Landscape Development and Ornamental Horticulture encompasses some of the most rapidly expanding areas of agriculture, not only in Vermont, but nationwide. Combined, the industries of landscape design, construction and maintenance, and nursery and greenhouse production total just over 80 billion dollars annually in retail and wholesale sales. A recent survey completed by Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) reports that between 2002 and 2003 there was a 30% increase in professional landscape services. These trends are predicted to continue in the foreseeable future.
Rapid growth in the horticultural industry means opportunities for graduates. Among the numerous career options are positions as landscape designers, contractors and maintenance personnel, greenhouse growers, plant propagators, perennial growers, nursery and garden center operators, salespeople for horticultural products, and technicians for state and federal regulatory agencies. Projected job growth is excellent, and there is a steady trend toward higher salaries.
The curriculum features courses such as Woody Ornamentals, Herbaceous Plant Materials, Entomology, Greenhouse Management, and Plant Pathology. In addition, we offer Landscape Graphics, Landscape Construction and Maintenance, AutoCAD, and two semesters of Landscape Design.
The program combines these horticulture and landscape classes with offerings in math, English, general education, and business. Graduates from this program are well-prepared to enter today's dynamic horticultural industry or to continue their education at a four-year college or university.
The minimum number of credits for the degree is 69.
Curriculum: