Horticulture AAS

Do you love plants? The study of cultivating plants is a rewarding, hands-on experience that the Horticulture Associate of Science can help you realize. Master tools such as rototillers, tractors, greenhouse equipment and more while learning critical data-gathering skills in order to provide the best plant care. Clackamas Community College has a wide variety of facilities at your disposal, including a farm site, several greenhouses and a variety of different types of gardens.

For horticulture advising, please Contact April Chastain at 503-594-3292 or april.chastain@clackamas.edu

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Horticulture AAS

Skills

Job Outlook

Related Organizations

Description and Outcomes

PROGRAM CODE: AAS.HORT1

The Horticulture Department provides quality education and training for industry and community members. Greenhouse, nursery, landscape, arboriculture, and organic farming courses integrate technical knowledge, critical thinking and environmental stewardship.

Horticulture is a hands-on, project-based curriculum with a variety of lecture-lab style classes where students practice industry related skills and experience growing and caring for plants in all seasons throughout the year. Learning activities involve students in the day-to-day operation of a wide range of power and hand tools used in the trade, including: mowers, rototillers, tractors, skid steer loader, pruning tools and greenhouse equipment. Students cultivate plants in CCC’s extensive farm, ornamental gardens and greenhouse facilities. This degree sets a foundation for general horticulture, while allowing students to “choose their own adventure” with a wide selection of elective courses that meet their interests.

Students may begin this program any term, although a fall start is recommended. Following the course offerings in the order listed will allow for completion in the one or two-year period.

RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES

Computation (1 course- MTH-050 Technical Mathematics I or MTH-065 Algebra II or higher)

Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems.

Communication (1 course- WR-101 Workplace Writing or WR-121Z Composition I)

Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences.

Human Relations (1 course- BA-285 Human Relations in Business or COMM-100Z Introduction to Communication)

Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.

Physical Education/Health/Safety/First Aid (1 course- HOR-115 Horticulture Safety)

Use effective life skills to improve and maintain mental and physical wellbeing.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

demonstrate a broad range of skills in the production and maintenance of plants, including: safe use of tools and equipment, propagation from seeds and cuttings, landscape maintenance activities, growing in a greenhouse environment, and vegetable bed preparation;
identify common woody plants in the landscape;
recognize and evaluate key pests and propose solutions based on IPM strategies;
use a basic understanding of plant biology and soil science to make sound decisions in the production and maintenance of plants;
display effective decision making, time management and project management skills in the horticulture industry;
communicate effectively with co-workers and customers through speaking, writing and computer technology.

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSFER AGREEMENT

Some horticulture classes transfer to Oregon State University as part of a bachelor’s degree. Horticulture students planning to continue their studies at a four-year college should consult the Horticulture advisor to obtain the most recent transfer information.

Horticulture Core Requirements

Complete 6 credits of HOR-281, or 3 credits of HOR-280 and 3 credits of HOR-282

HOR-280
Horticulture/CWE
3

HOR-281
Horticulture/CWE
6

HOR-282
Horticulture/CWE
3

Complete the following Core Requirements

BA-101
Introduction to Business
4

BA-119
Project Management Practices
2

FYE-101
First Year Experience Level I
2

HOR-111
Horticulture Practicum/Fall
2

HOR-112
Horticulture Career Exploration
2

HOR-120
Pesticide Laws & Safety
1

HOR-133
Horticulture Practicum/Winter
2

HOR-140
Soils
3

HOR-143
Horticulture Practicum/Spring
2

HOR-216
Integrated Pest Management
3

HOR-222
Horticultural Computer Applications
2

HOR-223
Applied Plant Science
4

HOR-226
Plant Identification/Fall
4

HOR-227
Plant Identification/Winter
4

HOR-228
Plant Identification/Spring
4

HOR-230
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
2

HOR-231
Irrigation Design
3

HOR-237
Disease Identification
2

HOR-240
Irrigation Practices
3

SPN-101
First-Year Spanish I
4

Total Credits Required: 97-101