Horticultural Sciences, AAS

The 61 -credit hour horticultural sciences AAS degree program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in the horticulture industry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry or management positions in the rapidly advancing, diverse horticultural industry. The coursework, in addition to providing a solid science foundation for propagation, production, and managing plants, also provides students with invaluable hands-on learning experience, both in controlled environments and the field. The curriculum emphasizes best management practices including integrated pest management, that will conserve and protect our irreplaceable natural resources.  Upon completion of the associate of applied science degree, students will possess the knowledge and skills to be successful at entry-level or higher positions in most specializations within Horticulture, including crop production, nursery management, landscape maintenance, golf course management, private and public gardens management, garden center operations, wholesale greenhouse growing, greenhouse operations, landscape design and maintenance, certified commercial pesticide application, arborist, plant science technicians, and other related occupations.

The Associate of Applied Science degree can be completed in two years through a combination of face-to-face, hybrid, and online classes. With an AAS degree, students have the option of transferring to Kansas State University.

Suggested/Sample Course Sequence

The sequence taken by the student may vary depending on prerequisites, course availability, and personal/ professional responsibilities.

(Major Code 2150; State CIP Code 01.0601)

Horticultural Sciences

Associate of Applied Science

Fall Semester

HORT 140Turfgrass I3
HORT 201Introduction to Horticultural Science4
HORT 214Woody Plants, Deciduous3
HORT 220Herbaceous Plants3
HORT 235Landscape Maintenance and Techniques3
Total Hours16

Spring Semester

Horticulture Electives (see below)3
HORT 205Plant Propagation*3
HORT 215Woody Plants, Evergreens3
HORT 225Plant Problems*3
HORT 255Pest Management3
Total Hours15

Summer Semester

HORT 160Garden Center Operations3
Total Hours3

Fall Semester

Horticulture Electives (see below)6
ENGL 121Composition I*3
Science Elective ^3
Note: BIOL 125 is recommended
Social Science/Economics Elective ^3
Total Hours15

Spring Semester

Horticulture Electives (see below)3
HORT 270Horticulture Internship*3
MATH 116Intermediate Algebra* (or higher)3
Humanities ^3
Total Hours12

Horticulture Electives

HORT 115Home Horticulture2
HORT 135Landscape Design3
HORT 150Fruits, Vegetables and Herb Crops2
HORT 165Arboriculture3
HORT 240Turfgrass II*3
HORT 260Horticulture Soils3
HORT 265Landscape Construction3

Total Program Hours: 61