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Horticulture

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Horticulture

This degree represents several areas of study in Horticulture: arboriculture, floriculture, landscape horticulture and landscape design, olericulture, pomology, and viticulture. Horticulture is the science, art and skill of plant cultivation and the focus of the program is to prepare horticulturalists to work and do research in the many disciplines the industry has to offer. The degree program concentrates on plant identification, landscape design, construction and maintenance, soils and plant nutrition, plant production and marketing, irrigation and water conservation, integrated pest management, and sustainable horticultural practices. Work experience is required.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 100 Integrated Pest Management in the Landscape 3
HORT 143 Horticulture Skills Development 1
HORT 298 Work Experience in Horticulture 0.5 -4
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition 3
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections 3
HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections 3
HORT 312 Plant Propagation 3
HORT 316 Plant Production, Facilities and Sales 3
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction 3
HORT 322 Landscape and Irrigation Graphics and Design 3
HORT 324 Sustainable Landscape Maintenance 3
HORT 329 Landscape CAD Design 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses (1)
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business (1)
BUS 218 Management Skills for the Small Business (1)
HORT 105 Pest Control Licensing or Certification (2)
HORT 200 Introduction to Retail Floristry (2)
HORT 308 Viticulture-Vineyard Establishment (1)
HORT 309 Viticulture - Sustainable Vineyard Management (1)
HORT 321 Sustainable and Ecolandscape Practices (3)
HORT 326 Landscape Design (3)
HORT 327 Advanced Landscape Design (3)
HORT 330 Small Gas Engines, Outdoor Power Equipment (4)
NATR 330 Native Trees and Shrubs of California (4)
NATR 332 Wildflowers of California (3)
Total Units: 37.5 - 41

The Horticulture Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify and select plant materials that are used for landscapes in the northern California regions.
  • analyze a landscape site and create a complete and appropriate landscape design for that site.
  • analyze a landscape design and apply the sustainable installation procedures necessary to implement the design.
  • assess a landscape and apply the sustainable landscape maintenance operation techniques required.
  • assess a soil analysis and apply the appropriate steps to provide for plant health and soil sustainability.
  • apply the plant production options to produce landscape nursery stock by sexual and asexual methods.
  • diagnose plant pest signs and symptoms.
  • formulate a pest management plan using the principles of integrated pest management and recognizing the requirements for licensing or certification.
  • formulate a marketing plan for a retail nursery and apply the techniques for selling plants and related products.
  • utilize the sustainable methods of plant growth and production for ornamental and edible plant materials.
  • identify and then apply safe operating procedures and practices to all horticultural operations.
  • safely and efficiently operate pesticide application equipment.

Career Information

Horticulturalists find careers in landscape horticulture, which includes the production, marketing and maintenance of landscape plants, as well as the landscape design/build industry, which includes design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor and interior landscapes. Graduates can find careers in the nursery industry, which includes plant production and retail garden centers, and the landscape construction and maintenance industry. Opportunities are with industry, government, education and research, and self employment.


A.S. in Landscape Design Technology

This degree is a bi-disciplinary study of horticulture resources and design fundamentals. It includes an in-depth study of plant materials, irrigation, landscape design, and site planning. Topics such as landscape computer-aided design, surveying, and construction measurement techniques, are also covered.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 110 Irrigation Design 2
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections (3) 3
   or HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections (3)
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction 3
HORT 322 Landscape and Irrigation Graphics and Design 3
HORT 326 Landscape Design 3
HORT 329 Landscape CAD Design 3
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD 3
DESGN 300 Introduction to Design Resources 3
DESGN 350 Surveying and Land Planning 5
Total Units: 34

The Landscape Design Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • select plant materials that are used for landscapes.
  • solve landscape design problems.
  • analyze typical landscape design projects using the design process.
  • communicate landscape design solutions effectively.

Career Information

Landscape architects and landscape architect technicians are responsible for the overall design and detailed drawings of a wide range of projects in outdoor spaces including commercial and residential developments, parks and recreation areas, as well as master plans for the management of forested lands. Employment of landscape architects and landscape architect technicians is expected to increase as a result of the increasing emphasis on sustainability land development and design.

Certificates of Achievement

Horticulture Certificate

This certificate represents several areas of study in Horticulture: arboriculture, floriculture, landscape horticulture and landscape design, olericulture, pomology, and viticulture. Horticulture is the science, art and skill of plant cultivation and the focus of the program is to prepare horticulturalists to work and do research in the many disciplines the industry has to offer. The certificate program concentrates on plant identification, landscape design, construction and maintenance, soils and plant nutrition, plant production and marketing, irrigation and water conservation, integrated pest management, and sustainable horticultural practices.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 100 Integrated Pest Management in the Landscape 3
HORT 143 Horticulture Skills Development 1
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition 3
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections 3
HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections 3
HORT 312 Plant Propagation 3
HORT 316 Plant Production, Facilities and Sales 3
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction 3
HORT 322 Landscape and Irrigation Graphics and Design 3
HORT 324 Sustainable Landscape Maintenance 3
HORT 329 Landscape CAD Design 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
BUS 212 Marketing for Small Businesses (1)
BUS 216 Essential Records for the Small Business (1)
BUS 218 Management Skills for the Small Business (1)
HORT 105 Pest Control Licensing or Certification (2)
HORT 200 Introduction to Retail Floristry (2)
HORT 308 Viticulture-Vineyard Establishment (1)
HORT 309 Viticulture - Sustainable Vineyard Management (1)
HORT 321 Sustainable and Ecolandscape Practices (3)
HORT 326 Landscape Design (3)
HORT 327 Advanced Landscape Design (3)
HORT 330 Small Gas Engines, Outdoor Power Equipment (4)
NATR 330 Native Trees and Shrubs of California (4)
NATR 332 Wildflowers of California (3)
Total Units: 37

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify and select plant materials that are used for landscapes in northern California regions.
  • analyze a landscape site and create a complete landscape design for that site.
  • analyze a landscape design and apply the sustainable installation procedures necessary to implement the design.
  • assess a landscape and apply the sustainable maintenance operation techniques required.
  • assess a soil analysis and apply the appropriate procedures for plant health and soil sustainability.
  • apply the plant production options to produce landscape nursery stock by sexual and asexual methods.
  • diagnose plant pest signs and symptoms.
  • formulate a pest management plan using the principles of integrated pest management and recognizing the requirements for licensing or certification.
  • utilize the sustainable methods of plant growth and production for ornamental and edible plant materials.
  • identify and then apply safe operating procedures and practices to all horticultural operations.
  • safely and efficiently operate pesticide application equipment.

Career Information

Horticulturalists find careers in landscape horticulture, which includes the production, marketing and maintenance of landscape plants, as well as the landscape design/build industry, which includes design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor and interior landscapes. Graduates can find careers in the nursery industry, which includes plant production and retail garden centers, and the landscape construction and maintenance industry. Opportunities are with industry, government, education and research, and self employment.


Landscape Design Technology Certificate

This certificate is a bi-disciplinary study of horticulture resources and design fundamentals. It includes an in-depth study of plant materials, irrigation, landscape design, and site planning. Topics such as landscape computer-aided design, surveying, and construction measurement techniques, are also covered.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 110 Irrigation Design 2
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections (3) 3
   or HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections (3)
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction 3
HORT 322 Landscape and Irrigation Graphics and Design 3
HORT 326 Landscape Design 3
HORT 329 Landscape CAD Design 3
DESGN 301 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) 3
DESGN 302 Technical Documentation with CADD 3
DESGN 300 Introduction to Design Resources 3
DESGN 350 Surveying and Land Planning 5
Total Units: 34

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • select plant materials that are used for landscapes.
  • solve landscape design problems.
  • analyze typical landscape design projects using the design process.
  • communicate landscape design solutions effectively.

Career Information

Landscape architects and landscape architect technicians are responsible for the overall design and detailed drawings of a wide range of projects in outdoor spaces including commercial and residential developments, parks and recreation areas, as well as master plans for the management of forested lands. Employment of landscape architects and landscape architect technicians is expected to increase as a result of the increasing emphasis on sustainability land development and design.

Certificates

Floristry Certificate

The Floristry certificate provides well-balanced training in the fundamentals of floral design, the identification of flowers and foliage, the care of fresh cut product and the sources of floral materials. Courses cover special event floral design such as weddings, funerals and holidays, and prepare students to participate in the varied floral enterprises.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 200 Introduction to Retail Floristry 2
HORT 201 Floral Design 2
HORT 202 Corsage and Wedding Floral Design 2
HORT 203 Sympathy Design and the Mass Market 2
Total Units: 8

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify floral specimens used in commercial floristry by scientific name and availability
  • assess and utilize floral materials and design to create a visually appealing and salable arrangement
  • demonstrate methods in the care and merchandising of floral materials
  • resource and purchase floral materials
  • apply the distinctive marketing skills for both the retail and mass market in the floral industry

Career Information

Completion of the certificate provides satisfactory qualification for employment in retail and mass market floristry industries. The program also is a means to upgrade skills of those already working in the industry.


Horticulture Skills Certificate

This certificate provides individuals with a basic horticulture background and specific experience in landscape installation and plant production. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) skills can be adapted to the needs of each of these horticulture industries.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 100 Integrated Pest Management in the Landscape 3
HORT 143 Horticulture Skills Development 1
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 312 Plant Propagation 3
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction 3
Total Units: 13

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • diagnose plant pest signs and symptoms.
  • formulate a pest management plan using the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
  • recognize basic botanical structure and functions and how plants relate to the environment.
  • demonstrate the hands-on skills used in plant propagation including seed and vegetative techniques.
  • assess and implement hands-on skills of construction operations, such as using wood, pavers, irrigation components, and sustainable soil preparation and grading.
  • identify and comply with the state water regulations that affect landscaping.

Career Information

This certificate helps individuals, new to or already in the field, market themselves to both landscape and plant production horticulture fields.


Landscape Design Certificate

This certificate provides individuals with a basic horticulture background and a broad experience in landscape design, including landscape Computer-Assisted Design and Drafting (CADD).

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections (3) 3
   or HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections (3)
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction 3
HORT 322 Landscape and Irrigation Graphics and Design 3
HORT 326 Landscape Design 3
Total Units: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • recognize basic botanical structure and functions and how plants relate to the environment.
  • develop construction drawings using the components included in a set of landscape plans.
  • assess and apply the use of drafting equipment and techniques as they relate to landscape design and landscape architecture.
  • assess, evaluate, and utilize supportive design techniques such as plant materials, space management, energy conservation, and elevation change and grading.
  • demonstrate the various formats for design presentations.
  • create a new landscape design project using the CADD software program.

Career Information

Career opportunities exist with design firms and landscape contractors.


Plant Production Certificate

This certificate provides individuals with a basic horticulture background and specific experience in landscape plant production, marketing and sales, facilities, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) skills, and license or certificates requirements.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 105 Pest Control Licensing or Certification 2
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 312 Plant Propagation 3
HORT 316 Plant Production, Facilities and Sales 3
Total Units: 11

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • recognize basic botanical structure and functions and how plants relate to the environment
  • propagate plants, including seed and vegetative techniques
  • diagnose plant pest signs and symptoms
  • apply the basic practices involved in commercial nursery operations
  • identify the different display techniques and advertising practices used in the nursery industry
  • recognize the basic principles of pest control and the requirements for licensing and/or certification

Career Information

Career opportunities exist with plant researchers, wholesale nurseries, and retail nurseries.


Sustainable Landscaping Certificate

This certificate provides students with a basic horticulture background and specific experience in sustainable landscape installation and maintenance, including the use of sustainable principles and practices.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 110 Irrigation Design 2
HORT 143 Horticulture Skills Development 1
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections (3) 3
   or HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections (3)
HORT 308 Viticulture-Vineyard Establishment 1
HORT 309 Viticulture - Sustainable Vineyard Management 1
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction (3) 3
   or HORT 324 Sustainable Landscape Maintenance (3)
Total Units: 14

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • recognize basic botanical structure and functions and how plants relate to the environment.
  • assess and implement hands-on skills of construction operations, such as using wood, pavers, irrigation components, and sustainable soil preparation and grading.
  • recognize and comply with the state water regulations that affect landscaping.
  • assess and implement the hands-on skills of sustainable landscape management and their techniques.
  • utilize irrigation water auditing techniques and select equipment to correctly irrigate, schedule, and conserve water in the landscape.
  • compare and contrast conventional and sustainable landscape methods.
  • evaluate existing landscapes to enable maintenance with ecologically sustainable practices.
  • evaluate sustainable products and methods for use in the landscape.
  • demonstrate proper pruning of a plant.
  • demonstrate proper techniques of planting and transplanting.
  • select a proper plant for a given situation.
  • recognize and identify 150 plant species and/or varieties utilizing taxonomic plant key techniques.
  • employ the basic principles of irrigation design.

Career Information

Career opportunities include positions with landscape construction and maintenance firms, as well as within the public sector at various levels including cities, counties and state levels.