Career Description

An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Horticulture is the gateway to a wide variety of careers in the ever-growing horticulture industry. Employment opportunities can be found in greenhouse production, landscaping, floral design and sales, as well as horticulture therapy, interior plantscaping, plant and flower brokering, and freelance design. Careers available are largely dependent on your goals.

Program Information

For 40+ years CLC has been training students for careers in horticulture. The Horticulture Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree covers a broad spectrum of the horticulture industry. While completing their A.A.S. Degree, students may also complete the Sustainable Local Food Certificate, Sustainable Greenhouse Diploma, or Sustainable Landscaping Diploma. 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. 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 many other activities connected with plants.

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:

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Transfer Opportunities:

Courses may transfer to many four-year universities. Students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor about transfer information for specific four-year colleges.

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.