General Information | Training for Jobs | Resources Available to Students | Degree Options | New Students | Contact Information

General Information

• This program is very flexible: Students may take one course, attend part time or full time
• Part time (1-9 credits) - enroll at registration, no assessment test required
• Full time (10-17 credits) - meet with an advisor or counselor for appropriate course selection, assessment testing required
• Most courses meet days
• 4 - 5 evening courses fall, winter and spring quarters
• All classes meet one day a week - except the evening design courses which meets two evenings
• Approximate costs of supplies
• See Class Schedules
• See Official Course Outlines
• See Program Outcomes and Student Learning Outcomes  (PDF)

Training for Jobs

• Landscape Management - Prepare for a career managing existing landscapes—residential, commercial, estates, public parks, arboreta and botanical gardens.
• Horticultural Studies - Gain a broad foundation of horticultural knowledge and skills for various applications— wholesale nurseries, retail garden centers, greenhouses, preparation for further education and training.
• Landscape Design / Construction - Learn to design and install landscapes. Most designers are self-employed and also offer landscape installation or maintenance services.

Resources Available to Students

• Instructors from horticulture industry- all have worked, or currently work, in the field; provide career guidance as part of the educational process
• Campus Arboretum - 5-6 acres adjacent to the Landscape Horticulture complex
• LHO Classrooms - greenhouse, headhouse and retail garden center
• Internship Program - provides industry work experience and networking while fulfilling the internship/work experience requirement of the two year degree. Program run through the Career Development Services on campus
• SSCC Career Development Services has postings of job opportunities in the industry, and can help with resume preparation

Degree Options

Note: It is not necessary to commit to a certificate or degree program in order to take classes. Students may take individual courses for professional improvement or personal interest. See Class Schedules.

• Certificate:
  • One-year certificate in Landscape Design & Construction, Landscape Management or Horticultural Studies
  • Earning a certificate demonstrates a foundation of horticultural information and a measurable commitment to specific goals and their achievement
  • 48 credits (3 quarters of 16 credits each)
  • 10 credits within a chosen option - Landscape Design & Construction, Landscape Management or Horticultural Studies
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.):
  • 2 year degree in Landscape Design & Construction, Landscape Management or Horticultural Studies
  • 1 year certificate plus 42 credits
  • 26 credits within chosen option - including 2-8 internship credits (or work experience credit)
• Associate of Applied Science-Transfer    (What's an A.A.S.-T?)