Environmental Horticulture, Certificate of Achievement

Program Overview

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Santa Barbara City College's Certificate in Environmental Horticulture provides a comprehensive foundation in the field, preparing students for careers in landscape design, horticulture, and related areas. Through hands-on labs, cooperative work study, and apprentice training, students gain practical skills and industry connections. The program emphasizes sustainable practices and fosters an appreciation for the interconnectedness of plants, soil, water, and the environment.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

Santa Barbara City College offers a one-year Certificate in Environmental Horticulture and a two-year A.S. degree with six areas of emphasis. The Certificate of Achievement focuses on providing students with a comprehensive foundation in the field of environmental horticulture, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully enter and excel in the environmental horticulture industry.
• To foster an appreciation for the interconnectedness of plants, soil, water, and the environment.
• To promote sustainable practices in the management of horticultural landscapes.

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Program Description:

The program adopts a hands-on approach to learning, emphasizing practical labs, cooperative work study, and apprentice training. Through these experiences, students gain valuable practical skills, develop problem-solving abilities, and build professional connections within the industry.

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Outline:

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Department Requirements:

The coursework for the Certificate of Achievement in Environmental Horticulture comprises 28-32 units, including the following key courses:

• DRFT/EH 126: Landscape Drafting I (3 units)
• EH 101: Plant Identification and Culture (3 units)
• EH 102: Soils and Plant Nutrients (3 units)
• EH 103: Irrigation and Garden Waterworks (3 units)
• EH 104: Landscape Maintenance (3 units)
• EH 105: Landscape Construction (3 units)
• EH 106: Greenhouse/Nursery Operations and Practices, Plant Propagation, and Plant Recognition (3 units)
• EH 110: Introduction to Horticulture (3 units)
• EH 290: Work Experience in Environmental Horticulture (2-4 units, repeated once)

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Course Schedule:

The program typically follows a one-year course schedule, with most courses offered during the fall and spring semesters.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. These methods include:

• Classroom lectures and discussions
• Practical laboratory sessions
• Fieldwork and hands-on experiences
• Cooperative work study and apprentice training

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of environmental horticulture, including plant science, landscape design, and sustainable practices.

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Unique Approaches:

The program's emphasis on "learn by doing" provides students with ample opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The cooperative work study and apprentice training components offer valuable real-world experience and industry connections.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

The Certificate in Environmental Horticulture prepares graduates for a variety of career opportunities in the horticulture industry, including:

• Landscape designer
• Horticulturist
• Nursery manager
• Garden center employee
• Landscape maintenance technician
• Arborist
• Greenhouse grower
• Floral designer
• Plant propagator

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Career Opportunities and Outcomes:

Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving environmental horticulture field. They can find employment in a wide range of settings, including nurseries, greenhouses, landscape design firms, botanical gardens, and parks and recreation departments.