Horticulture A.A.S. Degree

Why Choose Horticulture A.A.S. Degree at CLC?

• Love Plants? Learn what makes them grow, and thrive

• Learn hands on how to grow plants traditionally and through both aquaponics and hydroponics in a state of the art greenhouse

• Identify and incorporate all plants (annuals to trees) in gardens indoors, outdoors, and in floral arrangements

• Our Instructors have industry knowledge and a strong passion to help students succeed before and after graduation.

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About the Program

Do you like the idea of spending time in a warm and sunny greenhouse, or enjoy the outdoors and have an interest in a sustainable environment? Do you have a love of plants, flowers and/or trees? Maybe you have a desire to grow your own delicious and healthful produce? If you answered yes to any or all of these, you should consider horticulture for your career!

One of the best things about horticulture is the number of different specialties and career opportunities available. This variety allows people with different backgrounds, skills and interests to find satisfying careers. For 40+ years Central Lakes College (CLC) has been training students to become professionals. CLC students appreciate the hands-on instruction and practice they receive; planting and caring for plants in the greenhouse; being able to identify and design with the many annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees; and participating in so many other activities connected with plants.

Program Information

Program Course Requirements

Special Department Information:

HORTICULTURE A.A.S. DEGREE
Program Course Requirements

First Year – Fall Semester
HORT 1104 Plant Science (4 cr)
HORT 1106 Applied Plant Science Lab (2 cr)
HORT 2112 Sustainable Greenhouse Production (5 cr)
HORT 1108 Fundamentals of Floral Design (4 cr)
Total 15 Credits

Spring Semester
HORT 1196 Sustainable Greenhouse Management (4 cr)
HORT 1180 Sustainable Landscaping (3 cr)
HORT 1122 Local Food Production (3 cr)
General Education (6 cr)
Total 16 Credits

Second Year – Fall Semester
HORT 1113 Annuals and Perennials (4 cr)
HORT 2140 Arboriculture (4 cr)
HORT 2165 Landscape Design (4 cr)
General Education (3 cr)
Total 15 Credits

Spring Semester
HORT 1118 Indoor Flowering & Foliage Plants (4 cr)
HORT 2116 Integrated Pest Management (4 cr)
General Education (6 cr)
Total 14 Credits

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT – 60 CREDITS
*Denotes Prerequisites

Program Planning Form

Click here to download the Horticulture AAS Degree Program Planning Form (PDF)

Detailed Program Information

Career Description: An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Horticulture is the gateway to a wide variety of careers in the huge and ever-growing horticulture industry. Depending on the emphasis chosen by the graduate, ornamental and edible plant production, greenhouse production, landscaping, floriculture and golf course maintenance are all occupations that are available to a graduate in this field.

Program Information: The A.A.S. in Horticulture covers a broad spectrum of the horticulture industry. Most students who receive their A.A.S. in Horticulture also select one (or two) of the diploma programs of interest to them. Students may select topics from landscaping, greenhouse production, and/or floral design to meet the technical elective requirement of this program.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in horticulture careers;
Identify regional and Minnesota plants by common name, genus and species;
Propagate, grow, and maintain plants in horticultural production systems;
Identify and prescribe sustainable options in horticulture which benefit the environment while maintaining productivity and economic viability;
Design, construct and install plants for landscape projects;
Apply effective communication and interpersonal skills with co-workers, supervisors, suppliers and customers.

Special Program Requirements:

Admissions: The Horticulture Program is offered as a full-time day program. Because of the sequencing of courses, it is best to begin this program Fall semester. However, many students begin in the spring and successfully complete the degree.

Transfer Opportunities: Articulation agreements are currently in place with the University of Minnesota. You may attend your first two years of college at Central Lakes College and transfer your credits to further your degree in Agricultural Education or Horticulture at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities or Crookston Campuses. Courses can also be transferred to many other four-year colleges such as North Dakota State University. It is important to check with advisors or counselors about transferability to these or other colleges before your first semester to take full advantage of current agreements.

Career Opportunities: Employment opportunities can be found in greenhouse production, landscaping, floral design, and sales, as well as horticulture therapy, interior plantscaping, and plant and flower brokering.

Career Titles: Careers available are largely dependent on your goals. It is best to discuss your goals with a counselor for proper course selection. Some common career titles in this field include landscape designer, landscape salesperson, landscape installation foreman, propagator, plant consultant, greenhouse supply representative, pest control coordinator, landscape business owner/manager, and lawn maintenance business owner/manager. Other career areas include ornamental plant pest control, irrigation/sprinkler installation foreman, nursery/garden center sales, wholesale nursery sales, nursery supply sales, floral design, flower shop sales, wholesale flower sales, flower broker, interior plant rental, interior plant maintenance, and free-lance design.