Master Grower

This certificate will allow students who are interested in becoming Master Growers to develop the business skills needed to start and run their own nurseries and greenhouses as Master Growers or to increase their employability in local businesses.

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The goal of the program is occupational skill development. DVC already offers well-established certificates in agriculture plant science, nursery and greenhouse management, landscape design,and arboriculture, which prepare students for employment in these industries or for a four-year degree. This certificate specifically addresses the need for Master Growers, who are often employed in the growing legal cannabis industry.This certificate includes small business or entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, and marketing classes, so students can acquire the skills needed to start and run their own nursery or greenhouse businesses as a Master Grower or enhance their employability in the industry.

This certificate meets the mission of Diablo Valley College by providing career and technical education and supporting the economic development of the Bay Area. Many students who get certificates from the Horticulture unit express interest in becoming Master Growers and starting their own nurseries. The addition of small business or entrepreneurship,bookkeeping, and marketing classes increases the chances for their success.Healthy businesses support communities, provide jobs, and improve community resilience.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
HORT-110	Introduction to Horticulture and Plant Science	4	Y1, S1
HORT-125	Integrated Pest Management	4	Y1, S2
HORT-151	Controlled Environment Growing	3	Y2, S1
plus at least 3 units from:
HORT-163	Nursery and Greenhouse Practices: Summer/Fall	3	Y1, S1 or S2
HORT-168	Nursery and Greenhouse Practices Winter/Spring	3	Y1, S1 or S2
plus at least 3 units from:
BUSMG-191	Small Business Management	3	Y1, S2
BUSMG-192	Entrepreneurship and Venture Management	3	Y1, S2
plus at least 3 units from:
BUSAC-185	Quickbooks Accounting for Business I	1.5	Y2, S1 or S2
BUSAC-186	Quickbooks Accounting for Business II	1.5	Y2, S1 or S2
BUSMK-259	Digital Marketing Fundamentals	3	Y2, S1 or S2
BUSMK-260	Social Media Marketing	3	Y2, S1 or S2

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No other similar programs identified in service area.