Ornamental Horticulture
Ornamental Horticulture
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Certificate of Proficiency
Program Website
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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.

SEE ALSO:
Mercer's Plant Science A.S. degree closely parallels a degree program in biology. With its emphasis on botany and plant materials, this program is especially suited for students planning to transfer into environmental and natural resource management programs at four-year colleges.

DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
HORT.ORN.AAS
HORT.LAND.AAS
HORT.FLOR.AAS
CIP 010603

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
CSW 100 College Success and Personal Wellness (2/0)
  • Some exemptions apply. Consult academic advisor for details.
2

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
OHT 101 Plant Science (2/2) 3
MAT  — Mathematics elective
  • In consultation with an academic advisor, select from MAT 140 (if not intending to transfer) or 146 (if intending to transfer to a baccalaureate program).
4
  —    — Social Science general education elective 3
SECOND SEMESTER
BIO 202 Woody Plants (3/3) 4

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection. Talk with them to get the inside scoop on how your profession works.

✔ Be sure to visit the Career Services office to explore jobs, internships, and career information and get help with your resume and other career tools.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3
OHT 102 Ornamental Horticulture (2/2) 3
OHT 108 Soil and Plant Nutrition (3/3)











4
SPRING, SUMMER, or FALL
OHT 291 Ornamental Horticulture Cooperative Education I 3  
THIRD SEMESTER
OHT 121 Herbaceous Plants (2/2) 3

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate on time.

✔ Work with Career Services to formulate plans for after you've earned this degree.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

OHT 219 Plant Propagation (2/2) 3
OHT  — Concentration elective 3
OHT  — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Humanities general education elective
  • Spanish (SPA) strongly recommended.









3
FOURTH SEMESTER
OHT 241 Equipment and Integrated Pest Management (2/2) 3

✔ Get ready to start your career! Begin the job application process.

✔ Discuss your career plans with your faculty advisor. S/he can help you transition successfully.

OHT 292 Ornamental Horticulture Cooperative Education II 1
OHT  — Concentration elective 3
OHT  — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Social Science or Humanities general education elective
  • Spanish (SPA) strongly recommended.
3
  60  
Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
Ornamental Horticulture CONCENTRATION electives
OHT 204 Plant Diseases (2/2) 3
OHT 232 Nursery Management I (2/2) 3
OHT  — Technical elective
  • Select from OHT 201, 202, 204, 207, 208, 212, 226, 231, 232.
3
OHT  — Technical elective
  • Select from OHT 201, 202, 204, 207, 208, 212, 226, 231, 232.
3
Landscape Design CONCENTRATION electives
OHT 201 Basic Landscaping and Planning I (2/3) 3
OHT 202 Basic Landscaping and Planning II (2/3) 3
OHT 204 Plant Diseases (2/2) 3
OHT 212 Landscape Construction (2/2)

3
Floral Design CONCENTRATION electives
OHT 207 Floral Design I (2/2) 3
OHT 214 Floral Design II (2/2) 3
OHT 226 Interior Landscape Design (2/2) 3
OHT  — Technical elective
  • Select from OHT 201, 202, 204, 207, 208, 212, 226, 231, 232.
3
CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
HORT.CERT
CIP 010603
Credit-bearing certificate programs can serve as gateways to earning an associate degree. Students are encouraged to consult the program coordinator, an academic advisor or Success Coach to explore such opportunities.
Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
OHT 101 Plant Science (2/2) 3
OHT 102 Ornamental Horticulture (2/2) 3
OHT 291 Ornamental Horticulture Cooperative Education I 3
  —    — Science elective
  • Select from BIO 101, 114, 203, 204; CHE 101, 105.
3-4
  —    — Technical electives
  • Select from all OHT courses; BIO 202; CHE 100.
17-18
  32-34