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 Program web page
Associate of Applied Science
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
| HORT 160 | Garden Center Operations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 3 |
Fall Semester
| 6 |
| ENGL 121 | Composition I* | 3 |
| ^ | 3 |
| |
| ^ | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Spring Semester
| 3 |
| HORT 270 | Horticulture Internship* | 3 |
| MATH 116 | Intermediate Algebra* (or higher) | 3 |
| ^ | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Horticulture Electives
Total Program Hours: 61
