The Second Year Experience
Coursework concentration within the student's particular area of interest usually occurs in the second year of study. Although it is possible to focus on pertinent classes during the first year, second year students are encouraged to take classes that can best enhance their knowledge within their professional area of interest. The University of Delaware School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy (UAPP) and Lerner School of Business MBA program both permit Longwood Graduate Program Fellows in their courses under most circumstances. The Second Year Experience also includes the development and implementation of a professional symposium for peer professionals, usually involving the leadership of the Second Year Fellows to guide the First Year Fellows. Second Year students also participate in the North American Experience (N.A.X.), a week-long trip to public horticulture institutions within a specific region of the continental U.S. and/or Canada. Past destinations have included the San Francisco Bay area and the Pacific Northwest. During N.A.X., each student is responsible for writing a summary of an assigned venue, as well as recording the trip in photos, all which are posted to a blog that is published on the Program's Web site. Finally, but not exclusively, traveling, conducting research, analyzing data, and writing the M.S. thesis consumes a large part of the Second Year Experience, culminating in thesis defense and graduation at the end of the two year program.
The second year also allows for volunteering at Longwood or any other garden in the region, selective participation on the boards of other organizations, and becoming involved with other graduate students and their activities at the University of Delaware.
