MORRIS COUNTY —For those who dream of building a business in the landscaping industry, County College of Morris (CCM) offers a number of pathways to make that possible through its Department of Landscape and Horticultural Technology (LHT).
Degrees and certificates are offered in Agribusiness, Landscape Management and Design, and Turf and Turfgrass Management. The Landscape Management and Design track is the most popular, according to Brian Oleksak, associate professor and chair of the LHT department.
An average of 85 students enroll in the department each year, keeping class sizes small and professor-student relationships close. “Many students in this department are working part-time landscaping jobs while enrolled,” notes Oleksak. “They tend to be the best students because they are applying what they are learning right away.”
A degree or certificate from CCM’s LHT department allows students to propel a small landscaping business to the next level. Education in cutting-edge technology and practices can transform a small business into one with multiple employees and a highly profitable income stream.
LHT students learn in a setting where science, sustainability and technology all come together. They study and work in a LEED Gold Certified Building in design labs using the latest programming tools. Included among the software students learn is DynaSCAPE, an industry recognized landscape business management program. LHT students also have access to two Kubota sub-compact tractors, a skid-steer and various small-to-mid sized equipment.
Fall Semester courses in the Department of Landscape and Horticulture Technology begin Wednesday, September 4. Classes being offered include Plant Science, Land Plant Identification, Management and Use, Horticulture Computer Application, Landscape Design and Planning I, Plant Pest Management, Landscape Construction and Equipment, and Arboriculture.
To view and register for courses click here.
For more information on LHT programs, courses and certificates, contact Brian Oleksak at boleksak@ccm.edu, or (973) 328-5363.
Visit http://bit.ly/ccmland for details on how students can “Start Right . . . .Finish Strong” in the LHT department.
