World History and Global Awareness, US History & Civic Engagement 3
Support Courses (3 credits)
BUS Business Elective OR
BCS 102 Computer Concepts and Applications 3

Required: Horticulture (37 credits)
HOR 103 Herbaceous Plants I 3
HOR 110 Horticulture I 3
HOR 111 Horticulture II Growth and Development of Cultivated Plants 3
HOR 112 Soils: The Foundation of Life 3
HOR 127 Horticulture Seminar 1
HOR 204 Herbaceous Plants II 3
HOR 211 Woody Plants I 3
HOR 212 Woody Plants II 3
HOR 218 Indoor Plants 3
HOR 238 Turfgrass Culture 3
HOR Horticulture Electives (in non-required HOR) 9
Total Credits: 62-65

Curriculum Summary

*FYE 101 First Year Experience is required for all first time full time students

Degree Type: AAS
Total Required Credits: 62-65

Please refer to the General Education, Applied Learning, and Writing Intensive requirement sections of the College Catalog and consult with your advisor to ensure that graduation requirements are satisfied. As a part of the SUNY General Education Framework, all first-time full time Freshman at Farmingdale State College (FSC) beginning Fall 2023, are required to develop knowledge and skills in Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ). Students will be able to fulfill this requirement at FSC by taking a specially designated DEISJ course that has been developed by faculty and approved by the DEISJ Review Board. DEISJ-approved courses may meet other General Education Knowledge and Skills areas and/or core competencies and thus be dually designated. DEISJ-approved courses may also earn other special designations such as those for Applied Learning or Writing Intensive.

FYE 101 First Year Experience

This course is designed to assist new students in acclimating, connecting, and adjusting to the college campus and experience. Through presentations, discussions and group work, students will become familiar with college resources and learn strategies for academic success. Students will also be introduced to the values and ethical principles of the College and encouraged to reflect on their role/responsibilities as college students. Topics include time management, study skills, stress management, goal setting, course and career planning, self-assessment and awareness, and the development of wellness strategies. Note: Students completing FYE 101 may not receive credit for FRX101, FYS 101, or RAM 101. Credits 1 (1.0)

EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing

This is the first part of a required sequence in college essay writing. Students learn to view writing as a process that involves generating ideas, formulating and developing a thesis, structuring paragraphs and essays, as well as revising and editing drafts. The focus is on the development of critical and analytical thinking. Students also learn the correct and ethical use of print and electronic sources. At least one research paper is required. A grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Note: Students passing a departmental diagnostic exam given on the first day of class will remain in EGL 101; all others will be placed in EGL 097. Prerequisite is any of the following: successful completion of EGL 097; an SAT essay score (taken prior to March 1, 2016) of 7 or higher; an SAT essay score (taken after March 1, 2016) of 5 or higher; on-campus placement testing.

EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature

This is the second part of the required introductory English composition sequence. This course builds on writing skills developed in EGL 101, specifically the ability to write analytical and persuasive essays and to use research materials correctly and effectively. Students read selections from different literary genres (poetry, drama, and narrative fiction). Selections from the literature provide the basis for analytical and critical essays that explore the ways writers use works of the imagination to explore human experience. Grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

BIO 290 Entomology II

Methods of greenhouse pest and disease control, including identification of major families of pests, diagnosis of diseases, principles of cultural and chemical control, and a survey of pests and diseases associated with economically important greenhouse crops. Note: The laboratory course, BIO 290L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 198 or 192. Corequisite(s): BIO 290L

BCS 102 Computer Concepts and Applications

This is an introductory course in the use of personal computers in today's society. Students will receive instruction in basic computer concepts and terminology, the fundamentals of the Windows operating system and have hands on experience at the beginning to intermediate level using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Internet will be used to supplement textbook and lecture materials. Note: Computer Systems students cannot use BCS 102 to meet a BCS/CSC Elective requirement.

HOR 110 Horticulture I:Introduction to Plant Science

Cultivated plants are central to life on Earth and understanding their needs fosters an appreciation for the fragility of our natural environment. This survey course provides a broad introduction to the biological, chemical, and physical determinants of plant growth and performance. Topics include nomenclature, plant life cycles, soil and nutrition, plant cultivation and maintenance, and the history of cultivated plants. Throughout the course, students will apply the scientific method during experimentation, data collection, and analysis of exercises conducted in the greenhouse. The Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens serve as a laboratory to explore various aspects of informed plant cultivation. Corequisite(s): HOR 110L

HOR 111 Horticulture II-Growth and Development of Cultivated Plants

Understanding the performance of cultivated plants reveals our connection to the living environment and our responsibility as stewards. Plant growth is influenced by myriad biological, chemical, and environmental variables that mitigate growth and survival. By understanding the scientific basis for these factors, we are better prepared to customize growing conditions that promote thriving plants and environmental well-being. This course surveys the environmental forces (including global climate change) and physiological processes that affect plant growth, adaptation, senescence, dormancy, flowering, and propagation. During laboratory exercises, students implement the scientific method through experimentation, data collection, and interpretive analysis. Prerequisite(s): HOR 110 Corequisite(s): HOR111L

HOR 112 Soils: The Foundation of Life

This survey course explores the central role of soils as a dynamic living system which influences land use, plant growth, environmental health, and societal well-being. Fundamental soil properties such as its geologic origins and physical, chemical, and biological behavior are addressed comprehensively. Through classroom lecture and investigative laboratory exercises, students survey the functions of soil, understand its classification and management parameters, and appreciate the urgency of global conservation efforts. Corequisite(s): HOR 112L

HOR 127 Horticultural Seminar

This course provides an overview of the industry, and major areas of development; it will provide an opportunity for students to hear from representatives of the industry. Students will be provided with the basis for an assessment of future career opportunities as well as the opportunity to evaluate their individual needs for continuing education.

HOR 204 Herbaceous Plants II

Lecture and field study of the nomenclature, identification, ornamental attributes, cultural requirements and horticultural uses of hardy perennial plants used in gardens including ferns, ornamental grasses, wild flowers, and herbs. Naturalistic woodland and rock gardens are introduced as well as the principles to design perennial borders. Corequisite(s): HOR 204L

HOR 211 Woody Plants I

The Woody Plants courses give a picture primarily of the woody plants grown in nurseries for landscape purposes, and secondly of those found in arboretums, woodlands, and fields of Northeastern United States. Emphasis is on identification, culture, uses, flowers, and fruits, and ecological relationships. Several of the evergreens, broad and narrow leaf, as well as some of the deciduous trees and shrubs will be covered in this first study. Corequisite(s): 211L

HOR 212 Woody Plants II

A continuation of Woody Plants I covering additional evergreens, broad and narrow leaf, as well as deciduous plants, trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers. Corequisite(s): 212L

HOR 218 Indoor Plants

A study of various plants that are suitable for indoor culture. Emphasis will be placed on identification, propagation, cultural requirements, ecological and aesthetic values. Corequisite(s): HOR 218L

HOR 238 Turfgrass Culture

A study of fine turfgrasses: soil, propagation, maintenance, growth requirements, and identification characteristics. Numerous materials, equipment, operations, usages, programs, and work procedures for proper and efficient management of specialized turfgrass areas, including golf courses and institutional and residential properties are studied. Prerequisite(s): HOR 112 Corequisite(s): HOR 238L

Last Modified 8/2/24