Horticulture Science

About

Are you a creative person who loves to be outside? Check out Horticulture Science , a one-year, three credit program, where you will learn many of the skills the Horticulture industry is seeking in qualified candidates! You will learn in a state-of-the-art lab on real equipment , and you will even have the opportunity earn highly regarded Industry Certifications!
 

This one-year course is for students interested in pursuing a career in the horticulture industry.  This program focuses on maintaining turfgrass in public areas, safe management and operation of gas-powered equipment, and exploring the fields of hydroponics, greenhouse operations, integrated pest management, and landscaping.  Students will be able to select and grow plants that are later sold as part of a school-based enterprise.  Students gain additional employment skills by having the opportunity to participate in local internships.  Students will prepare for the following credentials or certifications: Virginia Registered Pesticide Technician, Virginia Fertilizer Applicator, Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional- Associate, OSHA 10 Safety, and the Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination.

Right now students in Horticulture Science are working on:

Growing a variety of indoor and outdoor plants in the school greenhouses.

Participating in hands-on projects in the community, such as at the Virginia Aquarium.

Field trips to: Local nurseries, landscaping companies, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, and TCC where they learn about different career opportunities and job responsibilities.

In addition to going straight to the work force, our graduates have many options after successfully completing their courses! Further your education at a community college, technical school or universities such as:

• TCC: AAS in Horticulture
• Virginia Tech: AAS in Agricultural Management, AAS in Landscape and Horticulture Science, BS in Horticulture

Careers:

• Greenhouse or Nursery Grower
• Interiorscape Designer
• Landscape Supervisor or Foreman
• Sports field manager
• Golf Course Manager or Supervisor
• Groundskeeper for Municipalities or Public Gardens
• Or Grow your own business!

Internships

All students at the Tech Center have the option to obtain an internship towards the end of their experience here. The philosophy is that there is invaluable knowledge and experience to be gained working side-by-side with a professional in an actual environment. Below are some of the great internships our students have had, thanks to Horticulture Science!

 

The following organizations are a sampling of those who have employed our students as interns in Horticulture Science positions:

• Virginia Tech Experimental Station: Groundskeepers, Turf Research Assistants
• McDonald’s Garden Center- Plant Care, Sales Associate
• City of Virginia Beach, Landscape Management- Groundskeeper
• Honey Bee Golf Course: Groundskeeper Assistant

Instructor: Laurie Yates