Landscape managment Degree at Michigan State University
Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology and Grand Rapids Community College
Welcome to the program! This guide is intended to provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions students have as they work toward completing the Landscape Management program.
You are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor to plan courses and review your objectives. Please note that ultimately you, and not your advisor, are responsible for meeting the requirements for graduation.
Program Description
The MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology has offered “short courses” in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for over 100 years. These short courses have developed into highly focused certificate programs in a variety of fields, including these two on-campus programs: Landscape/Nursery and Turfgrass Management. These on-campus certificate programs require from 48-54 credits.
The Landscape Management program in Grand Rapids offers this same type of specialized curriculum. But it differs from the two previously mentioned on-campus programs in several significant ways. First, it allows you to combine horticulture courses with business courses and simultaneously earn both a MSU Certificate and a GRCC Associate degree. Second, it provides a somewhat less intensively focused curriculum in the plant sciences area, but supplements this with a business emphasis. In the landscape and nursery industry, many employers and alumni testify to the significance of sound business knowledge in managing their companies. And third, it brings MSU courses to you without the need for commuting to East Lansing.
MSU offers two courses each Fall and Spring semester in Grand Rapids. Classes are held in the evening at locations near the GRCC campus. Some classes are offered by CODEC, an interactive television system that connects you to the best instructors and widest range of elective courses possible. You meet your classmates in a special CODEC classroom that has this TV-like technology, where you both see and hear your instructor. Likewise, your instructor is able to answer your questions and speak to you directly. Other classes are taught on-site by MSU faculty. You may also connect to campus resources by computer from home or from our office at MSU-West. As a Spartan, you¹ll receive a mainframe account with access to e-mail, the internet and library resources.
Choosing Credentials
This program meets your needs by offering you a choice of course “package” options. Either complete the requirements for the MSU Certificate, or take the full complement of courses and earn the GRCC Associate degree.
The MSU Certificate is widely recognized by professionals in the Landscape and Turfgrass industries, and there is great demand for graduates of this program. This option is best for you if you want to gain immediate employment in the industry, or improve your credentials for professional development.
The GRCC Associate degree requires only 18 credit hours in addition to the MSU Certificate requirements. These additional courses are in business, math and english. While all students are encouraged to complete these requirements, they are most beneficial if you are interested in owning your own business or plan to continue your education at a four-year institution.
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