Horticulture, AS (HORT-AS)

The Horticulture Program is designed as a career program leading to the associate in science degree. The goal of the Horticulture Program is to prepare students for employment in plant production, landscape services, landscape design, or for further education. The program includes the completion of two full years of study and an appropriate supervised cooperative work experience with nurseries, landscape businesses and greenhouses. Naugatuck Valley campus is a member of the CT Nursery and Landscape Association, CT Greenhouse Growers Association, CT Horticulture Society, and CT Florist Association.

The Horticulture Program is recognized by the Guaranteed Admissions Program with the UCONN College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. Students interested in the UCONN guaranteed admissions program must speak with the Horticulture Program Coordinator before registering. Visit http://admissions.uconn.edu/apply/transfer/gap for additional details.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate proficiency in the construction of hardscape landscape components, including pavers, concrete and wood structures.
• Identify common ornamental trees and shrubs, ground covers by botanical and common names, and describe characteristics of each.
• Review and discuss the characteristics of soil, structure, soil erosion, and soil restoration.
• Identify common herbaceous perennials and annuals by botanical and common names, and describe characteristics of each.
• Analyze and design landscapes for both residential and commercial properties utilizing a variety of sustainable horticulture techniques and procedures and meet the needs of a diverse clientele.
• Select the proper procedures, define the physiological basis, and describe practical applications of the reproduction of plants by asexual and sexual methods.
• Describe proper design and operation of greenhouse environmental systems, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages in commercial production.
• Summarize and assess plant growth requirements for commercial production of greenhouse crops, and economically produce a crop from seed or cutting to harvest and sales.
• Relate basic knowledge of botany to plant growth and culture.
• Solve problems related to the use of soil amendments, fertilizers, and plant growth control chemicals, and apply effective cost estimating, pricing, and record keeping techniques.
• Identify, analyze, and troubleshoot common landscape and greenhouse pests and diseases within the landscape utilizing integrated pest management