Environmental Horticulture, Associate of Science (AS), Landscape Design Emphasis

Program Overview

Environmental Horticulture, Associate of Science (AS), Landscape Design Emphasis

Overview

The Environmental Horticulture Program teaches the basic skills and provides state-of-the-art information required to develop a strong foundation for a variety of career specialties within the landscaping, ornamental horticulture, and the regenerative and restoration industry. The program encourages professional standards, a strong work ethic, and environmentally sound management practices.

Requirements

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

• Complete all of the following:
  • All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
  • One of the following three General Education options:
    • OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F)
    • OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern
    • OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
  • A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
  • A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

Course List

Learning Outcomes

• Identify common native and ornamental landscape plants.
• Conduct a landscape assessment for ecological and economic sustainability.
• Trouble-shoot pest, water, soil, and location problems of landscape plants and plantings.
• Provide recommendations for enhancing health of landscape trees, shrubs, other plants, and soils.
• Describe and implement both conventional and organic methods of landscape maintenance and care.
• Design, plan, and install basic irrigation systems.
• Design, plan, and install basic hardscape elements.
• Utilize basic propagation methods to produce landscape plants.
• Demonstrate a strong work and personal ethic through care of horticultural tools and facilities, and through care of personal health during horticultural practices.
• Experience supervised, hands-on horticultural work.
• Demonstrate proficiency in native plant ecology and restoration.
• Demonstrate basic skills in landscape design.

Recommended Sequence

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

Program Outline

Outline:

The Environmental Horticulture Program at Santa Barbara City College aims to provide students with the essential skills and up-to-date knowledge required to establish a solid foundation for various career paths within the landscaping, ornamental horticulture, and regenerative and restoration industries. The program emphasizes professional standards, a strong work ethic, and environmentally sound management practices. The program's curriculum has been designed in collaboration with industry experts from the local community who serve on the Environmental Horticulture Advisory Committee. This collaboration ensures that the program aligns with the needs of the landscape, ornamental horticulture, and habitat management trades.

Careers:

The Environmental Horticulture Program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the following fields:

• Landscape Contracting (C-27 License)
• Environmental Landscape Design
• Nursery and Greenhouse Technology
• Ecological Restoration and Management
The program provides the necessary skills for students to enter the workforce at the apprentice level. Graduates may find employment as landscape designers, landscape contractors, nursery workers, greenhouse managers, arborists, restoration specialists, and more. The program does not guarantee job placement, but many industry employers contact the college to request referrals of graduates.