Landscape Development and Ornamental Horticulture
Degrees Offered
Associate in Applied Science. To learn more about this program visit our on line catalog.Our Mission
The mission of Vermont Technical College's Landscape Development and Ornamental Horticulture (LDOH) program is to prepare our students for a wide range of successful careers in landscape design and horticulture.Consistent with the mission statement of the Vermont State Colleges, the LDOH program is committed to serving the citizens of the state of Vermont. Some of the most critical issues that we face as a state and as a nation involve the judicious and sustainable use of land, stewardship of our natural resources, enhancing the quality of our built environment, and accommodating human activity while minimizing the negative impact on natural and cultural systems. These issues have laid the foundation for the framework of our program:
- Prepare students to be ethical professionals who are well-informed and knowledgeable in the science, art, and business of sustainable landscape design and horticulture;
- Provide an educational atmosphere that respects individualism and diversity;
- Foster in students the development of a clearly articulated, creative, and rational process of problem-solving;
- Strengthen relationships with the green industry, Agency of Agriculture, and the general public to increase recognition of and respect for landscape design and horticulture.
Program Description
The LDOH program offers an associate's degree (minimum of 69 credits) with an emphasis on horticultural theory and practice, landscape design theory and practice, construction management and practice, a business sequence (accounting, small business, and marketing), and a selection of general education courses including math and English.Graduates of the program can expect to pursue opportunities in an expanding career field. The greenhouse and nursery industry is growing more rapidly than all other sectors of agriculture. Landscape planning and design are increasingly important in the construction and renovation of our homes and communities.
Projected job growth in the field is excellent and there is a steady trend toward higher salaries.
Areas of Study
The core 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.To prepare students for opportunities to own and operate small businesses, the program features a required business sequence with the following courses:
- Accounting;
- Small business management; and
- Principles of marketing.
Career Opportunities
Students graduating 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.Many graduates of the program go on to own and operate their own businesses. Others pursue employment opportunities in positions such as:
- Landscape designers;
- Landscape contractors and maintenance personnel;
- Greenhouse growers;
- Plant propagators;
- Perennial growers;
- Nursery and garden center operators;
- Salespeople for horticultural products;
- Technicians for state and federal regulatory agencies.
- Landscape architecture;
- Plant and soil science;
- Horticulture;
- Floriculture;
- Landscape horticulture.
Enrollment Information
The program encourages enrollment among both traditional students graduating from high school, as well as non-traditional students who may be pursuing a career change. Program size is relatively small, enrolling about 16-25 freshman students each year. Typically, more than 30% of enrolled students are women.Students may choose to informally specialize in either landscape development or the production of landscape plants. Students make this selection in the second year of the program.
Certifications
Professional certifications are available or offered on a state-by-state basis. No specific certifications are required for employment in Vermont, but other states may require certification as a landscape contractor. Graduates of the Vermont Tech program are well qualified to pursue these certifications.Prerequisites and Other Requirements:
The minimum number of credits required for a degree is 69.Campus Locations
The Landscape Development and Ornamental Horticulture program is offered at Vermont Tech's main campus in Randolph Center. Students also have the option of taking general course requirements at the college's Williston campus.