Horticulture

The Horticulture program provides a broad range of instructional services. It provides (1) occupational training for students who intend to receive a technical degree and work in horticulture; (2) supplemental technical training for current horticultural employees; (3) instruction for community members interested in a specific aspect of horticulture; and (4) instruction for students interested in continuing their education in a four-year college program.

The Horticulture curriculum is based on competencies identified and reviewed by industry representatives and agricultural educators. Students study principles of horticulture, crop science and soil science with an emphasis on sustainable production and ecologically sound resource management.

Students develop the skills necessary for entry-and mid-level technical employments and for entering a four-year college program. Opportunities exist for horticulture students in arboriculture, floriculture, greenhouse operation and management, landscape planning and maintenance, retail landscape and garden center sales, nursery operation and management, and turf management.

The Horticulture curricula lead to an Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) or a certificate of completion. Most classes in the Horticulture program are offered during the day, and part-time enrollment is common. Many students start in the middle of the academic year. Some courses are only offered every other year.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Horticulture will:

• Propagate, grow, and maintain plants in landscapes and horticultural production systems.
• Develop creative solutions to production, environmental, and social issues in the horticultural industry.
• Successfully compete in the job market for a position in the horticultural industry.

Program Requirements

Full-time students can complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in two years if they meet the prerequisite basic skill requirements as determined through the Computerized Placement Test. Students are expected to have basic mathematical, reading, and writing skills. To graduate with an AAS degree, students need to complete a four-credit algebra course (MTH 065 Elementary Algebra) in addition to fulfilling other Related Instruction requirements.

Facilities

Instructional facilities, including a greenhouse, laboratories, garden field plots, ornamental gardens, and the campus grounds, are used for skill building and demonstrations.