Horticulture Diploma (EH12)  Diploma


Program Description:

The Horticulture diploma program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for careers in environmental horticulture. The program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to retrain or upgrade present knowledge and skills.

Click here to download the Environmental Horticulture Student Track for success.

Entrance date: Each semester

Program admission requirements:

Minimum Test Scores

ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION – Reading 224 ACCUPLACER- Sentence Skills 60
Writing 236 Reading Comprehension 55
Arithmetic 237 Arithmetic 34

Credits required for graduation: 44

Basic Skills Courses 8 credits
ENGL 1010

Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

3
MATH 1012

Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.

3
EMPL 1000

Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

2
Occupational Courses 21 credits
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

3
HORT 1000

Introduces the fundamentals of plant science and horticulture as a career field. Emphasis will be placed on an industry overview; plant morphology; plant physiology; environmental factors affecting horticulture practices; soil physical and chemical properties; fertilizer elements and analysis; and basic propagation techniques.

3
HORT 1010

Provides the basis for a fundamental understanding of the taxonomy, identification, and culture requirements of woody plants. Topics include: introduction to woody plants, classification of woody plants, and woody plant identification and culture requirements.

3
HORT 1020

Emphasizes the identification,selection,and cultural requirements of herbaceous plants. Topics include: introduction to herbaceous plants, plant classification and nomenclature of herbaceous plants, herbaceous plant identification and culture requirements and seasonal color management.

3
HORT 1080

This course provides an introduction to the principles and mechanisms of integrated pest management across a diverse array of pests including insects, weeds, plant pathogens, nematodes and vertebrates. Specifically, the course will provide students with a fundamental and practical understanding of integrated pest management in a landscape setting with emphasis on pest identification and control; pesticide application safety; and legal requirements for state licensure.

3
HORT 1150

This internship/practicum allows the student to become involved in an actual job placement or practicum experience. Environmental horticulture applications that require practice and follow through are emphasized. Topics include: work ethics, skills, and attitudes; demands within the horticulture industry; horticultural business management; and labor supervision.

3
XXXX xxxx Occupational Elective 3
Completion of one of two specializations:
General Horticulture Specialization-8GH2 15 credits 15
HORT 1030

This course helps to prepare students for a career in the management of commercial greenhouses, conservatories and institutional greenhouses. Emphasis is placed on greenhouse construction; operation and management; regulating and controlling the environment; applying cultural practices as they affect plant physiological processes and influence plant growth and development; and management of a greenhouse business.

4
HORT 1040

This course helps develop skills needed to prepare an area for plant and vital non-plant materials as well as install the landscape items as intended by the designer. Topics include: Workplace safety, retaining wall construction, landscape paving, irrigation and drainage, plant installation, and managerial functions related to landscape installation.

3
HORT 1041

This course develops fundamental skills in landscape construction with an emphasis on landscape grading, drainage, retaining walls, and pavements. Topics include workplace safety, site preparation, project layout, construction methods, sequencing, and managerial functions.

4
HORT 1050

Develops skills necessary to propagate and produce both container and field grown nursery stock. Topics include: industry overview, facility design, propagation techniques and environment, field grown and container production, and managerial functions for nursery production.

4
HORT 1060

Introduces design principles, drawing skills, and plant selection techniques required to produce landscape plans for residential/commercial clients. Topics include: landscape design principles, sketching and drawing skills, site analysis, plant and material selection, and landscape design process.

4
HORT 1070

This course develops skills needed for the proper selection, installation, and establishment of landscape trees, shrubs, groundcovers, turf and flowers. Topics include workplace safety, interpreting a landscape plan, soil preparation, planting methods, post care and establishment, and managerial functions for landscape installers.

4
HORT 1100

Introduces the fundamentals of small scale agriculture with a sustainable approach. Emphasis will be placed on an industry overview, history and foundation of sustainable practices, management and fertility of soils, pest management, and economic and marketing theory and practices.

3
HORT 1110

Continues hands-on experience in food-crop production to be sold direct to the consumer, at farmers markets or CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture). Topics include farm safety, farm design and development, propagation, production, harvesting, packaging, and marketing.

4
HORT 1120

This course introduces cultural techniques required for proper landscape management with emphasis on practical application and managerial techniques. Topics include: landscape management, safe operation and maintenance of landscape equipment, and administrative functions for landscape managers.

4
HORT 1140

This course presents managerial techniques required for business success in a chosen horticultural field. All aspects of establishing and managing a small business will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on strategic planning; financial management; marketing strategies; human resource management; and operations and administration.

3
HORT 1310

Provides students with exposure to the basic principles of hydraulics and fluidics. Special attention is given to watering plant materials in various soil and climatic conditions through the use of irrigation. Topics include: industry overview; fluidics and hydraulics; system design and installation.

4
HORT 1330

A study of turfgrass used in the southern United States. Topics include: industry overview, soil and soil modification; soil fertility; turf installation; turf maintenance, turf diseases, insects and weeds: and estimating costs on management practices.

4
HORT 1410

This course introdcues students to the basic fundamentals of soil science including: soil formation and classification; physical, chemical and biological characteristics; soil fertility and productivity; and soil management and conservation practices.

3
HORT 1560

Introduces computer aided landscape design techniques and used in landscape design projects. Emphasis is placed on practical application of landscape design processes through use of computer applications. Topics include: software commands; scale and layers operations; and drawing and design.

4
HORT 1720

This course introduces the basic concepts and practices of floral design. Topics include: introduction to floral design; principles and elements of design used in floral compositions; identification of commonly used floral materials; conditioning and storing cut flowers; mechanics and supplies of flower arranging; construction of basic geometric designs; and corsage construction.

4
HORT 1730
Prerequisite: HORT 1720

Advanced floral design theory; techniques and skills which enhances students' ability to design with cut and dried floral materials with emphasis on party, wedding, sympathy and high-style floral designs.

4
Landscape Management Specialization-8LM2 15 credits 15
HORT 1120

This course introduces cultural techniques required for proper landscape management with emphasis on practical application and managerial techniques. Topics include: landscape management, safe operation and maintenance of landscape equipment, and administrative functions for landscape managers.

4
HORT 1310

Provides students with exposure to the basic principles of hydraulics and fluidics. Special attention is given to watering plant materials in various soil and climatic conditions through the use of irrigation. Topics include: industry overview; fluidics and hydraulics; system design and installation.

4
HORT 1330

A study of turfgrass used in the southern United States. Topics include: industry overview, soil and soil modification; soil fertility; turf installation; turf maintenance, turf diseases, insects and weeds: and estimating costs on management practices.

4
XXXX xxxx Occupational Elective 3
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