This program is designed to prepare students for a career in the horticulture industry that includes ornamental nurseries and greenhouses, landscape design and construction, lawn and tree care, golf course management, sod production, retail garden centers, florists and interiorscapes.
Aptitudes
Individuals in this field must enjoy planting, building, constructing, painting, lettering, designing, and working with their hands. Individuals should like to operate all types of power equipment and landscape tools and be able to make and carry out decisions. Individuals must be able to work with people and plants in an outdoor setting.
Outlook
The horticulture industry in Illinois is widespread, playing a critical role in the environment by providing a vast array of landscape products and services. The horticulture industry represents one of the fastest growing service-related occupations in Illinois. Future employment is open for qualified individuals.
Career and Transfer Education Options
These are career and technical education programs. Some of the courses may not transfer to four-year institutions.
For those interested in pursuing a certificate or degree, the following two career-laddering options are available:
- Associate in Applied Science in Horticulture - Floriculture Specialty (62 hours)
- Associate in Applied Science in Horticulture - Ornamental Specialty (62 hours)
- Basic Certificate - Floral Design (18 hours)
- Basic Certificate - Greenhouse (18 hours)
- Basic Certificate - Landscape & Turf (21 hours)
Baccalaureate Transfer Option
Guaranteed Transfer Agreement
Richland Community College and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign have formed a cooperative relationship through a guaranteed transfer agreement. Any student who has completed the prescribed Guaranteed Transfer Agreement at RCC (with the required 2.50 GPA and foreign language requirement) and submits required application and supporting documentation will automatically be admitted to UIUC at the junior level in the prescribed field of study in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
- Associate in Science in Horticulture: U of I transfer (61 hours)
For Further Information
For additional information, contact Continuing and Professional Education at Richland Community College, Room SC08, or (217) 875-7211, ext. 240.
You may also contact David McLaughlin, Agribusiness and Horticulture Program Director, in the Horticulture Building, (217) 875-7211, ext. 562, or by e-mail dmclaugh@richland.edu, for additional information or for information about possible transfer opportunities.
