Thompson School of Applied Science

Associate in Applied Science
Applied Animal Science
   Dairy Management
   Equine Management
   Small Animal Care
Applied Business Management
   Business Computing
   Business Management
Civil Technology
   Architectural Technology
   Construction Management
   Surveying and Mapping
Community Service and Leadership
Food Services Management
   Dietetic Technician
   Restaurant Management
Forest Technology
   Forest Technician
Horticultural Technology
   Landscape Operations
   Floriculture Operations
   General Ornamental Horticulture

The Thompson School of Applied Science, established in 1895, is a division of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture within the University offering the associate in applied science degree. The Thompson School of Applied Science offers 15 program specializations. They comprise a balance of science-related and general education courses, professional preparation, and practical experience. These specializations qualify graduates for employment as technicians, professionals, supervisors, and small-business owners. The School also prepares students for continuing in baccalaureate studies.

The faculty at the Thompson School of Applied Science have significant work experience in industry; extensive and up-to-date knowledge of their specialties; ongoing contacts with practicing professionals; dedication to students and to excellence in education; and a commitment to practical, science-based education. They work closely with students, providing academic advising, career counseling, and special assistance when needed.

Located at the western end of the UNH campus, the Thompson School's classrooms, laboratories, and working enterprises are designed for career-related experience under realistic conditions.

Barton Hall contains an animal science lab, a food preparation lab, a meat processing center, a biochemistry lab, several classrooms, and faculty offices. Cole Hall includes a 150-seat lecture auditorium, a quantity-foods kitchen and cafeteria, a student study and lounge area, a computer laboratory, a computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory, a small classroom, and modern administrative offices.

Nearby Putnam Hall houses an animal kennel and grooming area, an architecture lab, a surveying and mapping lab, a Geographic Information System (GIS) lab, an agricultural mechanization shop, classrooms, and faculty offices.

Students enrolled in food services management gain practical experience in three campus restaurants: the Dairy Bar (a renovated railroad station), Stacey's (a specialty cafeteria), and the Balcony Bistro (an upscale restaurant) both located in Cole Hall.

Forestry students use a sawmill facility near campus to integrate the process of harvesting trees from a managed forest with the production of quality forest products. Students assist in the management of the UNH woodlands (a certified tree farm) by participating in mapping and inventory, and in reforestation and forest protection projects.

Students have the use of the Thompson School horticultural facility, with a low- and high-temperature greenhouse, propagating facilities, refrigerated compartments, and nursery plots.

The school uses the facilities, labs, farms, and forests of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, including the Woodman Horticultural Farm, which has experimental fruit orchards and vegetable gardens.

The University has a state-of-the-art dairy center designed to accommodate applied research and teaching. This center consists of a clean environment tie-stall facility for 100 milking Holsteins, with 80 cows dedicated to research and 20 allocated as a teaching herd. The milking parlor uses computer-supported data collection for recording milk weights and other information.

A University 41-stall horse barn is home to a herd of Morgans, Thoroughbreds, and Warmbloods. Students train and ride these horses under supervision on nearby trails, in an outside ring, and in an indoor arena.

These facilities are supplemented by the University's 3,942 acres, including the large Durham campus; 2,400 acres of forest and woodland; and 620 acres available for hay, tillage, orchards, and research plots.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

General Education
These are courses designed for personal and professional development with special emphasis on the ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, to understand computer technology, and to process quantitative data. In addition, they aim to acquaint the student with some of the major modes of thought necessary to understand oneself, others, society, and the environment. In this area a student must complete:

• one course in computer literacy;
• one course (3-4 credits) in mathematics;
• two courses (6 credits) in communications, to include COM 209, Expository Writing and Reading, plus an elective;
• two courses (6 credits) in social sciences, the arts, or the humanities, to include either SSCI 201 Human Relations, or SSCI 202 Social Issues, plus an elective.

See the Program of Study Sections for course requirements and descriptions.

General Electives
This component of the degree program allows the individual to pursue courses of personal or professional interest. In this area a student may choose a number of courses in each program of study specified as electives. These may be selected from any courses offered by the Thompson School or University undergraduate courses with adviser approval.

Transfer Opportunities

Full-Time and Part-Time Programs

Some students who cannot attend on a full-time, two-year schedule or who wish to spread the financial burden of a college education over a broader period, elect the option of part-time study. It allows students to work toward completion of the degree over an extended period, normally five years. The schedule can be shortened or lengthened to meet the needs of individual students. Part-time degree students register for courses through the UNH Division of Continuing Education and are treated in all respects as full-time students. For further information and a brochure on the part-time program, please contact the Thompson School at (603) 862-1025 or (603) 862-3115.

Admissions

High school students who plan to enter the Thompson School after graduation will be considered on the basis of high school course selection, academic achievement, class rank, and high school recommendations. Emphasis is placed on the applicant's personal motivation, demonstrated interest in a career field, and preparation for Thompson School programs.

All traditional-age students must submit the results of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-I). Adult students who have been out of high school for a number of years may request that the Office of Admissions waive the SAT-I requirement.

For an adult student who graduated from high school several years ago, the Office of Admissions will consider not only his or her academic record but accomplishments since high school. Important factors will include professional work and advancement and motivation to succeed in Thompson School courses. In addition, applicants will be considered on the basis of any available test scores such as General Education Development (GED), Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-I), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP); letters of reference; previous college study; and military record (if applicable).

A number of Thompson School specializations require satisfactory work in specific high school preparatory courses. These admission requirements are listed under each career specialization in this catalog.

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted at any time during the calendar year. Notice of admission to the Thompson School will normally be sent within 30 days following receipt of all required information.

Please note:Priority deadlines for those students requesting UNH residential housing is February 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. Housing assignments will be handled on a space-available basis after February 1. The UNH financial aid deadline is March 1 for the fall semester.

Campus Visits

Expenses, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

For information about scholarships, loans, and work study, write the Financial Aid Office, Stoke Hall, 11 Garrison Avenue, Durham, NH 03824-3511; or call (603) 862-3600. A financial aid form must be on file to be considered for many scholarships.

The Thompson School and the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture also provide scholarship opportunities for Thompson School students. Call (603) 862-1025 for a list of these possibilities.

New England Regional Student Program

Thompson School of Applied Science
New England Regional Student Program

2000-2001 Academic Year
Associate Degree Program, Available to Residents of

Applied Animal Science
Dairy Management--MA, ME, RI, VT
Equine Management--MA, ME, RI, VT
Small Animal Care--MA, ME, RI, VT

Civil Technology
Architectural Technology--CT, RI
Construction Management--CT, RI
Surveying and Mapping--CT, RI

Food Services Management
Dietetic Technician--MA, RI, VT
Restaurant Management--MA, RI, VT

Forest Technology
Forest Technology--CT, MA, RI, VT

Horticultural Technology
Floriculture Operations--RI
Landscape Operations--RI
General Ornamental Horticulture--RI

Program Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used to identify Thompson School of Applied Science courses.

AM--Agricultural Mechanization
AAS--Applied Animal Science
ABM--Applied Business Management
ANSC--Animal and Nutritional Science
CT--Civil Technology
COM--Communications
CSL--Community Service and Leadership
CD--Community Development
FSM--Food Services Management
FORT--Forest Technology
HT--Horticultural Technology
MTH--Mathematics
NUTR--Nutrition
PHYS--Physics
PBIO--Plant Biology
SSCI--Social Science
ZOOL--Zoology

Programs of Study

Applied Animal Science provides students with hands-on practical skills combined with knowledge and understanding of the latest technology. The core program provides a solid background in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health, and animal breeding. In addition, students choose a specialization in either equine management, dairy management, or small animal care. Each specialization also allows for choices of elective courses in other areas. Practical learning experience is provided at the UNH equine facilities and the UNH Dairy Center. The Thompson School also operates its own grooming shop and biology laboratories. The curriculum has a number of animal-related educational programs, including cooperative arrangements with local humane shelters, and field trips to animal-related businesses.

Curriculum Fee
Applied animal science, all specializations: $245*

*This one-time, nonrefundable fee is required to cover lab materials, specialized equipment maintenance, and transportation that is unique to the applied nature of each specialization. The curriculum fee covers the entire two-year course of study. The special fees listed in the course description are for nonmatriculating students only.

Applied Animal Science Curriculum Standards
Applied Animal Science students must maintain a 2.00 average in AAS classes after 2 semesters (32 credits) to take additional AAS classes. Student with AAS averages lower than 2.00 must repeat classes with lower grades and raise their average to 2.00 before taking additional AAS classes. Students must have a cumulative 2.00 average in AAS classes to qualify for graduation from the program.

Dairy Management
To work in the highly technical, rapidly changing field of dairy management, students must become well versed in the many aspects of dairy farm operation and management. In the dairy management specialization, students put many of the skills learned in the classroom into practice immediately. Students learn to balance rations, identify and treat diseases, read a bull proof, and gain many other skills. They work at the university's dairy farm, a state-of-the-art teaching and research center, where faculty, students, and staff work together to manage the farm.

Second-year students learn the business of farming through field exercises in land management, forage production, financial management, and computer use on a dairy farm as well as continued practical experience with cattle. The flexible program prepares students to work both on the farm or in related businesses.

Career Opportunities: Herdsperson, agricultural sales and service employee, farm manager, artificial insemination (AI) technician, crop manager

Dairy Management Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Recommended electives include

Total: 68-70 credits

Equine Management
As part of new leisure industries, the equine industry in New England encompasses many different facilities and disciplines. Students in the equine management specialization combine courses in the most recent technical information with related practical experience. They gain hands-on experience in bandaging, selection, ration-balancing by computer, fitting and care of equipment, and farm and barn analysis. They also acquire decision making and managerial skills. Graduates have a solid basis for direct employment opportunities yet enough flexibility to further their education.

The riding focus at UNH is balance seat with schooling in dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping. Thompson School students in horsemanship classes ride in the UNH program and have the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate shows.

Career Opportunities: Riding instructor, barn manager, breeding farm manager, sales (tack shops, grain stores), horse show manager, veterinary assistant/equine practice

Equine Management Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Recommended electives

Total: 65-68 credits

Small Animal Care
Animal companionship provides millions of people an oasis in a hectic, impersonal world, and pet owners consistently seek additional advice on the care of their animals. The small animal care specialization prepares students to work in companion animal jobs of all types.

In their first year, students gain experience in breed types, behavior, genetics, restraint, and training of dogs and cats. Students also master laboratory procedures such as fecal examination and heartworm testing. In addition, the students learn the basics of grooming, nutrition, first aid, disease prevention, pharmacology, and toxicology. During their second year, students refine and gain more knowledge in the areas of their postgraduate interest.

Career Opportunities: Veterinary assistant, laboratory animal care, pet store manager, pet groomer, kennel manager, animal care and control, animal-assisted activities/therapy

Small Animal Care Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Recommended AAS electives

Total: 64-68 credits

Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the dairy management, equine management, and small animal care specializations must present at least one year of satisfactory work in college preparatory biology and two years of college preparatory math. One year of high school chemistry is also highly recommended. Students with weaknesses in these academic areas are encouraged to take refresher classes before starting their coursework in the applied animal science program.

The Applied Business Management program combines class work and practical experience to give students a thorough understanding of the business field. Along with a core curriculum of skills in accounting, human resource management, and communications, students choose to specialize in either business computing or business management. After their first semester, students may take up to three elective courses chosen from University course offerings with approval. Practical experience is gained through research projects with local industries, municipalities and state agencies, and student-run businesses. Students may also elect to take internships with area businesses.

Curriculum Fees
Applied Animal Science:
Business computing, $205*
Business management, $105*

* This one-time, nonrefundable fee is required to cover lab materials, specialized equipment maintenance, and transportation that is unique to the applied nature of each specialization. The curriculum fee covers the entire two-year course of study. The special fees listed in the course description are for nonmatriculating students only.

Business Computing
Success in managing businesses depends on the effective use of cutting edge personal computers and the latest and most productive applications of computer technology. The business computing specialization allows students to gain an up-to-date working knowledge of business hardware, operating systems, programming tools, networking, and applications software. In addition, students in this specialization also gain a solid background in basic principles of management, accounting, supervision, communications, law, and business policy.

Career Opportunities: Office manager, computer specialist, assistant manager, purchasing and inventory controller, bookkeeper

Business Computing Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 64-66 credits

Business Management
Small- to medium-sized businesses represent the largest and fastest growing segment of the state and regional economy. The business management specialization is specifically designed for students who wish to seek entry-level management positions in existing firms, prepare for management of a family-owned business, or start a new business. Business management students gain practical exposure to essential topics in business management that prepares them to seek further specialization in a business area or to prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate program.

Career Opportunities: Office manager, nationwide management trainee programs, assistant manager, purchasing and inventory controller, bookkeeper, business owner

Business Management Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 64-66 credits

Admissions Requirements
Students entering the business computing or business management specialization must have a minimum of two years of college preparatory mathematics (preferably three). Several ABM courses require a strong background in basic mathematics and algebra.

Civil Technology is a dynamic educational opportunity offering skill-based learning through class instruction, extensive laboratory experience, and fieldwork. Students choose from one of the following specializations: architectural technology, construction management, and surveying and mapping. The cornerstone of the educational experience is instruction in computer- aided design (CAD) using the Thompson School's state-of-the-art CAD lab. Students in field surveying use the latest surveying equipment and students studying geographical information systems (GIS) use the new GIS Instructional Lab. Additional coursework covers building science, construction contracting, materials, soils, and methodologies of professional practice in the concentration specialties.

Curriculum Fee
Civil technology, all specializations: $70*

*This one-time, nonrefundable fee is required to cover lab materials, specialized equipment maintenance, and transportation that is unique to the applied nature of each specialization. The curriculum fee covers the entire two-year course of study. The special fees listed in the course description are for nonmatriculating students only.

Architectural Technology Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 64 credits

Construction Technology Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Category G

Category A

Category C

Category S

Architectural Technology
In the architectural technology specialization, students expand on the broad construction-related base of the civil technology curriculum. From faculty who are experienced, registered architects and engineers, they are introduced to the technical skills used in the architectural profession, focusing on computer-aided design (CAD) and building science-related technologies. Course content includes engineering-based as well as design-based disciplines. The courses, when coupled with recommended electives, provide students with a substantial knowledge base appropriate for architecturally related careers. While some graduates continue their studies in accredited baccalaureate programs and become registered architects, most find work in technical support positions within the design and construction industries in either private companies or public/government entities.

Career Opportunities: Architectural technician, CAD designer, public works operations, land development planner, facilities management, engineering aide

Architectural Technology Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 64-65 credits

Construction Management
In the construction management specialization, students prepare for careers in land development, construction contracting and management, and land-use planning. Students learn not only how to build well but how to build wisely. They study construction and its related technologies, dealing with material selection and design, and design of foundation and drainage systems. They also examine environmental and land development issues by studying residential and commercial septic and waste disposal systems, recycling, and effective energy management. Some graduates elect to continue their education in bachelor of science programs in civil engineering or community development, or in the bachelor of engineering technology program in civil engineering. Graduates of the construction management specialization find employment in a variety of building industry-related positions.

Career Opportunities: Construction supervisor, project manager, cost estimator, public works department, contractor, code enforcement officer, construction material tester, land-development planning, site evaluator for building components, construction product manufacturer, product representative, DOT engineering technician

Construction Management Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 66-68 credits

Surveying and Mapping
As land values increase and the need to use our natural resources efficiently and to protect our environment becomes more critical, the role of surveyors is expanding. The surveying and mapping specialization contains a core sequence of six courses (from Introductory Surveying to the Legal Aspects of Surveying) that continuously challenge students to improve their technical knowledge, computer skills, and field competency. Using electronic field measuring equipment, computers to create and plot maps, and satellite positioning technology, the surveyors and mappers of today are at the forefront of acquiring, analyzing, and managing land information.
Career Opportunities: Licensed land surveyor, DOT engineering technician, GIS technician, land development planner, construction surveyor

Surveying and Mapping Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 64-66 credits

Admissions Requirement
Applicants to the architectural technology, construction management, and surveying and mapping specializations must present at least two years of satisfactory work in college preparatory mathematics.

The Community Service and Leadership Program prepares students for influential roles within community organizations by combining hands-on community outreach with an academic study of communities, leadership, citizen influence, nonprofit organization management, and general education.

CSL students participate in faculty-supervised community outreach in a wide variety of locations including schools and other learning-focused agencies, crisis shelters, environmental organizations, animal care facilities, nursing homes, advocacy programs, town offices, citizen groups and other community-related organizations.

Through their coursework, community placements, and individualized plans of study, CSL students learn how to: supervise volunteers, facilitate effective meetings, speak comfortably and knowledgeably to groups of various sizes, analyze community issues and their causes, manage financial information, organize projects and events, research and prepare grant proposals, create effective newsletters, influence public opinion, and organize people to work toward positive solutions for shared problems.

The Community Service and Leadership Program is designed to flexibly and effectively meet the needs of a diverse group of students including recent high school graduates as well as experienced community-service workers.

Community Service and Leadership Program of Study
First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Summer

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Other Associated Courses

Total: 65-69 credits

The Food Services Management program has two distinct specializations: dietetic technician and restaurant management.

Curriculum Fees
Food Services Management:
Dietetic technician--$350*
Restaurant manager--$400*

*This one-time, nonrefundable fee is required to cover lab materials, specialized equipment maintenance, and transportation that is unique to the applied nature of each specialization. The curriculum fee covers the entire two-year course of study. The special fees listed in the course description are for nonmatriculating students only.

Dietetic Technician
Students who complete the dietetic technician specialization in food services management are prepared for a variety of positions in the food, fitness, and health-care industries. In a program that combines classroom work and practical experience, students enhance such skills as evaluating the nutritional status of clients, developing nutrition care plans, and providing nutrition education. They also develop skills in the management of food production and delivery systems. Students participate in three practicums in the areas of food services (medical food services management, clinical nutrition, and community nutrition) for a total of at least 450 hours of field experience. Their field experiences take place in local health-care settings and community nutrition programs. The specialization is under developmental accreditation by the American Dietetic Association. Students who successfully complete the program of study are eligible to sit for the Dietetic Technician Registration Exam. A registered dietetic technician is eligible for membership in the American Dietetic Association, an organization of nutrition professionals.

Career Opportunities: Registered dietetic technician. Clinical--hospitals, health-care facilities, retirement centers; Wellness--health clubs, weight clinics, wellness centers; Community--community nutrition programs, public health agencies, WIC agencies; Business--food companies, food vendors, distributors; Food services management --schools, daycare centers, restaurants.

Dietetic Technician Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

First Year, Summer Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 70 credits

Restaurant Management
In the restaurant management specialization, students experience a carefully developed combination of classroom and laboratory work. They engage in practical, hands-on experiences, using modern commercial equipment to help them refine the necessary skills to be successful in the field. Students operate two restaurants located in the Thompson School: Stacey's Cafe, an express-line lunch operation, and the Balcony Bistro, an upscale gourmet dining establishment. They present weekly buffets, and cater banquets and special events sponsored by the school. Finally, a required summer internship rounds out the program's hands-on experiential learning. Students can also work at the UNH Dairy Bar, which is operated by the FSM program, the New England Center, and the UNH Bake Shop, all located on the UNH campus. Extracurricular learning and earning opportunities are available in the many restaurants located in the Seacoast area. Students who want to continue their education are strongly encouraged to take electives from the university's four-year program to get a head start on transfer status.

Career Opportunities: Restaurant owner/manager, caterer, food and beverage sales, food buyer, food and beverage manager, food services director

Restaurant Management Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

First Year, Summer Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 69 credits

Students in the Forest Technology program are uniquely prepared for careers in the forest industries and natural resource management in New Hampshire and New England. Classroom lecture is backed up by practical field work in each of the subject areas. The curriculum is recognized by the Society of American Foresters and reviewed by an advisory committee representing the full spectrum of forestry organizations in the region. There is strong emphasis on leadership, safety, communication skills, accuracy of field work, data collection, and professional presentation. Unique facilities for teaching and learning include centrally located classroom and shop facilities, 3,000+ acres of University-owned forest land, a sawmill and logging equipment, and a faculty dedicated to teaching with vast field experience in the subject areas.

Admissions Requirement
Applicants to the forest technology specialization must present at least two years of satisfactory work in college preparatory mathematics.

Curriculum Fee
Forest technology, specialization--$260*

*This one-time, nonrefundable fee is required to cover lab materials, specialized equipment maintenance, and transportation that is unique to the applied nature of each specialization. The curriculum fee covers the entire two-year course of study. The special fees listed in the course description are for nonmatriculating students only.

Forest Technician
Forest technicians help plan, direct, and operate forestry enterprises. Students in the forest technician specialization experience a breadth and depth of instruction. They are exposed to the theory and practice of planting, thinning, and other silvicultural operations, including harvesting supervision. They learn how to design, lay out, and construct roads, trails, and recreational facilities; how to map and survey property; and how to manage woodlands to improve wildlife habitat and conserve soil, water, and other natural resources. Graduates work in the wood products-related industries, in public forestland management agencies, with forestry consulting firms or urban tree care companies, and with a range of conservation organizations.

Career Opportunities: Forestry aide, fire control technician, mapping technician, GIS technician, timber and log buyer, log scaler, lumber grader, sawmill technician, arborist, urban tree care specialist, timber cruiser/forest inventory technician, forestry equipment/products sales

Forest Technician Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 66-70 credits

Horticultural Technology students study the art and science of applied plant biology, preparing for environmentally attuned careers in the Green Industry. Rigorous first-year foundation courses in plant materials, plant growth and development, and soils support second-year specializations in floriculture operations, general ornamental horticulture, or landscape operations. Employment opportunities in these areas continue to be excellent. Graduates enter a rapidly expanding job market in greenhouse production, floral design, nursery and garden center management, interior plantscaping, parks and grounds management, golf course management, arboriculture and urban forestry, fruit and vegetable production, and landscape design, construction, and maintenance. Many recent graduates have established their own horticulture enterprises.

Curriculum Fee
Horticultural technology, all specializations--$305*

*This one-time, nonrefundable fee is required to cover lab materials, specialized equipment maintenance, and transportation that is unique to the applied nature of each specialization. The curriculum fee covers the entire two-year course of study. The special fees listed in the course description are for nonmatriculating students only.

Floriculture Operations
Season after season, fresh, high-quality floricultural crops are in demand by an increasingly plant-loving public. Students in the floriculture operations specialization gain a solid foundation in the applied plant sciences and more concentrated studies in greenhouse crop production, floral design, and garden center management. Through facilities at the Thompson School, the University, and at commercial operations across the state, they are exposed to a range of greenhouse technologies. Students may also select a floral design sequence, combining lecture, discussion, and studio work to complement and lend structure to creative talents in floral design. Frequent field trips in the state and region reinforce learning in campus classes and labs.

Graduates of the floriculture operations specialization enter the work force with the knowledge, technical skills, and experience to move rapidly to positions of increasing responsibility. Many graduates own their own floriculture or related businesses, while others opt for continued education at the baccalaureate level.

Career Opportunities: Greenhouse crop production, garden center management, floral design, nursery production and management, flower shop management

Floriculture Operations Program of Study
Course, Credits

First year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 64-72 credits

General Ornamental Horticulture
Students who prefer to be generalists in horticultural technology may opt for the general ornamental horticulture specialization. Students gain the broadest possible background in horticultural technology, a background attractive to employers in all specialty areas. Working closely with a faculty adviser, each student designs his or her own program, taking courses in the curriculum that fulfill the student's particular needs. They first complete core requirements in the fundamentals of plant growth and development, soils, plant propagation, plant identification, and plant health care. Students may then choose elective coursework combining studies in floriculture, fruit and vegetable production, landscaping, interiorscaping, arboriculture, nursery management, and/or floral design.

Career Opportunities: Garden center manager, grounds manager, greenhouse manager, fruit and vegetable production manager, nursery manager, horticulture business owner

General Ornamental Horticulture Program of Study
Course, Credits

First year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 64-72 credits

Landscape Operations
Ornamental horticulture has been projected to be one of the fastest growing industries of the coming decade. It is a field that also offers unparalleled aesthetic satisfaction and meaningful reward. To succeed in landscaping increasingly requires a degree of technical and scientific expertise, as well as creativity, artistry, and problem-solving skills. Students in the landscape operations specialization gain a solid foundation in general horticulture and a thorough introduction to the landscape industry. In their classes, students meld theory and practice, and they apply what they learn in weekly lab periods and on-site visits to area operations. Many graduates eventually form their own landscape companies, and others continue their education toward a four-year degree in areas such as landscape architecture, parks and recreation, plant and soil science, environmental science, or business management.

Career Opportunities: Landscape design, landscape construction, garden centers, nurseries, golf courses, schools and parks, commercial businesses, government and health-care facilities

Landscape Operations Program of Study
Course, Credits

First Year, Fall Semester

First Year, Spring Semester

Second Year, Fall Semester

Second Year, Spring Semester

Total: 64 credits