Landscape Development

Associate in Applied Science Degree

This program is intended to prepare students for the professional world of landscape contracting and landscape design. The Landscape Development program trains students in: landscape drafting, landscape graphics and design, landscape plans, planting plans, landscape construction, landscape surveying, computer-aided design, plant materials, and professional landscape practices.

Graduates are trained landscape horticulturists prepared to begin a career in the landscape contracting profession.

Typical Employment Opportunities

Landscape Designer
Landscape Technician
Landscape Consultant
Landscape Inspector
Landscape Contractor
Landscape Maintenance Proprietor
Landscape Construction Supervisor
Landscape Planting Supervisor

Landscape Development (AAS) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will receive a strong foundation in design, and master skill sets utilizing traditional and cutting digital techniques.
  • Graduates will demonstrate diverse knowledge and skills required to perform professionally in today’s design environment.
  • Graduates will exhibit the knowledge necessary to understand design 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.

Urban Horticulture and Design | Dr. Jonathan Lehrer | horticulture@farmingdale.edu | 934-420-2711

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 (GE) 3
Bl0 192 Botany 4
BIO 198 Entomology OR
BIO 290 Entomology II 3-4
Mathematics (by Advisement) 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
Required:Horticulture (40 credits)
HOR 103 Herbaceous Plants I

OR

HOR 204 Herbaceous Plants II 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 131 Landscape Drafting I 3
HOR 133 Landscape Drafting II 3
HOR 207 Landscape Plans I 3
HOR 211 Woody Plants I 3
HOR 212 Woody Plants II 3
HOR 219 Landscape Construction 3
HOR 220 Landscape Plans II 3
HOR 238 Turfgrass Culture 3
HOR 371 Landscape CAD I 3
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.

Technical Electives

HOR 107 The Plant Science of Cannabis (3 Credits)
HOR 134 The Production of Cannabis I (3 Credits)
HOR 230 The Production of Cannabis II (3 Credits)

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 198 Entomology

The nature, structure, growth, and habits of insects and related forms are discussed. The beneficial and injurious effects of insects are covered. Recent breakthroughs and developments in the field of entomology are discussed. Skills are developed which enable the student to identify insect plant pests, diseases and injuries. Control measures and application equipment are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the various pest management options available to the homeowner and professionals in the field. IPM (integrated pest management) involves an understanding of pesticides, physical and mechanical controls, biological controls, cultural controls, and legal controls. Laws regulating the activities of pest control operators and the application of hazardous pesticides are discussed. A collection of insects and related forms is required. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 198L is a part of your grade for this course. Corequisite(s): BIO 198L

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

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 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 131 Landscape Drafting I

This course introduces students to essential drafting techniques and design fundamentals. The student develops graphic skills in landscape drafting and layout by utilizing drafting instruments to produce landscape plans. Students visualize space by learning plan view, orthographic projection, section/elevation design and are introduced to perspective design techniques. Emphasis is placed upon representation, definition, and expression of landscape concepts. Through lectures, workshops and in-class exercises, students explore techniques in black-and-white media. The goal is to learn how to develop drawing skills so that students can present proposed garden designs to clients. Each student is required to produce and present a final set of drawings suitable for presentation to a client or inclusion in a portfolio. This course has a laboratory component (HOR131L). Corequisite(s): HOR 131L

HOR 133 Landscape Drafting II

This course continues the development of graphic skills introduced in Landscape Drafting I. Students discover how to visualize space by learning perspective design, orthographic projection and section elevation design. Prerequisite(s): HOR 131 Corequisite(s): HOR 133L

HOR 207 Landscape Plans I

The course covers the theory and principles of applying landscape design skills for solving landscape problems. Students learn the design process from creating preliminary sketches to final presentation drawings including, plans, section elevations, freehand and perspective sketches. Prerequisite(s): HOR 133 Corequisite(s): HOR 270L

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 219 Landscape Construction

This course examines techniques and material selection for designing and building steps, walks, walls, fences and other landscape features and structures. Basic skills in landscape surveying will also be emphasized. Corequisite(s): HOR 219L

HOR 220 Landscape Plans II

The theory and principles of landscape design are applied to selected landscape problems. Projects comprise preliminary sketches and final presentations in plan, elevation and perspective forms. Students prepare contract documents: plans, specifications and estimates in relationship to comprehensive landscape planning. Prerequisite(s): HOR 207 Corequisite(s): HOR 220L

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

HOR 371 Landscape CAD I

This course is an introduction to computer aided design/ drafting. This course includes all the functions of AutoCad plus specific tools and solutions for professionals in the land development industry. This course will focus solely on two-dimensional aspects of AutoCad. Each student will acquire CAD experience from using the program at his or her own workstation. We will perform exercises to develop skills from file set-up to creating 2D drawings to plotting. Our goal in the class is to become comfortable, efficient and competent computer drafters. Each student is required to produce a landscape site plan. Prerequisite(s): HOR 131 Corequisite(s): HOR 371L

Last Modified 8/2/24