This degree program provides students with entry level skills, upgrading of existing skills, and preparation for further training. It is designed for those interested in careers in nursery and greenhouse management, landscape design and construction, grounds management, retail nursery operations, irrigation system design, installation and maintenance of interior plantscaping, arboriculture and other related fields. Students will learn modern horticultural methods and procedures as well as the use of tools and equipment common to the field.

Career Opportunities

Agricultural Inspector¹
Agricultural Researcher²
Arboretum/Park Director¹
Arboriculture Technician
Botanical Illustrator
County/State Agricultural Advisor¹
Environmental Designer²
Floral Designer
Flower Shop Manager
Golf Course Superintendent
Golf Course Worker
Greenhouse Manager
Grounds Maintenance Manager
Grower/Production Manager
Horticultural Journalist¹
Irrigation Consultant
Landscape Architect¹
Landscape Contractor
Landscape Designer
Landscape Technician
Nursery/Garden Center Manager
Park Planner/Manager¹
Plant Breeder/Propagator
Sports Field Manager
Turf Manager
Urban Forester
Water Auditor
Water Conservationist¹

¹

Bachelor Degree normally recommended.

²

Bachelor Degree or higher required.

Arboriculture Associate in Science and Certificate of Achievement

This major encompasses urban forestry, professional tree care, and tree trimming. Students will learn care and pruning of landscape trees, palms and related plants as well as common fruit trees. Course work includes skill development in tree climbing and pruning techniques, basic tree maintenance, and principles of urban forestry. Graduates are employed by private tree care companies, public agencies, landscape contractors, wholesale and retail nurseries, or may be self-employed.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

• Perform work-related functions according to current industry standards.
• Assess and resolve work-related problems using current industry-specific tools and resources.
• Communicate effectively to prospective clients, managers and coworkers in a workplace setting.
• Abide by industry and government regulations regarding occupational health and safety, and/or environmental standards.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Units
OH-120	Fundamentals of Ornamental Horticulture	3
OH-130	Plant Pest Control	3
OH-140	Soils	3
OH-170	Plant Materials: Trees and Shrubs	3
OH-260	Arboriculture	3
OH-290	Cooperative Work Experience Education 1	3
Select two of the following:		2
OH-263	Urban Forestry
OH-264	Safe Work Practices in Tree Climbing and Arboriculture
OH-266	Science in Practice for Arboriculture
Select one of the following:		3
BUS-110	Introduction to Business
BUS-111	Entrepreneurship: Starting and Developing a Business
BUS-125	Business Law: Legal Environment of Business
Select nine units from the following:		9
OH-102	Xeriscape: Water Conservation in the Landscape
OH-150	Landscape Architecture I
OH-174	Turf and Ground Cover Management
OH-221	Landscape Construction: Irrigation and Carpentry
OH-235	Principles of Landscape Irrigation
OH-250	Landscape Water Management
OH-255	Sustainable Urban Landscape Principles and Practices
OH-275	Diagnosing Horticultural Problems
SPAN-120	Spanish I
Total Units		32

Plus General Education Requirements

¹

Student must complete six units within the major at Cuyamaca College to be eligible for this course.

Certificate of Achievement

Students who complete only the major requirements above qualify for a Certificate in Arboriculture. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.