Horticultural Technology Management

Bachelor of Technology Degree

The Horticultural Technology Management program is designed to produce versatile graduates prepared for a wide range of entry-level and middle management positions in the extensive green industry on Long Island and beyond. The horticultural green industry is a diverse conglomerate of growers, retailers, designers, installers, and maintenance personnel serving public and private gardens, homeowners, golf courses, parks and recreational facilities.

Through a selection of required and elective courses in the concentration, students will become progressively more specialized and advanced in their chosen area of interest. The Horticultural Technology Management program has a common business and horticulture core which serves as the foundation for the two concentrations in the program.

The two major concentrations are: General Horticulture and Landscape Development. Each concentration offers a sequence of courses that build upon a strong foundation in the discipline and draws from a multi-disciplinary array of course work in Horticulture, Business and the Arts and Sciences.

The broad scope of courses allows students to experience various phases of horticultural operations as well as business procedures and practices. The mix of horticulture and business maximizes their employment opportunities and career choices. Graduates of this program may develop careers owning and operating their own businesses, propagating plants, designing interior and exterior landscapes, managing golf courses, estates, public gardens and garden centers.

Horticultural Technology Management (BT) Program Outcomes:

This major has two concentrations: Landscape Development and General Horticulture.

General Horticulture (BT) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will receive a strong foundation in science and master skillsets 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.
  • Graduates will have learned specific professional skills addressing the science and art of growing and utilizing cultivated plants to beautify, enhance and restore private and public landscapes, and become familiar with ever-changing industry procedures, practices and techniques.
  • Graduates will have learned specific professional skills addressing resume development, self-promotion and job search skills in order to successfully compete in the current job market.

Landscape Development (BT) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will receive a strong foundation in design, and master skillsets 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.
  • Graduates will have learned specific professional skills addressing resume development, self-promotion, job search skills, industry procedures and practices and presentation techniques.
  • Graduates will have created a portfolio of work, which will meet industry demands in order to successfully compete in the current job market.

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: (42-43 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing (GE) 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
Communication - Oral: SPE 130 or SPE 202 (GE) 3
Humanities (GE) 3
US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness(GE) 3
Mathematics (GE) 3
The Arts (GE) 3
Social Sciences (GE) 3
General Education elective (GE) 3
BIO 192 Botany (GE) 4
BIO 198 Entomology (GE) OR
BIO 290 Entomology II 3-4
Students must select 8 credits from:
BIO 353/BIO 354L Essentials of Plant Pathology/Lab 4
BIO 355 Ecological Topics OR
BIO 330 Principles of Ecology 4
CHM 124 Principles of Chemistry 4

Required: BUS/BCS/IND Courses (21 credits)
BCS 102 Computer Concepts & Applications 3
BUS 109 Management Theories and Practices 3
BUS 131 Marketing Principles 3
BUS 141 Contemporary Business Communications 3
BUS 230 Environmental Law OR
BUS 202 Business Law I 3
BUS/IND/BCS Electives (300 level or above) OR
RAM 303 Research Experience 6
Required: Horticulture Courses (25 credits)
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 Horticultural Seminar 1
HOR 131 Landscape Drafting I 3
HOR 204 Herbaceous Plants II 3
HOR 211 Woody Plants I 3
HOR 212 Woody Plants II 3
HOR 340 The Sustainable Garden 3

Writing Intensive: Students must choose one of the following: (3 credits)
HOR 320W Public Garden Management OR
HOR 350W The History of Garden Design & Landscape Architecture 3

Concentration Requirements (choose one):

General Horticulture:

The concentration in General Horticulture provides a generalized study of horticulture and business. Through a wide range of electives, students can develop specific areas of expertise. The program of study includes training in plant identification, botany, entomology, soil science, business, and computer business applications. Students may elect additional courses in plant propagation, landscape construction, commercial floral design, arboriculture, ecology, and turf and grass management. Laboratory hours provide students valuable “hands-on” experience in the College’s extensive greenhouses and ornamental gardens.

General Horticulture Concentration: (32 credits)
HOR 103 Herbaceous Plants I 3
HOR 200 +- Level Electives 21
HOR 311 Woody Plants III: Advanced Topics 3
HOR 465 Practicum Prep for General Horticulture 1
HOR 475 Horticulture Practicum 4

Landscape Development:

The focus of this specialization is to prepare students for business in professional landscape contracting and landscape design. The student is trained in landscape drafting, landscape graphics, landscape plans, landscape construction, landscape surveying, computer-aided design, plant materials, professional practices, business, and computer business applications.

Landscape Development Concentration: (32 credits)
HOR 133 Landscape Drafting II 3
HOR 207 Landscape Plans I 3
HOR 219 Landscape Construction 3
HOR 220 Landscape Plans II 3
HOR 370 Landscape Professional Practices 3
HOR 371 Landscape CAD I 3
HOR 372 Site Engineering I 3
HOR Electives (200 level or above) 6
HOR 464 Capstone Prep for Urban Design 1
HOR 474 Design Capstone Project 4
Total Credits: 123-125

Curriculum Summary

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

Degree Type: BT
Total Required Credits: 123-125

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)

BIO 353 Essentials of Plant Pathology

The study of the development of plant diseases caused by Plants, Animals, Fungi, Protists, Bacteria, Viruses and Virolds. Major diseases of economically important plants are emphasized. The disease process and disease cycles for representative pathogens are covered in relation to plant disease control methods. Prerequisite(s): BIO 192 with a grade of C- or higher and Junior Status. Corequisite(s): BIO 354L

BIO 354 BIO 354L Essentials of Plant Pathology (Lab)

The laboratory is designed to enable the student to acquire skills in collection and examination methods used for the diagnosis of plant diseases produced by biotic and abiotic agents, using microbial isolation and culturing techniques where applicable. The student will learn to recognize and identify (directly or indirectly) biotic plant pathogens among the Plants, Animals, Fungi, Protists, Bacteria, Viruses and Viroids. Prerequisite(s): BIO 192 with a grade of C- or higher and Junior Status. Corequisite(s): BIO 353

BIO 355 Ecological Topics: The Structure and Function of Nature

This course introduces students to basic ecological concepts as they relate to the biotic and abiotic environment. It stresses the diversity of life and the impact that man, other organisms and environment have on each other. Laboratory exercises and field work will investigate the effects organisms have on each other as well as the effects of environmental conditions on growth and development. Students will also characterize the nature of selected site(s) in terms of species diversity using plot sampling techniques. Seminar type discussions require individuals or small groups to explore environmental issues. Topics for these discussions will be submitted to the instructor for appropriateness and approval. Students will be required to research and prepare a paper as well as make a presentation to the class. The class will be given the opportunity to question each speaker following that individual's presentation. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 355L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 131 or BIO 192 or BIO 198 with a grade of C- or higher and Junior Status. Corequisite(s): BIO 355L

BIO 330 Principles of Ecology

The course introduces the student to the nature of ecosystems, community organization and dynamics, and population growth and regulation through the understanding and use of modern ecological techniques. The laboratory will be primarily focused on the analysis of field data collected by students. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 330L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): MTH 110, BIO 131 with a C- or higher and Junior Status. Corequisite: BIO 330L

CHM 124 Principles of Chemistry

A one semester survey of general chemistry. Emphasis is placed on quantitative applications of chemical concepts. Topics include: measurement, matter and energy, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical stoichiometry, chemical equations, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, acids and bases, equilibrium and kinetics. This course will fulfill the requirement of certain science, health science, or pre-health programs that have an introductory chemistry course as a prerequisite. Note: the laboratory course CHM 124L is a part of your grade for this course. Attendance in the laboratory course is required. Approved eye-protection and a laboratory coat are required materials. A student must pass the laboratory course to receive a passing grade in the entire course. Prerequisite(s): MP2 or MTH 015

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.

BUS 109 Management Theories and Practices

This introductory course covers management principles pertaining to human resources, individual behavior in organizations, employee motivation and performance, and business ethics. Topics also include managing and the manager’s job; planning and decision making; employee performance appraisal and feedback; leadership and influence processes; interpersonal relations and communication; and managing work groups and teams.

BUS 131 Marketing Principles

This course provides the student with a sound knowledge of the basic elements of the marketing process. Major topics include the features of consumer and organizational markets, market segmentation, and target market strategies. Product planning and development, brands, packaging and other product features are covered. Price determination and the use of various pricing strategies are discussed. The factors in the selection of channels of distribution and the features of wholesaling and retailing are considered. Elements of the promotional process such as sales, advertising, and sales promotion are included. Ethical and legal issues in marketing, marketing of services, global marketing, and marketing on the Internet are also covered.

BUS 141 Contemporary Business Communications

An introduction to the role and importance of effective communications in business. Key topics include the familiarization and practice in preparing common types of internal and external business communications; contemporary issues in business communication relating to technology, ethics, and nondiscriminatory language; memo and report writing with proper mechanics, style, and appropriate tone/attitude; and business presentations. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101 and BCS 102

BUS 230 Environmental Law

This elective course addresses concerns pertaining to the business environment, instructing students as to the unified ecological approach to which affect management. The political approach to business environmental concerns in the context of constitutional, common law and administrative law theories and case and statutory analysis are examined, referencing basic natural science technology. Designed as a first law course it introduces the business, horticulture and industrial technology student to the legal process applying relevant components of environmental law studies. A nationally adopted text of a major law publisher and contemporary business periodical articles on assigned topics are to be used extensively.

BUS 202 Business Law I

An introduction to the nature and sources of law; the role the legal system; the law of torts and crimes; the law of contracts; and real and personal property.

RAM 303 Research Experience

This hands-on research experience with a faculty mentor is the culminating experience for students enrolled in the Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) program. Students will be placed in research experiences on the Farmingdale Campus or off-campus in major universities, research laboratories, businesses, industry, government, horticultural gardens, and other settings that fit their academic interests and career goals.

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 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 340 The Sustainable Garden

Healthy sustainable landscapes provide benefits to human functioning, health and well being. But just what is a "healthy landscape?" What are the major tenets of "Sustainability?" What does it mean to "Go Green?" In the Sustainable Garden course we will define, investigate and promote sustainable garden design, land development and management practices. We will investigate how to transform sites with and without buildings utilizing integrated sustainable principles. The course will provide students with tools to address increasingly urgent global concerns such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion. It will have value for those who design, construct, operate and maintain landscapes. Prerequisite(s): HOR 131 Corequisite(s): HOR 340L

HOR 320W Public Garden Management (Writing Intensive)

Students will be introduced to the range of operations that occur within botanic gardens, arboreta, and other public garden institutions, and will develop skills required to become effective managers of these living plant collections. Students will also form communication channels with public garden professions. Course requirements include a research project tailored to the student's career objectives. Following this course it is recommended students pursue a summer public garden internship. This is a writing-intensive course. Note: Offered at the discretion of the Ornamental Horticulture Department Prerequisite(s): HOR 110 or 111 and EGL 101 with a grade of C or higher

HOR 200 Herbaceous Plants I

Lecture and field study of the nomenclature, identification, ornamental attributes, cultural requirements and horticultural uses of annuals, summer display plants treated as annuals, spring and summer flowering bulbous plants used in gardens. Corequisite(s): HOR 103L

HOR 311 Woody Plants III: Advanced Topics

This course supplements topics addressed in the core woody plant curriculum and expands in new directions. Contemporary topics will be discussed such as native vs. non-native plants, invasive plants and alternatives, xeriscaping and sustainable plant selection. It is hoped that students will hone their ability to select appropriate woody plant material for challenging landscape situations and become aware of contemporary issues in horticulture. Guest speakers, outdoor laboratory exercises and field trips will be organized to complement classroom instruction. Prerequisite(s): HOR 211 and HOR 212 Corequisite(s): HOR 311L

HOR 465 Practicum Prep for General Horticulture

This course is designed to ensure student success for the horticulture practicum project. Students are challenged to synthesize course theory and skills and begin applying them to individualized horticulture research. Faculty directs the development of individual projects by guiding students to understand and achieve the defined course objectives, accept and integrate the critical commentary of advisory panels, and present their progress through periodic formal reviews. Prerequisite(s): Senior Level Status.

HOR 475 Horticulture Practicum

The Horticulture Practicum represents a culmination of the four-year general horticulture curriculum. Students engage in a focused project or a broad survey of an appropriate industry setting approved and supervised by a faculty mentor and, if applicable, an industry representative. Throughout the Practicum students will be challenged to synthesize course theory and skills, and apply them in a practical manner. Participants will reflect and report on their experiences to their supervisors and peers in both oral and written formats. Note: Students enrolled in HOR 475 should have senior level status and substantial completion of the program, including HOR 465. Prerequisite(s): Department Chair approval and HOR 465

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 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 370 Landscape Professional Practices

This is a course about the student's future as a horticulturist, landscape designer, contractor, a business professional and a citizen. Students will learn the skills required to start and manage a professional practice in their chosen field. The basics of business structure, insurance, contracts, and business investment will be addressed. Students will produce a cohesive business plan that incorporates defining their marketplace, developing a communication strategy, and cash-flow planning. They will also learn how to put together a portfolio and make effective use of technology to leverage the efficiency of their existing or proposed practice. Prerequisite(s): HOR 207

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

HOR 372 Site Engineering I

Landscape construction projects involve modification of the Earth's surface. This course teaches how to design, read and engineer landform. Students will be given an introduction to grading and surveying landscape contours. They will develop knowledge of grading around buildings and roads as well as grading for drainage. Prerequisite(s): HOR 131 Corequisite(s): HOR 372L

HOR 464 Capstone Prep for Urban Design

This course is designed to insure student success for the landscape development capstone project. Students are challenged to synthesize course theory and skills and begin applying them to individualized design research. Faculty directs the development of individual projects by guiding students to understand and achieve the defined course objectives, accept and integrate the critical commentary of advisory panels, and present their progress through periodic formal reviews. Prerequisite(s): Senior Level Status

HOR 474 Design Capstone Project

This course is the culmination of the Landscape Development design sequence. This capstone course integrates landscape design and site engineering design philosophies and methodologies into a comprehensive studio project. The intent of the course is to help the student to synthesize skills and knowledge learned in other courses to apply in real-life situations. This multidisciplinary project incorporates landscape design and site planning analysis, site engineering, construction, energy and sustainability, cost estimating and plant selection. Faculty directs the development of individually determined projects in response to defined objectives, critical commentary of advisory panels and periodic formal reviews. Students present their final project to the full faculty at the end of the semester. Prerequisite(s): HOR 220, 371, 372 and 464 or Department approval.

Last Modified 8/2/24