Ohio State Launches New Greenhouse Program

The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute (Ohio State ATI) recently approved a new greenhouse engineering technology specialization in their greenhouse and nursery management major. This program is unique in its engineering approach to traditional horticulture technology education and is the only two-year program in the U.S. for greenhouse engineering technology.

This new specialization, which merges traditional horticulture technology, engineering technology, and new greenhouse engineering technology courses, prepares students to manage modern greenhouses equipped with advanced technologies.

During their time in the program, students learn to use sensors, control strategies and actuators to make possible the computerized control of the greenhouse environment. Students will learn about electro-mechanical equipment such as fans, pumps and motors. In addition, students will experience automated irrigation systems, pesticide application equipment, and material handling systems such as seeding and transplanting equipment.

This program grants an associate of applied science degree upon completion of 63 credit hours. Students earn up to 35 credit hours in horticulture and other technical courses including two newly-designed classes focused on engineering technologies. These courses offer hands-on identification, operation, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of greenhouse equipment.

Coursework will be augmented with video learning modules and invited guest lectures from the industry, the result of a collaborative effort to bring together controlled environment plant production expertise and knowledge previously scattered across the United States. The modules were developed by The Ohio State University, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, and The University of Arizona with support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture that is part of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Students will have internship opportunities available to them through commercial production greenhouses, institution research/teaching greenhouses, and equipment suppliers.

For more information about the program, contact Uttara Samarakoon at 330-287-1241 or via e-mail atsamarakoonbasnagala.1@osu.edu.