Associate in Science: Environmental Horticulture

Provides an introductory base of plant knowledge and horticultural skills in the design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes and related horticulture industries. Students may specialize in various fields of study such as irrigation, propagation, design,and floriculture. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and laboratory activities that support practical application in the field. Students who earn this degree have the opportunity to embark on a successful and rewarding career with potential for rapid advancement. This degree is intended for current and aspiring horticulture professionals, transfer students, and anyone interested in the art and science of gardening.

Southwestern College is projecting that approximately 20 students will complete this degree in the first year offered.  As the program has a number of certificates available,  students often take specialty certificates in order to meet their career goals.  Students that pursue this degree will obtain higher wage jobs in the landscape and nursery technology industry.

The goals of this program is to eliminate the multiple awards currently in the Landscape and Nursery Technology program, thus supporting Southwestern College’s mission of Guided Pathways. The name change to Environmental Horticulture more accurately reflects the programs goals, our courses offerings, and the current field of careers offered. Upon completing this program, students will gain a breadth of horticultural knowledge while also creating awareness of green industry careers and modern workplace skills.  Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to evaluate and determine if a given set of economic, social and environmental systems and practices are sustainable in the long term.

 The Environmental Horticulture program meets regional CTE needs by providing a foundation for students in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. It prepares students for entry level to first-line supervisor level jobs, and self-employment in a wide array of horticulture fields.

The goals of this programs to eliminate the multiple awards currently in the Landscape and Nanotechnology program, thus supporting Southwestern College’s mission of Guided Pathways. The name change to Environmental Horticulture more accurately reflects the programs goals, our courses offerings, and the current field of careers offered. Upon completing this program, students will gain a breadth of horticultural knowledge while also creating awareness of green industry career sand modern workplace skills.  Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to evaluate and determine if a given set of economic, social and environmental systems and practices are sustainable in the long term.

 The Environmental Horticulture program meets regional CTE needs by providing a foundation for students in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. It prepares students for entry level to first-line supervisor level jobs, and self-employment in a wide array of horticulture fields.