The demand for technically trained people who can plan, utilize, and care for plant materials used in residential, commercial, and recreational areas is increasing dramatically. Professional organizations estimate that the need for this type of trained technician will increase by 10 to 15 percent each year for the next 10 years. This demand is also reflected in the 98% job placement rate for graduates of Delhi’s Golf and Plant Sciences programs.

The College offers distinct programs in the golf and plant sciences field which give students the opportunity to specialize. Programs include Horticulture, Landscape Contracting Technology, Turf Management, and Golf Course Operations.

Career possibilities for those choosing Horticulture include nursery manager, greenhouse manager, horticultural inspector, and garden center manager.

Landscape Contracting graduates find opportunities in landscape design, landscape contracting, landscape production and sales, landscape equipment sales, or transfer to a B.L.A. program in Landscape Architecture.

Turf Management prepares students for careers as athletic facility managers, turf equipment salespersons, or for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in Turf Management.

The Golf Course Operations program prepares students specifically for career opportunities as golf course superintendents and in related golf course support services.

The Instructional Program

Students study one of four program areas: Horticulture, Landscape Contracting Technology, Turf Management, or Golf Course Operations. Credit is not lost if a student changes areas after the second semester since each program shares common core courses in the first year. Each area leads to the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

The Horticulture program gives students a broad overview of the horticulture field. Practical experience is gained in growing and nurturing greenhouse crops. This program also has the flexibility to permit students to transfer upon graduation to a four-year college program in Horticulture.

Students in the Landscape Contracting program gain practical experience in the design and installation of residential and commercial landscapes. The program also gives students the bases for transfer to colleges offering a four-year degree in Landscape Architecture.

Turf Management emphasizes the care and maintenance of fine-turf areas. Students are taught the theory and practice of proper turf management, and are given extensive hands-on experience in the laboratory, at the College’s 18-hole golf course, and on the extensive campus athletic fields.

The Golf Course Operations program emphasizes the management of golf course facilities. Students are required to have knowledge of the game of golf and also to intern during the summer between the first and second years at a program-approved golf course. Students gain extensive experience on the College’s 18-hole golf course. The Golf Course Operations program is designed for seamless transfer into Delhi's Golf Course Management B.B.A. program.

All four programs afford students opportunities for extensive hands-on experience. Students are also required, with the assistance of their faculty advisor, to enroll as summer interns at various golf courses, athletic field facilities, arboretums, garden centers, and landscape contracting firms.

During the fourth semester, students can take the exam for the State Pesticide Applicator’s License. This is often a required credential in the job market.

At the end of the second semester, a one-week field experience on Long Island is required of students in the Horticulture and Landscape Contracting programs. Consequently, some extra expense will be incurred. Also, for these students the semester will end one week later than indicated on the College calendar.

Several industry-supported scholarships are available to assist second-year students in continuing their educations at Delhi.

Delhi also has a student chapter of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and competes in the national ALCA career days.

Transfer Options

Students interested in transferring to a baccalaureate program in Landscape Architecture may prepare for this by selecting additional courses in consultation with their faculty advisor. See "Landscape Architecture: Transfer Options" below.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0638

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 69-70 credit hours

Notes

*A one-week field trip to Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, New York is a required component of the curriculum.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma and have completed Mathematics Course A and one year of biology (preferably Regents level or equivalent).

Electives

Suggested Electives

Students may choose to tailor their curriculum options with the intention of transferring to a Landscape Architecture program. These students, in consultation with their advisors, should follow the guidelines below.

Landscape Architecture

Transfer Options

 Program Objectives

A graduate of the Landscape Contracting Technology A.A.S. program should be able to:

1. Understand and apply the theory and principles of landscape design for both residential and commercial sites. 
2. Read and create construction documents, prepare materials estimates and bids, and demonstrate familiarity with specialized landscape features.
3. Select, establish, and maintain ornamental trees and shrubs.
4. Properly identify, select, establish, and maintain major turf grasses used in landscapes. 
5. Understand the role of pesticides and associated chemicals in modern horticulture, including their proper use and safe application.
6. Describe, demonstrate, and apply the theory and techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) used in the landscape.
7. Understand the nature and cause of diseases and insect pests common to ornamental plants, identify them, and demonstrate knowledge of the methods used to control them. 
8. Prepare analysis, design, and presentation drawings to communicate design intent to a client. 
9. Exhibit a working knowledge of surveying and drafting techniques as they relate to site development. 
10. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the construction techniques, principles, and materials used for decks, fences, walks, patios, and retaining walls. 
11. Identify native and ornamental woody plants in the Northeast, and discuss their use in landscape design. 
12. Demonstrate familiarity with less commonly used woody plants and be able to identify them through the use of the Internet and other computer-related resources.  
13. Demonstrate an understanding of soil technology: its formation, composition, classification, and physical and chemical characteristics, and how to test soil and use the results to implement corrective soil practices.
14. Understand the basic principles of the growth, maintenance, and propagation of exterior and interior plants.
15. Understand the principles of operation for small engines used in landscaping equipment, and demonstrate the ability to select, safely operate, test, adjust, and maintain them.
16. Display a thorough understanding of the landscape contracting industry acquired through a 180-hour summer internship.
17. Display an understanding of the fundamentals of botany. 
18. Recognize and respond to emergencies by making appropriate decisions regarding first-aid care.