Admission is selective and is based on a combination of academic achievement, practical experience, and demonstrated commitment to the field of horticulture.
All application materials must be received no later than August 15.
We suggest that applicants secure letters of reference at least one month prior to deadline. Late applications will be accepted only at the discretion of the Director.
All applicants who have met the School’s admission requirements will be interviewed by the third week of September. Those who are accepted for enrollment will be notified by October 1.
Send all inquiries to:
Charles M. Yurgalevitch, Ph.D., Director
School of Professional Hoticulture
The New York Botanical Garden
Bronx, New York 10458-5126
T: 718.817.8797 or F: 718.817.8893
E:
cmy@nybg.org
- Requirements
- Application Procedures
- International Applicants
- Interview Process
- Non-Discrimination Policy
- Student Retention
Requirements
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Must possess 1,800 hours of previous experience in the field of horticulture prior to entering the School. This experience may be volunteer work experience. Most public institutions have volunteer opportunities. Like work experience, these hours must be fulfilled under the guidance of a horticulturist.
A hands-on experience in horticulture is defined as the action of planting, maintaining,
recording and/or removing live plants. Cashiering at a flower shop does not count. Work in one’s own garden does not qualify. Experience must be under the guidance of a horticulturist in the public or private sector. (A horticulturist is a person possessing a degree in horticulture or someone who has greater than 5 years of work experience) Examples of acceptable work experience are horticulture internships, nursery work, grower, landscape installation,
gardening, and others. Applicants should be prepared to discuss work experience while interviewing.
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Two years of post-secondary education are strongly encouraged and preferred. All transcripts are to be submitted.
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| Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of entrance in the School. |
| Must be able to do rigorous work both indoors and out. |
| Must possess at least a high school or a New York State equivalency diploma. |
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Must complete application form, submit by due date and interview either in person or by phone (out of town applicants).
If working full-time at 40 hours per week, applicants may expect to complete the 1,800 hour requirement in 45 weeks or just over 11 months.
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Application Procedures
Send all inquiries to: Charles M. Yurgalevitch, Ph.D., Director, The School of Professional Horticulture, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126
Tel: 718.817.8797 or
Fax: 718.817.8893 Email: cmy@nybg.org
The following must be submitted:
- Completed application form (click here).
- Application fee of $75 in U.S. currency (nonrefundable) in either check or money order made payable to The School of Professional Horticulture.
- Photocopy of birth certificate or other official proof of age and nationality (i.e., passport).
- Transcripts of all high school, college, and other post-secondary education; current SAT scores if available.
- Proof of work experience: letter from employer stating start and end date and the hours completed.
- Three letters of reference. This can be combined with documentation of practical experience. At least one letter should be a horticultural reference.
- Medical examination report on the form supplied by the School (click here).
- Résumé.
International Applicants
The School of Professional Horticulture
welcomes applications from foreign
nationals. The School is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students and certified to issue M-1 visas.
All international applicants must submit
in English the eight items previously listed as well as the following:
- Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) results if the applicant is a non-native English speaker.
- A minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL
- Letter of financial support from applicant’s bank. Financial documentation must be in English or translated into English.
For information concerning the TOEFL test, applicants should contact their local TOEFL office or go to www.TOEFL.org.
Note: Applicant’s proficiency in English should be sufficient to understand class instruction and to converse comfortably.
Interview Process
Interviews will be scheduled for the third week of September. The Admissions Committee (approximately 10 members) is made up of horticulture staff, instructors, administrators, alumni, and current students. Applicants must be prepared to discuss all aspects of their horticulture experience, their career aspirations, and how the School can help them achieve their goals. We encourage all applicants to present their experience through a work portfolio. Business attire is expected. Applicants from other areas will be interviewed via telephone.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The School of Professional Horticulture has a policy of non-discrimination. It prohibits discriminatory actions against and treatment of applicants for admission based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, gender, disability, age (18 and over), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, marital status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, or status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense or stalking. The New York Botanical Garden is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
Student Retention
| Class of |
2003
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2004
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2005
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2006
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2007
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2008
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2009
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| Number of Students Accepted and Enrolled |
9 |
6
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9
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12
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9
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8
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10
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| Number of Students who did not complete the program |
4
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1
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2
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3
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2
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2
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0
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