Upon completion of the Horticulture Program students will have the knowledge, skills and experience to work with plant material in multiple applications and multiple fields in the Landscaping and Nursery industries. Students will be qualified for careers in Landscape Design, Landscape Contracting, Landscape Maintenance, Arboriculture, Nursery practices, and Irrigation and Water Management.

Program Outcomes

1. Use knowledge of various plant materials to better design and maintain an outdoor garden or landscape.
2. Describe man’s relationship with plants for food and environmental enhancement.
3. Describe current sustainability issues in Southern California and how good horticultural practices will improve long term sustainability.
4. Use knowledge of a particular chosen plant, greenhouse systems and propagation practices to successfully produce a healthy crop by a target date.
5. Use knowledge of site conditions, drafting skills, client needs, and various plant and building materials to solve a design problem.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight 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 Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  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.  

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.