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

Required Core
HORT 51Introduction to Horticulture I3
HORT 52Introduction to Horticulture II3
HORT 61Plant Identification: Shrubs, Vines, and Ground Covers3
HORT 62Plant Identification: Trees, Annuals, and Perennials3
HORT 65Basic Landscape Design3
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 UNITS18-21
Additional Requirements39-42
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 Units60

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallUnits
ENGL 1A
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
 Units14-17
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
 Units15
Year 2
Fall
MPC GE Area B and Lab (BIOL 31 and BIOL 32 Recommended) 4
MPC GE Area C 3
Electives 9
 Units16
Spring
MPC GE Area D 3
MPC GE Area F 3
Electives 1 9
 Units15
 Total Units60-63
1

Elective units may not be needed. Please see a counselor for details. 

Ready to Work!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.