Horticulture is a profession that combines the creativity of design with the knowledge of science and the practical experience of making projects successful. The Ornamental Horticulture A.A.S. degree program trains students in the areas of landscape design, floral design, landscape maintenance, nursery and greenhouse production, and turf maintenance.

Hands-on classes conducted in a complex of two greenhouses, surrounding gardens, and an extensive campus grounds are designed to prepare graduates to excel in a rapidly expanding horticulture industry. Excellent positions are available for trained professionals with strong backgrounds in the specialties covered at Mercer.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Identify, propagate, and care for at least 300 different woody and herbaceous plant specimens;

• Implement a soils management plan using modern irrigation and nutrient control techniques;

• Properly apply common pesticides and fertilizers to achieve optimum growing conditions for plants and crops;

• Produce and manage common greenhouse crops;

• Practice integrated pest management.

Some graduates enter the profession immediately upon graduation, securing employment in nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, landscape firms, golf courses, flower shops, and a variety of other businesses. Others elect to transfer to four-year institutions such as Delaware Valley University, Temple University, and Rutgers University.

At Mercer, many students work in the industry while pursuing their degree as evening students. In addition to gaining broad knowledge through the Ornamental Horticulture A.A.S. degree core curriculum, students select from among three study concentrations:

The Ornamental Horticulture concentration (HORT.ORN.AAS) focuses on the production and use of plant material for aesthetic purposes. This concentration offers a wide variety of elective courses to choose from, so students can pursue the area of horticulture that most interests them.

Through the Landscape Design concentration (HORT.LAND.AAS), students learn how to measure a site, draw a base map, draw a design to scale, develop a plant list, color render the design, and work within a budget. Students also gain experience interviewing and presenting to clients.

The Floral Design concentration (HORT.FLOR.AAS) teaches how to identify and order flowers used for designs, process flowers, price arrangements, make corsages and boutonnières, design various arrangements, work with a variety of materials, and gain experience doing more advanced work like wedding and funeral arrangements.

Another practical option for some students is the Certificate of Proficiency in Ornamental Horticulture, which emphasizes concentration in horticulture electives and preparation for direct entry into a career in horticulture. Credits earned can be applied toward the Ornamental Horticulture A.A.S. degree.

HORT.FLOR.AAS - Horticulture - Floral Design

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