Horticulture

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$12,949*

Grow your career in a green business

Learn the essential science and art of plant-centered enterprises with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in horticulture. This well-rounded program prepares you for a career that starts with hands-on work and leads to managing a small business or starting your own.

Gain the skills used by local employers, including:

  • plant identification
  • plant pest and disease management
  • green business management
  • soil management
  • sustainable landscape management
  • sustainable agriculture

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Horticulture?

Your Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) gives you specific skills as well as a breadth of vision to launch toward your long-term goals. You’re ready to start your career in a range of plant-centered businesses or organizations. You can go to work in a local landscape company, an environmental consulting firm or a start-up. You may serve the community by working for a city, a park district or a public land management agency.

  • landscape maintenance technician or supervisor
  • horticulture production technician or supervisor
  • land management technician or supervisor
  • landscape designer

Highlights

  • Stackable Credentials

    Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    HRT 121

    HRT 121 Introduction to Horticulture

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to basic plant taxonomy, terminology, anatomy, physiology and the functions/responses of plants. Professions working with the culture and use of plants and applications of plant science will be included.
         		3
    BIO 120

    BIO 120 Environmental Biology

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
         		4
    HRT 125

    HRT 125 Tree and Shrub Identification

    Class Description

    This course covers the identification of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs by their common and botanic names. Emphasis is placed on trees and shrubs commonly used in the landscape and their key characteristics. Field study will compliment lectures.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 121
      Course Title

      HRT 121 Introduction to Horticulture

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to basic plant taxonomy, terminology, anatomy, physiology and the functions/responses of plants. Professions working with the culture and use of plants and applications of plant science will be included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 120
      Course Title

      BIO 120 Environmental Biology

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 125
      Course Title

      HRT 125 Tree and Shrub Identification

      Class Description

      This course covers the identification of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs by their common and botanic names. Emphasis is placed on trees and shrubs commonly used in the landscape and their key characteristics. Field study will compliment lectures.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 222

    BIO 222 General Botany

    Class Description

    This course is a comparative study of organisms including photosynthetic protists, fungi, and plants. Morphology, both microscopic and macroscopic, and lifecycle are emphasized with a focus on evolutionary advancements within the taxa. Identification includes representative species of each taxa in addition to plant family characteristics. Ecology with an emphasis on plant conservation is included.
         		4
    HRT 222

    HRT 222 Greenhouse Crop Production and Management

    Class Description

    This course covers the production of greenhouse crops, the cultural practices required for growth and the management of greenhouse production facilities. Seeding, watering, fertilization, containers, growing medias, temperature control, and insect and disease control will be covered. Bedding plants and containerized crops will be grown throughout the semester.
         		3
    HRT 225

    HRT 225 Green Business & Entrepreneurship

    Class Description

    This course addresses the fundamental business skills needed to run or manage a horticulture-related business or small farm enterprise. Issues including establishing wholesale accounts for purchasing, hiring and managing seasonal employees, creating client contracts and creating value-added products are covered. Various farm-to-market models such as CSAs vs. wholesale distribution will be reviewed. This class also covers front office issues like creating billing statements, responding to "requests for proposals" and marketing seasonal products.
         		3
    CMM 111

    CMM 111 Communication Skills

    Class Description

    For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Course Code BIO 222
      Course Title

      BIO 222 General Botany

      Class Description

      This course is a comparative study of organisms including photosynthetic protists, fungi, and plants. Morphology, both microscopic and macroscopic, and lifecycle are emphasized with a focus on evolutionary advancements within the taxa. Identification includes representative species of each taxa in addition to plant family characteristics. Ecology with an emphasis on plant conservation is included.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 222
      Course Title

      HRT 222 Greenhouse Crop Production and Management

      Class Description

      This course covers the production of greenhouse crops, the cultural practices required for growth and the management of greenhouse production facilities. Seeding, watering, fertilization, containers, growing medias, temperature control, and insect and disease control will be covered. Bedding plants and containerized crops will be grown throughout the semester.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 225
      Course Title

      HRT 225 Green Business & Entrepreneurship

      Class Description

      This course addresses the fundamental business skills needed to run or manage a horticulture-related business or small farm enterprise. Issues including establishing wholesale accounts for purchasing, hiring and managing seasonal employees, creating client contracts and creating value-added products are covered. Various farm-to-market models such as CSAs vs. wholesale distribution will be reviewed. This class also covers front office issues like creating billing statements, responding to "requests for proposals" and marketing seasonal products.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 111
      Course Title

      CMM 111 Communication Skills

      Class Description

      For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HRT 126

    HRT 126 Entomology

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the importance of insects to humans. Topics include insect biology, principles of pest management, natural and applied insect control, and insect pests of vegetables, fruit, and ornamental plants. Laboratory includes observation, identification, and diagnosis of insect plant pests.
         		3
    HRT 127

    HRT 127 Perennials, Annuals and Weeds

    Class Description

    This course covers the identification, care, and maintenance of herbaceous plants including perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, vines, groundcovers and weeds. Approximately 600+ plants will be covered in this course. Students will review materials through photo and herbarium samples.
         		3
    HRT 162

    HRT 162 Sustainable Landscape Management

    Class Description

    This course is focused on foundational landscape maintenance practices with the additional dimension of sustainability. Content includes planting, soil care/preparation, pruning, general turf care, and pest identification and control. It explores how all these practices are adapting around sustainable standards, and also covers new approaches such as greenroof systems, living walls, gray water catchment systems, rain gardens, bioswales, water quality treatment with plants, phytoremediation (plants) and mycoremediation (fungi) techniques for treating contaminated soils to create more sustainable landscapes and green infrastructure. Students will gain an understanding of how these approaches work, what is involved to design and build them, how to assess construction materials and costs, and operation of basic maintenance equipment. NOTE: Up to three labs will require field trips off campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites.
         		3
    HRT 221

    HRT 221 Plant Propagation

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the techniques and procedures involved in propagating plants. Sexual and asexual methods are practiced along with environmental conditions needed to promote growth and development. Seed propagating and grafting will be included.
         		3
    GEG 122

    GEG 122 Cultural Geography

    Class Description

    This introductory social science survey course is designed to help students acquire geographic knowledge about human cultural trends and activities. A wide range of current and urgent world concerns such as population control, cultural differences, urbanization, economic livelihoods, and state and nation systems, are placed in a human-geographic context. The course will also assist students gain better geographic perceptions on current world affairs.
         		3
    • Course Code HRT 126
      Course Title

      HRT 126 Entomology

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the importance of insects to humans. Topics include insect biology, principles of pest management, natural and applied insect control, and insect pests of vegetables, fruit, and ornamental plants. Laboratory includes observation, identification, and diagnosis of insect plant pests.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 127
      Course Title

      HRT 127 Perennials, Annuals and Weeds

      Class Description

      This course covers the identification, care, and maintenance of herbaceous plants including perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, vines, groundcovers and weeds. Approximately 600+ plants will be covered in this course. Students will review materials through photo and herbarium samples.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 162
      Course Title

      HRT 162 Sustainable Landscape Management

      Class Description

      This course is focused on foundational landscape maintenance practices with the additional dimension of sustainability. Content includes planting, soil care/preparation, pruning, general turf care, and pest identification and control. It explores how all these practices are adapting around sustainable standards, and also covers new approaches such as greenroof systems, living walls, gray water catchment systems, rain gardens, bioswales, water quality treatment with plants, phytoremediation (plants) and mycoremediation (fungi) techniques for treating contaminated soils to create more sustainable landscapes and green infrastructure. Students will gain an understanding of how these approaches work, what is involved to design and build them, how to assess construction materials and costs, and operation of basic maintenance equipment. NOTE: Up to three labs will require field trips off campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 221
      Course Title

      HRT 221 Plant Propagation

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the techniques and procedures involved in propagating plants. Sexual and asexual methods are practiced along with environmental conditions needed to promote growth and development. Seed propagating and grafting will be included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code GEG 122
      Course Title

      GEG 122 Cultural Geography

      Class Description

      This introductory social science survey course is designed to help students acquire geographic knowledge about human cultural trends and activities. A wide range of current and urgent world concerns such as population control, cultural differences, urbanization, economic livelihoods, and state and nation systems, are placed in a human-geographic context. The course will also assist students gain better geographic perceptions on current world affairs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HRT 129

    HRT 129 Plant Pathology

    Class Description

    An introductory course in plant pathology covering the biology and management of agents causing disease and growing disorders. Students study these agents and the problems that they cause, along with possible management tools.
         		3
    HRT 124

    HRT 124 Introduction to Soils

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the science and function of native and artificial soils as they relate to plants and the environment. Topics on formation, physical characteristics, nutrient content and availability, water movement, taxonomy and biota interactions are covered.
         		4
    HRT 280

    HRT 280 Horticulture Practicum

    Class Description

    This course is a special project arranged by the HRT faculty member and student or work experience, and addresses a specific area of interest to the student. Lecture/lab ratio is variable depending upon the extent of project and time committed.
         		1
    HRT 265

    HRT 265 Forestry Management

    Class Description

    This course covers the care and maintenance of trees and forests. Tree identification, care and pruning are covered, as well as special topics of pruning techniques, rope work, tree climbing and mapping/inventory technology.
         		3
    HRT 132

    HRT 132 Sustainable Food Crop Production Methods

    Class Description

    This course covers a range of practical field production methods including season extension practices like floating row covers, cold frames and high tunnels, and annual fruit and vegetable crop planning. Students will explore intercropping, vertical growing, successional planting and other harvest maximization techniques though lecture and lab. Sustainable practices for regional climate and soil conditions and organic growing methods are emphasized.
         		3
    EWE 120

    EWE 120 Job Readiness Skills

    Class Description

    This course focuses on job readiness skills to prepare students to apply for an internship/job, improve in a current internship/job, or successfully work towards a promotion. Topics covered include networking, resume writing, interviewing, social media tools, self-awareness, conflict resolution and time management.
         		1
    • Course Code HRT 129
      Course Title

      HRT 129 Plant Pathology

      Class Description

      An introductory course in plant pathology covering the biology and management of agents causing disease and growing disorders. Students study these agents and the problems that they cause, along with possible management tools.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 124
      Course Title

      HRT 124 Introduction to Soils

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the science and function of native and artificial soils as they relate to plants and the environment. Topics on formation, physical characteristics, nutrient content and availability, water movement, taxonomy and biota interactions are covered.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 280
      Course Title

      HRT 280 Horticulture Practicum

      Class Description

      This course is a special project arranged by the HRT faculty member and student or work experience, and addresses a specific area of interest to the student. Lecture/lab ratio is variable depending upon the extent of project and time committed.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 265
      Course Title

      HRT 265 Forestry Management

      Class Description

      This course covers the care and maintenance of trees and forests. Tree identification, care and pruning are covered, as well as special topics of pruning techniques, rope work, tree climbing and mapping/inventory technology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HRT 132
      Course Title

      HRT 132 Sustainable Food Crop Production Methods

      Class Description

      This course covers a range of practical field production methods including season extension practices like floating row covers, cold frames and high tunnels, and annual fruit and vegetable crop planning. Students will explore intercropping, vertical growing, successional planting and other harvest maximization techniques though lecture and lab. Sustainable practices for regional climate and soil conditions and organic growing methods are emphasized.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code EWE 120
      Course Title

      EWE 120 Job Readiness Skills

      Class Description

      This course focuses on job readiness skills to prepare students to apply for an internship/job, improve in a current internship/job, or successfully work towards a promotion. Topics covered include networking, resume writing, interviewing, social media tools, self-awareness, conflict resolution and time management.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

62

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

Horticulture at CLC

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An A.A.S. is just one possible way to study horticulture. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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Frequently asked questions

What students say about CLC


  • A close-up of a handful of raspberries picked on the Campus Farm.

    Yesenia Mercado

    Graduate

    “I learned so much from the people at CLC: peers, colleagues, coworkers, instructors. It's a great learning community.”

    Yesenia studied horticulture at CLC and worked on the Campus Farm. She believes knowing what you eat and where it comes from leads to healthier lives and stronger communities.

    Read Yesenia's story

    A close-up of a handful of raspberries picked on the Campus Farm.

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