HORT.PROD.AAS - Horticulture - Production Horticulture

The US Department of Agriculture defines Horticulture as a branch of agriculture concerned with

growing plants that are used by people for food, for medicinal purposes, and for aesthetic

gratification. Horticulture is then divided into multiple specializations which are available for study

in the form of concentration pathways:

Urban Agriculture allows students to study food production and distribution, urban forestry, and

urban planning and design. Production Horticulture focuses on the propagation and production of

nursery and food crops. Ornamental Horticulture emphasizes plants produced and used for

aesthetic purposes to include floral design and tropical plants. Landscape Design and Planning

focuses on design, installation and construction of landscapes in both urban and peri-urban

environments.

All students participate in coursework revolving around botany, integrated pest management, soil and

plant nutrition, herbaceous and woody plant identification, sustainability and business.

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. 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 and all students are required to

complete a work co-op as part of their education.

Another practical option for some students is the Certificate of Proficiency in Horticulture, which

emphasizes concentration in horticulture electives and preparation for direct entry into a career in

horticulture.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES:

• Identify the most widely used woody, herbaceous and tropical plants, and categorize

• them based on their proper growing conditions and use within their environment.

• Design and implement an Integrated Pest Management Program for common weeds,

• insects, diseases, and vertebrate pests in various horticultural environments.

• Outline proper usage of design principles and elements through either floral or

• landscape design.

• Explain how plants both in production and in the landscape are influenced by proper

• growing conditions to include soil, water, light, and fertilization.

• Demonstrate proper horticulture techniques to include site preparation, planting,

• pruning, and other routine maintenance skills within various horticulture situations.

• Understand basic horticulture business concepts.

• Assess personal knowledge within the desired field of horticulture and design a

• personal work cooperative to strengthen experience and employability.