Landscape Architecture and Horticulture

Founded 1958
Lolly Tai, Ph.D., R.L.A., F.A.S.L.A., Chair
Dixon Hall 201
215-283-1292
la.hort@temple.edu
http://www.temple.edu/ambler/la-hort

Note: Department chairs frequently change at the beginning of the academic year.  Students should contact departments for updated information.

The Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture offers four-year baccalaureate degree programs in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture; a two-year Associate of Science degree in Horticulture, with a general or business emphasis; and a credit certificate in horticulture. The Landscape Architecture degree is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board.

With origins that trace back to the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women, founded in 1911, the Department, throughout its history, has combined theory with practice. The curriculum is structured to develop the analytic, design, and scientific skills required to plan and manage our environment. Students learn to solve major environmental problems in the urban, suburban, and rural landscape through an ecological approach to planning, design, development, and care of the land. The unique curricula integrate horticulture and landscape architecture. A state-of-the-art greenhouse is available to students. Students and faculty also utilize the 187-acre Temple University Ambler campus as both an arboretum and laboratory.

Careers in horticulture and landscape architecture are available in both the public and private sector. For landscape architecture graduates, careers in public landscape architecture include positions with regional, county, and city planning commissions, and park, recreation, housing, and transportation agencies. Private practice includes the design of recreational, residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects, as well as the overall planning of new communities. Environmental protection, historical restoration, and land reclamation efforts could also be an important part of the role of a landscape architect.

Students with a degree in horticulture could be involved in the production, use, installation, and management of plants. They may:

●Produce plants in greenhouses and nurseries for sale and landscape use.
●Design, install, and/or maintain residential, commercial, or public landscapes.
●Work in arboreta, botanic gardens, parks, or golf courses.
●Teach in a high school, community college, or university.
●Research new technologies and plants in private and public institutions.
●Work toward registration as a horticultural therapist.
●Write articles, books, and copy for websites about plants and horticulture.
●Work as an extension agent or specialist helping residential and commercial clients
●Work in interior landscaping or floral design.
●Work as a sales representative for horticultural or allied industries.
●Own and operate their own business.

Financial Aid

In addition to assistance from the Department of Student Financial Services, there are several scholarships and grants-in-aid that are available only to Landscape Architecture and Horticulture students. Applications for department scholarships listed above are available from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture office. Also see Financial Aid.

Continuing Education

The Department offers a variety of credit courses in the late afternoon, in the evening, and on weekends. These courses, available to degree seeking students, are also open to people interested in horticulture who are not seeking a degree. It is also possible, over a period of years, to complete all of the requirements for the credit certificate program or Associate of Science in Horticulture degree by attending late afternoon, evening, and weekend classes. For many, these courses are a means of advancing their careers; for others, they are a source of personal enrichment. For more information, contact the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture.

Policies and Regulations

The following departmental policies are in addition to the University policies and regulations that apply to all undergraduate students and to the policies that apply to all Ambler College students.

Class Scheduling:  The Associate’s Degree in Horticulture can be completed in daytime or in late afternoon, evening, and Saturday classes. Students in the bachelor's degree programs in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture will be required to take classes during regular daytime hours, with some courses available in the evening and on weekends.

Sophomore Approval

Admission to Landscape Architecture and Horticulture is competitive, and approval is required to enter the sophomore year in the programs. It is expected that by that time students will have demonstrated a commitment to their chosen field and, in the case of Landscape Architecture students, sufficient design ability. After their first year, students will be required to submit a statement describing their reasons for choosing landscape architecture or horticulture as a career. Landscape Architecture students must submit a portfolio of freshman design and graphic work. A faculty committee will review these submissions, as well as the student's academic record within the Department.

Degree Requirements

Horticulture Bachelor of Science

The degree of Bachelor of Science in Horticulture may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 124 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 overall and in the major. No more than one grade below a C- is allowed in any course in either Landscape Architecture or Horticulture.
.
Summary of Requirements for the Degree

1.      University requirements

-Math 0045 (3 s.h.) and/or English 0040 (4 s.h.), if required by placement testing
-University Core Curriculum requirements (33-44 s.h. plus required courses for the major), including completion of the Library Orientation. (Transfer students should see the Core Curriculum section of the Undergraduate Bulletin at http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/Academic_programs/core/generalinfo/core_generalinfo.shtm.)

2.      Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture requirements (25 s.h.)

-8 courses are required:
Landscape Architecture 0001, 0011 (formerly 0103); Botany C101, 0102;
Horticulture 0107, 0108, C236, and 0310.

3.       Horticulture (Hort) Major requirements (minimum of 60 s.h.)

-3 Landscape Architecture and Botany courses are required:
Landscape Architecture 0134 (formerly 0054), Botany C203 and 0204
-9 Horticulture courses are required:
Horticulture 0201, 0202, 0203, 0301, 0311, 0317, 0339, 0340, W395
-3 classes in other departments’ courses are required:
Chemistry C061/63 and C062/64; Strategic and Organizational Communication 0065 or Adult and Organizational Development 0066
-4 Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, or Botany (LA/Hort/Bot) electives are required (minimum 12 s.h.)

4.      Electives (approximately 6 s.h)

Suggested Semester By Semester Plan

Horticulture Associate of Science

The degree of Associate of Science in Horticulture may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 overall and in the major. No more than one grade below a C- is allowed in any course in either Landscape Architecture or Horticulture.

General Horticulture Option

This option in the Associate’s Degree is for students interested in developing a well-rounded background in all areas of horticulture or specializing in a particular area of interest such as floral design, integrated pest management, or arboriculture.

Suggested Semester By Semester Plan

Horticulture Business Option

This option in the Associate’s Degree is for students interested in developing a background in landscape horticulture and in business.

Suggested Semester By Semester Plan

Credit Certificates in Horticulture

Credit certificates may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon satisfactory completion of the required credits for the specific topic area with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 overall.

Landscape Plants

This credit certificate provides an intensive learning experience in both woody and herbaceous landscape plants and a brief introduction to other areas of horticulture. Learning the names and usage of plants provides a deeper understanding for anyone interested in gardening and landscaping.  For the professional, it provides the essential knowledge of plants needed to design high-quality landscapes for clients.  For the hobbyist, it provides information that enriches the gardening experience.   Required courses are:

Credit certificates in floral design, horticultural therapy, and other areas are under consideration.  See the Ambler College Landscape Architecture and Horticulture website for the latest information.