Horticulture, Associate in Science
The Associate in Science degree in Horticulture represents a well-rounded education in local landscape horticulture, including plant identification, use and care, and design, installation and management of environmentally responsible landscape gardens and ecological restoration projects. The degree will include at least one of the following specializations: efficient irrigation, integrated pest management, tree care specialist, and ecological horticulture. Students will be well prepared for industry-recognized certifications and well prepared to take responsible roles in the local job market.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Practice basic botany to identify, propagate and cultivate plants in landscape or nursery settings.
- Apply basic principles of garden design with consideration for soil, climate, drainage, water conservation and sustainability.
- Apply principles of integrated pest management to identify, evaluate and rectify pest, disease and nutrition problems of plants in landscape or nursery settings AND/OR Evaluate and rectify landscape irrigation systems for efficiency AND/OR Apply principles of tree care to the selection and management of landscape trees AND/OR Apply knowledge of native plants and sustainable practices to create and manage environmentally positive landscape gardens and restoration projects.
- Identify two hundred horticultural plants by common name, scientific name, and cultivar.
Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| HORT 51 | Introduction to Horticulture I | 3 |
| HORT 52 | Introduction to Horticulture II | 3 |
| HORT 61 | Plant Identification: Shrubs, Vines, and Ground Covers | 3 |
| HORT 62 | Plant Identification: Trees, Annuals, and Perennials | 3 |
| HORT 65 | Basic Landscape Design | 3 |
| Specializations | ||
| Select one of the following Specializations: | 3-6 | |
| Ecological Horticulture | ||
| Growing and Using California Native Plants | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
| Landscape Irrigation | ||
| Irrigation Design and Water Economy | ||
| Landscape Pest Management | ||
| Integrated Pest Management | ||
| Tree Care Specialist | ||
| Tree Care | ||
| Landscape Pruning | ||
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 18-21 | |
| Additional Requirements | 39-42 | |
| Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| ENGL 1A or ENGL 1AE | College Composition or College Composition: Enhanced | 3 |
| LIBR 50 | Introduction to Library and Research Skills | 1 |
| HORT 51 | Introduction to Horticulture I | 3 |
| HORT 61 | Plant Identification: Shrubs, Vines, and Ground Covers | 3 |
| Select one of the following specializations: | 3-6 | |
| Tree Care and Landscape Pruning | ||
| Growing and Using California Native Plants and Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
| Irrigation Design and Water Economy | ||
| Integrated Pest Management | ||
| Elective 1 | 1 | |
| Units | 14-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPC GE Area A2 (MATH 10 or MATH 16 Recommended) | 4 | |
| HORT 52 | Introduction to Horticulture II | 3 |
| HORT 62 | Plant Identification: Trees, Annuals, and Perennials | 3 |
| HORT 65 | Basic Landscape Design | 3 |
| Electives | 2 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MPC GE Area B and Lab (BIOL 31 and BIOL 32 Recommended) | 4 | |
| MPC GE Area C | 3 | |
| Electives | 9 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPC GE Area D | 3 | |
| MPC GE Area F | 3 | |
| Electives 1 | 9 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60-63 | |
- 1
Elective units may not be needed. Please see a counselor for details.
MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.
All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.
Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.