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.

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 2023

Subject to revision

Liberal Arts and Sciences (22-24 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
Bl0 192 Botany 4
BIO 198 Entomology OR
BIO 290 Entomology II 3-4
Mathematics (by Advisement) 3-4
General Education Electives 6
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 62-64

Curriculum Summary

Degree Type: AAS
Total Required Credits: 62-64

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)

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

Instruction, orientation and field experience in the various phases of horticulture. Each week the explanation and demonstration of a new subject precedes the assignment to duties/ A rounded experience is the objective. Tools, techniques, and standards of workmanship are taught. Corequisite(s): HOR 110L

HOR 111 Horticulture II-Growth and Development of Cultivated Plants

The performance of landscape plants is influenced by myriad internal and external factors that may limit growth and survival. By understanding the scientific basis for these variables informed professionals can customize growth conditions to promote optimal yield. This course surveys the physiological processes that mitigate plant growth, senescence, dormancy, flowering and propagation. Lab exercises offer an interactive opportunity to investigate phenomena such as dormancy and photoperiod through experimentation, data collection and interpretation. The development of practical horticultural skills is also stressed. Prerequisite(s): HOR 110 Corequisite(s): HOR111L

HOR 112 Soils: The Foundation of Life

Soils serve as the foundation for production in natural ecosystems and human systems. This exploration of soils addresses their geologic formation and properties (physical, chemical and biological). Special attention is given to the focused manipulation of soils to achieve optimum plant performance in landscape situations. Through classroom lecture and investigative laboratory exercises students will develop an appreciation for soil as a dynamic living system with broad implications for agriculture and general society. 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 2/13/24