College of Applied and Technical Studies
www.kent.edu/cats

About This Program

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Horticulture Technology focuses on the practical skills needed to succeed in the horticulture industry. With flexible scheduling, state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, you'll be prepared for a variety of career opportunities. Enroll now and cultivate your future. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Director: Sheren Farag | sfaragmo@kent.edu | 330-337-4270
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Salem Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in an applied or technical associate degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements, please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. List and define plant characteristics, use, identification and taxonomy and differentiate between a wide range of horticulturally important plant species, including both woody and herbaceous species.
2. Apply proper safety procedures and their application in the workplace.
3. Apply principles of agroecology and sustainable horticultural practices that reduce the environmental footprint of horticultural production and contribute to long-term sustainability.
4. Articulate pest identification, taxonomy, integrated pest management (IPM) and control strategies that use ecologically sustainable approaches.
5. Discuss the integration and utilization of advanced technologies (e.g., sensors, drones and artificial intelligence applications) to enhance precision farming practices in horticulture, for optimizing crop yields, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
6. Design and maintain landscapes using a range of plant materials, hardscape features and sustainable practices.
7. Discuss soil science's role in horticultural production; and interpret soil test results, analyze soil conditions and implement corrective measures for optimal plant growth.
8. Explain concepts of tree biology, identification, planting and maintenance practices, including pruning, tree risk assessment and disease management.

Full Description

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Horticulture Technology prepares students for diverse careers in horticulture-related professions. This program focuses on providing a strong educational foundation that enables graduates to excel in landscape management, turf management, urban forestry, nursery and greenhouse operations. Students develop a knowledge of plant characteristics, safety procedures in the workplace, agroecology, sustainable horticultural practices, pest management, advanced technology integration for precision farming, landscape design and maintenance, soil science and tree care.

The Horticulture Technology major emphasizes practical experience through hands-on training in outdoor labs. Students are required to complete an internship.

The degree program articulates with Kent State's Bachelor of Applied Horticulture degree.