Horticulture, Certificate of Achievement
The Certificate of Achievement 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 certificate will include at least one of the following specializations: efficient irrigation, integrated pest management, tree care specialist, and ecological horticulture. Students will earn or be partially prepared to earn industry-recognized certifications and will be qualified to take responsible positions with local employers or to become self-employed.
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.
Certificate of Achievement 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 |
| Select one of the following specializations: | 3-6 | |
| Ecological Horticulture | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
| Growing and Using California Native Plants | ||
| Landscape Irrigation | ||
| Irrigation Design and Water Economy | ||
| Landscape Pest Management | ||
| Integrated Pest Management | ||
| Tree Care Specialist | ||
| Tree Care | ||
| Landscape Pruning | ||
| Total Units | 18-21 | |
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.
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.
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.