Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1492

The horticulture industry involves growing and caring for plants, working to enhance and beautify the urban environment, and connecting people with the outdoors. The landscaping and home garden industry generates more than $78 billion annually in the USA, employing many professionals in tree and landscape care, landscape design and construction, and nursery production. This degree will prepare students for a career in both the landscape and nursery areas. Job opportunities continue to outnumber the number of graduates in our local area. Career choices include working for state and federal organizations, garden centers, nurseries, golf courses, landscape maintenance businesses, landscape design and installation, and landscape management companies. Courses include directed practical experience with landscape care and construction, irrigation, and nursery production.

Students should contact their counselor or environmental horticulture faculty advisor to choose electives for the particular career they are planning to enter. Particular attention should be paid to course prerequisites. Students planning to transfer to a college or university should consult a counselor or Horticulture Faculty Advisor regarding transfer requirements.

Transfer Requirements May Be Different From A.S. Degree Requirements.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

14 Units Total
BUAD 66
GE 3
Business Communications
BUAD 66
Units 3
Note: Student must complete all assignments using a computer. Handwritten assignments will not be accepted.

This course applies the principles of ethical and effective communication to the creation of letters, memos, emails, and written and oral reports for a variety of business situations. The course emphasizes planning, organizing, composing, and revising business documents using word processing software for written documents and presentation-graphics software to create and deliver professional-level oral reports. This course is designed for students who already have college-level writing skills. This is a required course for many major and certificate programs and an alternate requirement or suggested elective in others. This course also satisfies the A.S. General Education requirement in English. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUM 4
GE 3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
Units 3
This course is an examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetic, and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 33
M 3
Environmental Horticulture
AGEH 33
Units 3
Environmental horticulture provides students with an understanding of how various aspects of the environment relate to plant growth and how human horticultural practices can influence the environment. This course explains the basic principles of botany and horticulture. Topics include plant structure, growth, physiology, and reproduction; climate, soil, and ecology; plant problems, including pests, diseases, and effects of pollution; plant genetics and human-manipulated plants; and the world food picture. This course is useful for plant scientists, horticulturists, and those seeking science credits, and is required for first-year Environmental Horticulture Majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 22
M 2
Nursery Practices and Plant Propagation
AGEH 22
Units 2
This course is required for all Environmental Horticulture majors. The methods and principles used in the propagation of plants, including both sexual and asexual propagation will be demonstrated and practiced. Other topics related to successful plant propagation such as soil media preparation, the growing environment, transplanting and potting, disease and insect control, irrigation, and fertilization will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 10
M 3
Plant Identification and Usage
AGEH 10
Units 3
This course teaches identification, growth habits, culture, and ornamental use of commonly used landscape plants adapted to the climates of California. Plant materials from our local region will be emphasized. This course is required for an AA or AS degree in Environmental Horticulture. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year

15 Units Total
MATH 73
GE 3
Contemporary Mathematics for Tech Fields
MATH 73
Units 3
Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra as determined by Multiple Measure, or Math Placement Level 4 or higher.

This course is designed to equip Career Technical Education students with college-level mathematical competencies required in today's workplace. Topics include college-level algebra, measurement units and conversion, estimation, solid figures, geometry, trigonometry, basic statistics, and probability. This course will promote quantitative reasoning through the use of mathematical applications and modeling with an emphasis on CTE topics. These applications and modeling will be reinforced by using requisite tools utilized by CTE courses to enhance students' visualization and problem-solving development.
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AGNR 52
M 3
Computers in Ag and Natural Resources
AGNR 52
Units 3
This course introduces students to basic computer applications in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, and related Career Technical Education majors. Students will gain basic computer literacy skills while learning to use examples of industry-specific software. Other topics will include file management, data manipulation, and use of software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will also be exposed to basic concepts and software related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 23
M 2
Nursery Practices and Management
AGEH 23
Units 2
This is required for all Environmental Horticulture majors. This hands-on course will cover production schedules, marketing strategies, customer service, product displays, greenhouse and nursery management, and much more. Best practices and economic feasibility will be emphasized. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 38
M 3
Landscape and Turf Management
AGEH 38
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition Course or English Placement Level 6 or higher

This is a required course for Environmental Horticulture majors. The installation of lawns, groundcovers, shrubs and trees will be covered. The practices of pruning, trimming, mowing, watering, fertilizing, and pesticide application as applied to landscape management of home, parks, highways, and how to estimate and bid in all areas of landscape management will also be covered. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGPS 25
3
California Water
AGPS 25
Units 3
This course is an interdisciplinary examination of California's complex water ecosystems, infrastructure, uses, management, and policies. The course examines both historical and current water use and policy with emphasis on the politics and conflict arising from water scarcity. Topics of water quality, wetlands, water law, measurement of water, water infrastructure, groundwater, conservation, and the multiple issues relating to water use will all be covered. Additionally, the course discusses the role of water in agricultural, urban, environmental, and political systems, including how water has influenced California development and history. This course may be offered in a distance education format. The role of water in agricultural, urban, environmental and political systems; and how water has influenced California development and history is discussed throughout the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGNR 66
M 1
Watershed Restoration Practicum
AGNR 66
Units 1
This course will use the hydrologic watershed unit as the focus, which will provide a hands-on approach to ecosystem management, erosion control, sediment control, and stream restoration. Students will determine best management practices for erosion and sediment control. Laws and requirements for the management of stormwater pollution will be discussed. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

15 Units Total
CMST 54
GE 3
Small Group Communication
CMST 54
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on small groups. Subjects covered are preparation for discussion, group participation, leadership, decision-making, interpersonal relations, managing diversity, critical thinking/problem-solving, managing conflict, and evaluation of group interaction. Students will be involved in group interactions, and emphasis will be on practical experience. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 31
M 3
Landscape Irrigation
AGEH 31
Units 3
Advisory: Basic Algebra as determined by Multiple Measures, or Math Placement Level 3 or higher; and Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This is a study of water hydraulics, irrigation systems design, and installation procedures and irrigation scheduling. Techniques in the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems will also be presented. Emphasis will be placed on residential design and installation, but commercial design and installation will be covered. This course is required for all Environmental Horticulture majors. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 60
M 3
Master Gardener Training
AGEH 60
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition Course or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This is the training course for the Master Gardener Program, a community service organization designed to relay research-based horticultural information to the home gardener. The Master Gardener program was developed by the University Cooperative Extension to train interested horticultural enthusiasts to assist local gardeners in diagnosing plant problems and to provide science-based information for keeping home landscapes and the environment healthy. The University of California has agreed to let Shasta College use their training materials which are provided through this class. Topics covered in this course include pesticide use, IPM, weed identification and management, pruning, plant diseases, soils, fertilizers, growing vegetables, native plants, vermiculture, watering and many other plant-related topics. This is a required course for anyone interested in obtaining a UC Extension certification as a Shasta College Master Gardener. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGPS 24
M 3
Soils
AGPS 24
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher; and one year of high school chemistry or equivalent.

Note: This class includes two Saturday field trips on classification, judging, and conservation of soils. The class is required for all agriculture, natural resources, and horticulture majors.

This class is an introductory course on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil as it relates to agriculture and natural resources. Ecosystem relationship of soil use and management is emphasized. The effects of drainage, tillage, and irrigation on land use are discussed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 26
M 3
Integrated Pest Management
AGEH 26
Units 3
Exploration, identification, and control of major horticultural pests, including insects, weeds, and diseases; impact of pests on commercial nursery crops and the landscape is also discussed. Integrated pest management, including cultural, biological, mechanical/physical, and chemical control methods is emphasized. This course is designed to assist students in preparing for California licensing examines in pest management. Laboratory work is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format. (C-ID AG-EH 120L)
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Spring Semester, Second Year

16 Units Total
AGAB 54
GE 3
Agriculture Economics
AGAB 54
Units 3
This course includes an introduction to economic and business principles as they relate to resource management. The focus of the course will be to relate economic theories and basic economic concepts and principles to applied agri-business and resource management problem solving. Students will explore problems of agriculture, pricing and marketing, factors of production, and state and federal farm programs affecting farmer's economic position. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ETHS 1
GE 3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGMA 44
M 3
Intro to Construction Skills for Agriculture
AGMA 44
Units 3
This course covers the basic construction skills related to agriculture, natural resources, and environmental horticulture. Subjects covered will be mechanical drawing, design layout, arc welding, oxy/acetylene cutting and brazing, carpentry, electrification, small engine theory, concrete work structures, and project construction. Safety will be emphasized. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AG 6
M 1
Career Placement - Ag and Nat. Resources
AG 6
Units 1
Note: Designed for students concurrently completing or who have completed the core course requirements in agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources majors. This course may require a multi-day, overnight field trip to survey the industry.

This class is designed to give students an overview of the California agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources industry and assist in obtaining the best possible employment during the summer and upon graduation. Students will learn interview techniques, create a professional portfolio, and develop job search and application tools. This class is required for all agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 35
M 3
Landscape Design
AGEH 35
Units 3
This course is a requirement for all Environmental Horticulture majors. This course emphasizes the process leading to the development of the residential design. The incorporation of design principles i.e. unity, rhythm, repetition, balance, etc. and how the principles are used to create a functional and pleasing composition with plant material and other landscape elements will be stressed. Emphasis is on residential design, both rural and suburban. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGEH 94
M 3
Horticulture Work Experience Education
AGEH 94
Units 3
Limitation on Enrollment: FINANCIAL AID STUDENTS: Students must maintain concurrent enrollment in seven (7) units which include work experience education units. Students not receiving financial aid do not need to enroll in other courses in order to participate in Work Experience Education.

The Horticulture Work Experience Education course allows the student to gain on-the-job experience through employment/volunteerism at an approved horticulture job site that is acquired by the student and related to the student's major. A faculty member supervises all WEE courses to ensure that the work experience is of educational value. The course stresses good work habits and meeting of competencies through actual on-the-job performance. A student may repeat this course since course content varies and skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice. A maximum of 14 units may be earned in a single semester.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:

Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).

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