Landscape and Nursery or Applied Plant Science
with options in Commercial Horticulture Operations or Commercial Turfgrass Operations
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Applied Plant Science
Program Landscape and Nursery or Applied Plant Science with options in Commercial Horticulture Operations or Commercial Turfgrass Operations |
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| Welcome | Program Description | Program of Study | Earnings | Degree/Certificate Options | Course Requirements |
| Tuition | Application | Transferring | Financial Aid | Internship | Contact |
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The MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology, seeks to prepare students for dynamic careers in a changing world. It’s Certificate programs vary in length, are highly respected statewide and nationally, and several have international reputations. Classes are taught by faculty and staff in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, so students gain from the research and extension programs at Michigan State University. The Applied Plant Science program includes course work taught by faculty members from one of our partners, Northwestern Michigan College, West Shore Community College, Kirtland Community College, North Central Michigan College and Michigan State University. The degree and certificate programs contain specialty and general education course requirements which may vary some depending on area of study and community college associate degree requirements. The Northern Michigan Applied Plant Science program in Traverse City offers this same type of specialized curriculum as the campus programs. But it differs from the on-campus programs in some significant ways. First, it combines MSU courses, with community college courses. Student may simultaneously earn both an MSU Certificate and a community college Associate degree. Second, it brings MSU courses to you without the need move to East Lansing. MSU offers two or three plant science courses each Fall and Spring semester in Traverse City. Most classes are held in the evening at the NMC University Center. Some classes are offered by two-way interactive television system that connects you to MSU East Lansing campus faculty. Class meets in a special distance learning classroom which has interactive TV technology, there you can see, hear and talk to your instructor. Your instructor is able to answer your questions and speak to you directly. Other classes are taught, on-site by MSU faculty and additional highly qualified and experienced individuals. You may also connect to campus resources by computer and the Internet from home, work, local libraries, and Applied Plant Science community college partner sites in Petoskey, Roscommon, Scottville and Traverse City. Students access to e-mail, the Internet and library resources through their MSU personal student accounts. Employment and career opportunities continue to expand for those who have an educational preparation in applied plant science. The Applied Plant Science Partners Program brings together the world-acclaimed expertise of Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the "close to home" learning resources from five outstanding Northern Michigan community college partners. The Applied Plant Science Program prepares graduates for a wide range of employment and career choices in the ‘green industries’. Each student receives personal one-on-one help in selecting her/his program of study (including a work place internship) as part of their h Michigan State University certificate. Career Outlook & Earnings The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities in the plant science field are excellent, with more job openings than job seekers. Moreover, employment in this field is expected to grow (between 10-20%) for all occupations through the year 2005 in response to the increasing demand for both products and services by commercial producers, landscape contractors, turf managers and the general public.
Those who wish to pursue employment and careers in the plant sciences should strive to have:
Degree and Certificate Options and Choices The Northern Michigan Applied Plant Science program meets your needs by offering you a choice of course "package" options. Only complete the requirements for an MSU Certificate, or take the full complement of courses and earn a community college Associate degree. The MSU Certificate is widely recognized by professionals in the landscape, nursery and turfgrass industries throughout Michigan and nation. There is great demand for graduates of this program. This program of study and workplace internship may be best for you if you seek gain immediate employment in the industry, or improve your credentials for professional development. The community college Associates Degree requires a few more credit hours in addition to the MSU Certificate requirements. These additional courses vary some between our five Northern Michigan community college partners and include, English, math, and science classes. We encourage you to complete these degree requirements, especially, if you are interested in owning your own business or plan to continue your education at a four-year university. General Education Course Requirements: (CCP = community college partner courses).
MSU
Institute of Agricultural Technology Certificate - minimum 24 MSU credits
required;
48 total credits
Certificates Applied Plant Science with option in Commercial Horticulture Operations
Applied Plant Science with option in Commercial Turfgrass Operations
Landscape and Nursery
*Landscape/Nursery, Applied Plant Science with options in either Commercial Turfgrass Operations or Commercial Horticulture Operations Program Option and Course requirement notes: * Commercial Horticulture Operations students will have some specialty course substitutions. * Plant Science students earning an associate degree wishing to transfer into a MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Bachelors of Science degree program (in East Lansing) may complete an approved course package with one additional NMC, NCMC, KCC or WSCC social science course and one additional humanities course approved for a total of 8 credit hours in each area. *This is a dual-enrollment program. Students must be enrolled in both MSU's Institute of Agriculture Technology and Northwestern Michigan College, or North Central Michigan College, or Kirtland Community College, or West Shore Community College. Tuition rates NMC, NCMC, KCC and WSCC apply for their courses; MSU tuition rates apply to MSU courses. Tuition, fees and course information / schedules subject to change. For current MSU and Community College tuition and fees check their current web-sites. Applying to the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology Complete an application for admission to the Institute of Agricultural Technology, including a $30 application fee, and mail it to the Institute of Agricultural Technology, at the East Lansing address on the form. You'll also have to contact your high school and/or other post-secondary institution to request they send an official transcript to MSU. You'll receive a student number so you can register for classes on-line. There's no need to ever come to East Lansing! And remember, you'll have the assistance of an academic advisor from MSU who is a professional horticulturist and can advise you in choosing courses and making career decisions. Please complete your MSU application for admission by July 1 for the fall semester or by November 1 for spring semester admission. Students who wish to apply after the deadline should contact the program coordinator. Transferring Previous College Credits to MSU You may be able to transfer credits earned from previous Colleges or Universities you have attended, to help satisfy some of the Program course requirements. Have official transcripts mailed from previous colleges to the Institute of Agricultural Technology, for evaluation when you apply for admission. Courses that cover similar content will be accepted in transfer if the grade received was a C (2.0) or better. Up to 24 transfer credits may be applied toward completion of the MSU Certificate. Community college courses take as part of the required course work for the MSU Certificate must have a grade of 2.0 or higher to be accepted. The MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology students are eligible for financial aid. The off-campus program students in Traverse City apply for financial aid through the community college partner. Veterans Education The programs offered by the Institute of Agricultural Technology are approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs as Cooperative Veterans Training Programs. Under some Chapters of Title 38, U.S. Code, veterans may receive educational benefits. Veterans planning to enroll should contact the Veterans Certification Section of the Office of the Registrar to determine their eligibility. Michigan Works Students in the Institute of Agricultural Technology are eligible for sponsorship under the guidelines of the Michigan Works Program. Students must arrange sponsorship with the appropriate Michigan Works office. Scholarships Scholarships are provided by industry groups and individual business firms and are awarded to students who have demonstrated superior scholastic ability or an outstanding work record. Advising The MSU Applied Plant Science Program Coordinator is available for personal advising at the MSU-North office in Traverse City, prior to registration for each semester. Call MSU-North to schedule an appointment. You are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor to plan courses and review your objectives. Please note that ultimately you, are responsible for meeting the requirements for graduation, regular meeting with your advisor will aid you in meeting that goal. Academic Standards A passing grade must be earned in each required and elective course. You'll need to maintain a 2.0 overall grade point average in order to remain in good academic standing, and to graduate. Workplace Internships (Industry Placement Training) A professional internship is required. The internship places you in a professional learning environment that challenges your ability to combine book knowledge and "hands-on" mastery, and your interpersonal and professional skills. You'll earn course credit for supervised on-the-job training. Employers are eager to hire MSU graduates, in part because of the field experience you’ll take to that first job. Internships are individualized, and are as diverse as our students. You'll have flexibility in scheduling and employment options for your internship. You must enroll in AT-293, for at least three internship credits, but may enroll for up to six. Usually, each credit translates into one month of full-time employment in the industry. Instead of taking additional internship credits, you may prefer to spend your tuition dollars on electives, and take only three credits of AT 293. * Landscape and Nursery internships include the jobs in production, selection, use and care of ornamental plants. Graduates are prepared for employment and jobs in nurseries, landscape contracting, and garden centers, along with many other entrepreneurial opportunities. * Commercial Horticulture Operations internships are diverse and can prepare graduates for employment or career advancement in horticultural industry, horticultural supply firms, or in orchard consultation and pest management. * Commercial Turfgrass Operations internships expose students to the opportunities in commercial turf care, resort properties, grounds management, golf and winter sports facilities, and related fields. Graduates are prepared to enter or advance in the “green industry.” Generally, you'll obtain your own internship employment and negotiate wages and work schedules. We require that both you and your employer complete a written agreement, outlining the terms of the internship employment and expectations. Then, you'll report monthly to your Coordinator / advisor and receive regular feedback from your employer supervisor. You can expect a personal visit from your Coordinator / advisor during the time of your internship employment. You're encouraged to seek new or expanded work opportunities for your internship. If you own your own business, we can negotiate a series of independent projects, which will help you satisfy this requirement. The best internships are planned in advance and benefit from the counsel of your academic advisor. Completing the Program At the end of the last semester of study, credits, must be transferred from your community college to MSU in order for the Certificate requirements to be met. Similarly, MSU credits, which apply to the Associate degree, must be transferred to your community college. Transcripts cost a few dollars, and are sent directly from one institution to the other. Copies released to you will not be accepted by either school. To receive additional information or to visit with an MSU Applied Plant Science program advisor, please contact:
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