Sustainable Horticulture (SUD)
Type: Career, Degree (AAS)
Open Admissions
Division: STEM and Business
The Sustainable Horticulture program is designed for students wishing to become employed or self-employed in the 'green' industry. Students are prepared for a wide range of employment opportunities in landscaping and landscape management, nursery and garden center operation, turf and golf course management, tree care and related occupations. Students may prepare for Massachusetts state arboriculture licensing, pesticide licensing.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
First Year
Fall
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| BUS120 | Computer Applications for Business | 3 |
| HRT101 | Turfgrass Management | 3 |
| HRT106 | Landscape Installation and Maintenance | 3 |
| HRT110 | Plant and Soil Science | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
| EVS106 | Organic & Sustainable Food Production | 3 |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
EVS ELEC
| ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| PRO100 | Introduction to the Professional Portfolio | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Summer
| ITR200 | Internship | 2 |
HRT Elective
| HORTICULTURE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| OR | |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 5 |
Second Year
Fall
| ACC105 | Accounting Essentials | 2 |
CMP102-150
| Composition 2 Elective | 3 |
| HRT105 | Plants for the New England Landscape | 3 |
| HRT122 | Fundamentals of Plant Health | 3 |
HRT Elective
| HORTICULTURE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| OR | |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Spring
| HRT201 | Urban Tree Care | 3 |
| HRT103 | Landscape Design | 3 |
| HRT205 | Greenhouse Crop Production | 3 |
| ACC110 | Small Business Computerized Accounting | 1 |
HRT Elective
| HORTICULTURE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| OR | |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Horticulture Electives include: HRT107, HRT 109, HRT207, HRT209, HRT504
Program Notes
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate foundational scientific knowledge in both theoretical and applied sciences as they relate to plant growth, development, and propagation.
- Apply principles of soil and nutrient management to evaluate and improve plant health and productivity across diverse growing systems..
- Develop and implement plant health care strategies that integrate pest prevention, diagnosis, and sustainable management practices.
- Incorporate ecological and sustainability principles into the design, management, and evaluation of horticultural and agricultural systems.
- Exhibit professionalism and problem-solving skills by applying technical knowledge, critical thinking, and effective communication in academic, workplace, and community settings.
Occupational Skills Required
- Communication (written, verbal, body language)
- Organizational and time management skills
- Computer skills (Microsoft Office and Google Suites, Applications, Adobe).
- Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and tools.
Experiential Learning Required in Program
- HRT 101 Turfgrass Management
- HRT 103 Landscape Design
- HRT 105 Plants for the New England Landscape
- HRT 110 Plant and Soil Science
- HRT 122 Fundamentals of Plant Health
- EVS 106 Organic & Sustainable Food Production
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
- Gardener
- Horticultural Technician
- Landscape Technician
- Nursery Manager and Nursery Production Technician
- Landscape Designer
- Greenhouse Manager
- Golf Course Superintendent
- Landscape Maintenance Supervisor
- Plant Care Specialist
- Arborist Technician
- Groundskeeper and Estate Manager
- Irrigation Specialist