Successful work in landscape design requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education in aspects of horticulture, design, and more. Without requiring prior background, the Landscape Design Certificate program provides entry-level skills for those seeking employment in the landscaping field or continuing education for landscapers, florists/nursery growers, architects, contractors, and anyone interested in a broader range of knowledge in this area.

The courses enable you to develop aesthetic sensitivity and environmental awareness, a thorough knowledge of historical precedent, a definable and defensible design methodology, the technical knowledge and skills necessary to compete effectively for jobs, and a comprehensive portfolio.

Program Outcome

Solve landscape challenges through the design/build process that provides basic human comfort and livability, and meet client functional and financial needs.

Certificate of Specialization Requirements

The Certificate of Specialization is a locally approved career program that requires sixteen units or fewer units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Specialization are not automatically awarded, not printed on official academic transcripts, and there is no acknowledgment of completion given at graduation.  Please contact the division for details regarding the submission of petitions as procedures for each division vary.  Most division offices prefer that students complete all of the required courses and then provide a copy of the transcript while some divisions allow petitions for Certificates of Specialization before finishing.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
HORT A109	Knowing Your Soils	3
HORT A181	Ornamental Trees	3
HORT A182	Ornamental Shrubs	3
HORT A284	Portfolio Development	1.5
HORT A288	Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Design	2
HORT A289	Installation of Residental Irrigation Systems	1
Total Units		13.5

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Some courses in this program may be offered once per academic year.

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Semester 1		Units
HORT A109	Knowing Your Soils	3
HORT A181	Ornamental Trees	3
	Units	6
Semester 2
HORT A182	Ornamental Shrubs	3
HORT A284	Portfolio Development	1.5
HORT A288	Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Design	2
HORT A289	Installation of Residental Irrigation Systems	1
	Units	7.5
	Total Units	13.5