B.A. in Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship
York College of Pennsylvania offers over 70 baccalaureate majors across professional pr...
B.S. in Environmental Horticulture
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Appell Environmental Horticulture Program at York College immerses students in the intricate world of plants, from their fundamental biology to their economic and ecological significance. This B.S. program is designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and business acumen necessary to succeed in a diverse and evolving horticultural industry. A key differentiating factor is the program's strong focus on sustainability and environmentally responsible practices, preparing graduates to address global challenges related to food production, landscape management, and natural resource conservation. The curriculum emphasizes active, project-based learning within dedicated facilities like greenhouses, laboratories, and a 50-acre horticultural learning lab.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides a robust foundation in plant science, ecology, and environmental principles, complemented by essential business and management skills. Core courses include Plant Science, Economic Botany, Vegetable and Fruit Production, Landscape Plants, Design and Management, and Sustainable Horticulture. Beyond plant-specific knowledge, students delve into areas like Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Greenhouse and Nursery Operations, and Principles of Management. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates understand not only how to grow plants but also how to manage horticultural businesses and contribute to sustainable practices. The program culminates with an internship, providing invaluable real-world experience.
Research Focus: Research is intentionally woven into the Environmental Horticulture program at York College. Students are encouraged to engage in real-world research projects, often utilizing the college's extensive horticultural learning lab and state-of-the-art facilities like the Appell Horticulture Center. This dedicated center, an expansion to the Naylor Ecological Center, includes a soil lab, plant and insect lab, student research lab, and a herbarium, all equipped for cutting-edge horticultural investigation. Students gain hands-on experience with equipment and techniques used by professionals, contributing to the development of sustainable growing practices, improved crop yields, and innovative environmental solutions.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant strength of the Environmental Horticulture program, with a built-in focus on applied learning and career preparation. The program includes required paid "on-the-job training" through internships, where students can apply their knowledge in various settings such as greenhouse operations, field production, hydroponics, or landscaping companies. York College actively seeks partnerships with local orchards, farms, and even private estates (like the 50-acre Millbourne estate associated with the Appell Foundation) to provide diverse practical experiences. This direct connection to the industry ensures that graduates acquire practical skills, build professional networks, and are well-prepared for immediate employment in a range of horticultural careers.
Global Perspective: York College of Pennsylvania provides various opportunities for students to gain a global perspective, which can significantly enrich an Environmental Horticulture major's understanding of global food systems, international conservation efforts, and diverse horticultural practices. Through semester-long or short-term faculty-led study abroad programs, students can experience different cultures and environmental challenges firsthand. While specific environmental horticulture programs abroad may vary, the general study abroad options allow students to develop cross-cultural communication skills, analytical thinking, flexibility, and an appreciation for global environmental contexts, all of which are increasingly relevant in a globalized industry.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Horticulture from York College of Pennsylvania equips graduates with a unique blend of scientific understanding, practical skills, and business acumen, making them highly adaptable to a wide range of roles within the green industry. The program's emphasis on sustainability and hands-on experience, often through internships at diverse horticultural sites, ensures graduates are well-prepared for both immediate employment and entrepreneurial ventures.
Horticulturist: This broad role encompasses various responsibilities, including cultivating, propagating, and managing plants in a range of settings. Horticulturists work in nurseries, botanical gardens, arboreta, public parks, and private estates, focusing on plant health, growth, and aesthetic appeal.
Landscape Designer/Contractor: Graduates can design and implement sustainable landscape solutions for residential, commercial, and public spaces. This involves selecting appropriate plant species, planning layouts, managing irrigation systems, and overseeing installation, often with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Greenhouse/Nursery Manager: These professionals oversee the daily operations of plant production facilities, including greenhouses and nurseries. Responsibilities include managing plant propagation, pest control, irrigation, fertilization, inventory, and sales, ensuring efficient and sustainable production of various plant materials.
Arborist/Tree Care Specialist: Specializing in the care and maintenance of trees, arborists diagnose tree health issues, perform pruning, removal, and planting, and ensure the safety and longevity of urban and natural tree populations. This often involves climbing and operating specialized equipment.
Environmental Restoration Specialist: With a focus on environmental sustainability, graduates can work on projects aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems, such as wetlands or native habitats. This involves planting native species, controlling invasive plants, and implementing ecological management strategies.
Urban Farmer/Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Specialist: As interest in local food systems and sustainable agriculture grows, graduates can establish and manage urban farms, community gardens, or work in CEA facilities (e.g., hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical farms) to produce food crops efficiently in urban settings.
Botanical Garden/Public Garden Professional: These roles involve managing plant collections, curating displays, conducting educational programs, and contributing to plant conservation efforts in botanical gardens, arboreta, and other public green spaces.
Horticultural Sales and Marketing: A strong knowledge of plants and horticultural products, combined with business skills, makes graduates suitable for sales and marketing roles in nurseries, garden centers, or companies supplying horticultural equipment and supplies. They advise clients and promote products.
Research Technician (Plant Science/Agronomy): Graduates can work in academic institutions, government agencies (like USDA), or private companies assisting with research on plant breeding, crop improvement, soil science, pest management, or sustainable agricultural practices.
Golf Course Superintendent/Turf Manager: Specializing in turfgrass management, these professionals are responsible for the cultivation, maintenance, and overall health of turf on golf courses, sports fields, or large commercial properties, ensuring optimal playability and aesthetic quality while managing environmental impact.
