Delaware Valley University and Longwood Gardens Sign Transfer Agreement

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., —(2/1/18) —Delaware Valley University and Longwood Gardens signed an agreement on Wednesday, Jan. 31, that will provide a new pathway to a bachelor’s degree for high-achieving horticulture students. Under the agreement, students who graduate from the highly selective Professional Gardener Program offered by Longwood Gardens will be guaranteed admission into DelVal’s horticulture program, will be able to transfer credits toward a DelVal bachelor’s degree in horticulture, and will be eligible for generous transfer scholarships.

“The University is pleased to partner with Longwood Gardens in this collaborative effort to give high-achieving horticulture students a new pathway to a bachelor’s degree in horticulture,” said DelVal President Dr. Maria Gallo. “We look forward to welcoming students from the Professional Gardener Program to our campus.”

The Professional Gardener Program is a two-year program offered to students by Longwood Gardens at no cost. The program accepts eight to 10 high school graduates who have at least one year of paid work experience in horticulture. Students prepare for employment as professional horticulturalists in public, private and commercial horticulture.

“We are delighted to partner with Delaware Valley University in this important initiative that offers graduates of our esteemed Professional Gardener Program an exciting opportunity to continue their horticultural education,” said Sarah Cathcart, vice president, education at Longwood Gardens. “Both programs value hands-on, real-world learning coupled with rigorous course work, ensuring students are well prepared for successful and rewarding careers.”    

Graduates of the Professional Gardener Program will receive up to 55 credits toward a DelVal bachelor’s degree.

“Students will also be eligible for scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $21,000 a year if they continue as full-time students, and $1,000 to 1,500 a semester for part-time study,” said Art Goon, DelVal’s vice president for enrollment management.

The University’s horticulture program and the Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program both emphasize real-world experience.

“The Professional Gardener Program combines hands-on education and a rigorous academic curriculum,” said Dr. Ben Rusiloski, DelVal’s vice president for academic affairs.  “Those elements are consistent with DelVal’s commitment to experiential learning and excellence in our curriculum.”

About Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world, encompassing 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and a 4-acre grand Conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by founder Pierre S. du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education, and the arts. Longwood’s foremost influence on American horticulture has been through its Education programs, in keeping with Mr. du Pont’s desire to establish “a school where students and others may receive instruction in the arts of horticulture and floriculture.” Since 1958, thousands of students from all over the world have participated in one or more of Longwood’s intensive programs, ranging from School & Youth Programs, which educate more than 30,000 students both online and in person each year, to the two-year Professional Gardener Program to the Longwood Fellows Program. Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in many of the country’s top horticultural institutions. For more information, visit www.longwoodgardens.org.                

About Delaware Valley University
Delaware Valley University is an independent, comprehensive university with more than 1,000 acres in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Founded in 1896, DelVal emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning and provides small class sizes where students learn on a first-name basis. Through the innovative Experience360 Program, all DelVal students gain real-world experience in their fields. Located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, DelVal combines the comfort of small-town living with the excitement of big-city access. DelVal offers more than 25 undergraduate majors in the sciences, humanities, and business, more than five master’s programs, a Doctor of Education and a variety of adult education courses.