Courses

Horticulture & Environmental Science

Altoona Area Vocational Technical School

HORTICULTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Course Description

This program provides students the environmental knowledge and skills needed to work within horticultural-related fields.   Students will study at an off-campus facility that offers hands-on activities at public and privately owned athletic fields, landscapes, wood lots, and related areas.  Among their many projects, students enrolled in this program design and implement the landscaping at the houses built by students in the construction trades.

Students may apply for this 9th or 10th grade through 12th grade program on a one-half day basis.  Adult students are also welcome to participate in this unique program.

Major study areas include:  landscaping, horticulture, turf grass/athletic field management, and environmental sciences.  Associated study areas include:  fish and wildlife, forestry, soil science, water resources, environmental education, and Future Farmers of America activities.

Upon completion of this competency-based curriculum, students can either go directly into employment related to their specific interest and training, or go on to a two- or four-year college program in a related field.

COURSE OF STUDY (ACADEMIC)
Agronomy
Aquatic Studies
Botany
Dendrology
Ecology
Forestry Principles
 Horticultural Principles
Landscape Design
Landscape Maintenance
Landscape Installation
Plant Identification
Ornithology
COURSE OF STUDY (TECHNICAL)
Soil Testing
Water Testing
Flower, Shrub, Tree I.D.
Power Equip. (Hand)
Power Equip. (Tractor) Landscaping (Hand Tools)
Nursery Operations
Pesticide Safety
Map & Compass Skills
Pennsylvania Wildlife I.D.

Job Outlook
Currently, the horticultural landscaping field is big business across the entire country.  Locally, the need for trained workers is at an all-time high.  Also, self-employment opportunities are available for highly motivated individuals.

Many former graduates have gone on to higher education or military service.  After completion of college or armed service training, many former graduates have been employed in related positions.  Also, many job opportunities have been found in other regions of the United States. 

Career Opportunities
Following graduation, students may find work locally with many private or public run horticultural/landscaping related companies or agencies.  Associated occupations offer employment in the following areas:

Greenhouse Worker

Park Maintenance

Nursery Worker

Landscaping

Plant Sales

Outdoor Power Equipment Sales

Semi-Skilled Laborer (State)

Self-Employment

Further Education Opportunities
The academic course of study in this program provides students with an excellent background for Agriculture-Related College Programs.  Both academic and trade schools for post high training offer courses related to forestry, wildlife, surveying, landscaping, and environmental education.