Horticulture Department | 1 AS - Associate of Science Degree | 2 years

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• communicate complex ideas by demonstrating an ability to gather and analyze data, construct evidence-based arguments and critically evaluate information;
• demonstrate an understanding of how horticulture integrates with contemporary social and environmental issues;
• apply critical thinking to assess a horticulture system: diagnose problems and recommend solutions;
• identify common woody and herbaceous plants in the landscape.

CAREERS

Career opportunities include:

• nursery and garden center manager and associate
• nursery production
• greenhouse grower
• organic food production
• supply and equipment sales
• landscape design
• installation and maintenance worker
• parks department personnel
• groundskeeper

JOB MARKET

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS (NALP)

It is the only nationally recognized endorsement offered to colleges with landscape/horticulture curricula. It is designed to recognize schools with landscape contracting curricula that meet or exceed industry standards. Visit the NALP web site.

PROGRAM CODES: AS.HORT

The Horticulture Department provides quality education and training for industry and community members. Greenhouse, nursery, landscape, arboriculture, and organic farming courses integrate technical knowledge, critical thinking and environmental stewardship.

Horticulture is a hands-on, project-based curriculum with a variety of lecture-lab style classes where students practice industry related skills and experience growing and caring for plants in all seasons throughout the year. Learning activities involve students in the day-to-day operation of a wide range of power and hand tools used in the trade, including: mowers, rototillers, tractors, skid steer loader, pruning tools and greenhouse equipment. Students cultivate plants in CCC’s extensive farm, ornamental gardens and greenhouse facilities. This degree sets a foundation for general horticulture, while allowing students to “choose their own adventure” with a wide selection of elective courses that meet their interests. 

Students may begin this program any term, although a fall start is recommended. Following the course offerings in the order listed will allow for completion in the one or two-year period.

RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES

Computation (1 course- MTH-050 Technical Mathematics I or MTH-065 Algebra II or higher)

• Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems.

Communication (1 course- WR-101 Communication Skills: Occupational Writing or WR-121 English Composition)

• Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences.

Human Relations (1 course- BA-285 Human Relations in Business or COMM-100 Basic Speech Communication)

• Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.

Physical Education/Health/Safety/First Aid (1 course- HOR-115 Horticulture Safety)

• Use effective life skills to improve and maintain mental and physical wellbeing. 

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• demonstrate a broad range of skills in the production and maintenance of plants, including: safe use of tools and equipment, propagation from seeds and cuttings, landscape maintenance activities, growing in a greenhouse environment, and vegetable bed preparation;
• identify common woody plants in the landscape;
• recognize and evaluate key pests and propose solutions based on IPM  strategies;
• use a basic understanding of plant biology and soil science to make sound decisions in the production and maintenance of plants;
• display effective decision making, time management and project management skills in the horticulture industry;
• communicate effectively with co-workers and customers through speaking, writing and computer technology.

Students are eligible to sit for the Oregon Certified Nursery Professional Exam. Students completing the Horticulture Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher, are eligible to take the Oregon Landscape Contractors License exam.

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSFER AGREEMENT

Some horticulture classes transfer to Oregon State University as part of a bachelor’s degree. Horticulture students planning to continue their studies at a four-year college should consult the Horticulture advisor to obtain the most recent transfer information.