These curricula are designed to prepare individuals for various careers in horticulture. Classroom instruction and practical laboratory applications of horticultural principles and practices are included in the program of study. Course work includes plant identification, pest management, plant science and soil science. Also included are courses in sustainable plant production and management, landscaping, and the operation of horticulture businesses.
Graduates should qualify for employment in a variety of positions associated with nurseries, garden centers, greenhouses, landscape operations, governmental agencies/parks, golf courses, sports complexes, highway vegetation, turf maintenance companies, and private and public gardens. Graduates should also be prepared to take the North Carolina Pesticide Applicator’s Examination and/or the North Carolina Certified Plant Professional Examination.
Landscape Gardening A program that prepares individuals to manage and maintain indoor and/or outdoor ornamental and recreational plants and groundcovers and related conceptual designs established by landscape architects, interior designers, enterprise owners or managers, and individual clients. Potential course work includes instruction in applicable principles of horticulture, gardening, plant and soil irrigation and nutrition, turf maintenance, plant maintenance, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel supervision, and purchasing.
Because the use of computers is integral to this curriculum, some courses are delivered in an online format.