Skip to Content


Horticulture

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees

A.S. in General Agriculture

Agriculture is a vital component of our local, state, and national economies and offers many exciting employment opportunities. In addition to the production of a wide range of valuable agricultural commodities, the Sacramento region is home to numerous multi-national agricultural corporations and statewide governmental agencies. It is also a center for international agricultural trade and commerce. This program is designed for students majoring in Agriculture while also allowing the student to select courses that fit his/her individual needs and desires.

As a General Agriculture major, you will:

*Study a general agriculture curriculum representing all of the departments of the Cosumnes River College agriculture program including: agriculture business, horticulture, welding, veterinary technology and plant science.

*Develop your leadership and communication skills.

*Identify the agricultural career you are most interested in and build a course of study to better qualify you for a profession.

HIGHLIGHTS

*As the only community college agriculture program in the Sacramento region, the CRC General Agriculture program provides an excellent opportunity for individuals who wish to pursue a career in agriculture and receive a General Agriculture Associate of Science degree.

*The faculty in this program works closely with the five California agricultural degree offering universities to provide a quality program for students interested in agriculture business, management and economics.

*The Sacramento region is fortunate to have some of the best high school agriculture programs in California. The faculty in the CRC Ag program works closely with these feeder schools to articulate coursework and facilitate the successful transition of agriculture students from high school to the university.

*Internships in agriculture are available for students interested in work experience opportunities.

NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.


Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
AGB 310 Agriculture Computer Applications 31
AGB 320 Agriculture Accounting 3
AGB 321 Agriculture Economics 3
AMT 306 Small Engine Repair 3
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
PLTS 310 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3) 3
   or HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3)
ANSC 300 Introduction to Animal Science 3
PLTS 300 Introduction to Plant Science 3
WELD 100 Introduction to Welding & Safety 1.5
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Subtotal Units: 27.5
Agriculture Business
Course Code Course Title Units
AGB 300 Introduction to Agriculture Business 3
AGB 330 Agriculture Sales and Communication 3
AGB 331 Agriculture Marketing 3
Agriculture Business Units: 9
Total Units: 36.5
Horticulture
Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections 3
HORT 312 Plant Propagation 3
Horticulture Units: 6
Total Units: 33.5
Landscape
Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction 3
HORT 324 Sustainable Landscape Maintenance 3
Landscape Units: 6
Total Units: 33.5
Welding
Course Code Course Title Units
WELD 110 Shielded Metal Arc Welding Procedures 4
Welding Units: 4
Total Units: 31.5

1This major requires that you complete all courses in the required program plus one area of concentration.

The General Agriculture Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge and hands‐on experience in the basic concepts of all aspects of agriculture.
  • PSLO 2: Demonstrate the ability to logically breakdown aspects of a project/problem and be able to resolve an issue in the agriculture industry.
  • PSLO 3: Demonstrate independent & group learning expressing effective communication skills, both orally & written.
  • PSLO 4: Participate in leadership opportunities to develop life‐long learning traits.

Career Information

Management; Supervision; Finance; Insurance; Government; Marketing; Distribution; International Trade; Sales and Service Nursery Management and Operations; Park Maintenance; Landscape Design, Teaching, Communication; Contracting & Maintenance; Fertilizer & Insecticide Application; Research; Retail/Wholesale; Estimator; Consultant; Government Agency employee; Welding Technician; Inspection; Welding Engineering; Sculpting; Home/Handicraft & Hobby; Construction; Trucking & Automotive Some positions, however, require a four-year degree for which CRC’s program is a good base for transfer.


A.S. in Horticulture, Sustainable Landscape Technology

A variety of professional career opportunities are available to those who wish to provide professional landscape installation and/or support services. Landscapers design, install, and maintain private and public outdoor spaces where people live, work, and play. The Sustainable Landscape Technology A.S. Degree concentrates on those courses that develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to creating, constructing, and maintaining functional and sustainable landscapes, green spaces, and irrigation systems, as well as for careers in arboriculture, and landscape material, supply, and specialty services. The courses of this degree focus on sound horticultural science and principles, plant identification, proper soil development and management, sustainable landscape and irrigation design, water conservation, sustainable construction and landscape and turf maintenance practices, tree care, integrated pest management, licensing and certification, and horticultural business practices.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 105 Pest Control Licensing or Certification 2
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3) 3
   or PLTS 310 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3)
HORT 303 Integrated Pest Management (3) 31
   or PLTS 332 Integrated Pest Management (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections (3)
HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections (3)
HORT 307 Plant Identification - Sustainable and CA Native Selections (3)
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction (3) 3
   or MAT 300 Introduction to Agriculture Mechanics (3)
HORT 324 Sustainable Landscape Maintenance (3) 3
HORT 340 Landscape and Irrigation Graphics and Design 32
HORT 350 Landscape Irrigation 3
HORT 351 Drip and Subsurface Irrigation 2
HORT 353 Sustainable Water Management 3
HORT 360 Introduction to Tree Care and Urban Forestry 3
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
HORT 498 Work Experience in Horticulture (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 39

1Horticulture 100 at American River College meets the Hort 303 course requirement.

2Horticulture 322 at American River College meets the Hort 340 course requirement.

The Horticulture, Sustainable Landscape Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic horticultural principles and practices.
  • PSLO 2: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of soils, soil development, soil building and preparation, and sustainable soil management.
  • PSLO 3: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use, and maintenance of plant material best suited for conventional and sustainable landscapes.
  • PSLO 4: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic landscape design principles and practices.
  • PSLO 5: Demonstrate proficiency at implementing sustainable landscape construction principles and practices to install landscapes and landscape systems.
  • PSLO 6: Demonstrate proficiency at implementing sustainable tree care, landscape maintenance, and integrated pest management principles and practices to care for and maintain landscapes and green spaces.
  • PSLO 7: Demonstrate proficiency at implementing the principles and practices of irrigation design and installation to design, install, and manage water efficient irrigation systems.

Career Information

Students who complete the Sustainable Landscape Technology A.S. degree may find employment in a wide range of areas including landscape contracting, landscape construction and installation, landscape and grounds maintenance, turf management, arboriculture and tree care, parks and recreation, landscape irrigation and water management, landscape design and consulting, nurseries and garden centers, landscape pest management, horticulture materials supply and power equipment servicing, and/or in a variety of other horticultural specialties.

Certificates of Achievement

Horticulture, General Horticulture Certificate

This program provides students with the essential knowledge and skills for entry level employment in the Horticulture industry. Students gain core knowledge and skills in basic plant science, soil science, integrated pest management, and plant identification and use. Students then complete two advanced horticulture courses of their choice. This is the base certificate in a stackable series that leads to an additional certificate or degree in Horticulture.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3) 3
   or PLTS 310 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3)
HORT 303 Integrated Pest Management (3) 31
   or PLTS 332 Integrated Pest Management (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections (3)
   or HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections (3)
   or HORT 307 Plant Identification - Sustainable and CA Native Selections (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
HORT 105 Pest Control Licensing or Certification (2)
   or HORT 350 Landscape Irrigation (3)
   or HORT 351 Drip and Subsurface Irrigation (2)
   or HORT 498 Work Experience in Horticulture (0.5 - 4)
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction (3)
   or HORT 324 Sustainable Landscape Maintenance (3)
   or HORT 360 Introduction to Tree Care and Urban Forestry (3)
   or MAT 300 Introduction to Agriculture Mechanics (3)
Total Units: 18

1Horticulture 100 at American River College meets the Hort 303 course requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic horticultural principles and practices.
  • PSLO 2: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to sustainably manage landscape soil.
  • PSLO 3: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to perform basic landscape and nursery operations.
  • PSLO 4: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to design and implement a successful integrated pest management program.
  • PSLO 5: Demonstrate the ability to identify selected plant material and make appropriate recommendations for its use in the landscape.
  • PSLO 6: Demonstrate knowledge and skills in one or more horticulture specialties through advanced coursework, and/or a combination of courses, work experience in horticulture, or independent studies in horticulture.

Career Information

A multitude of entry-level opportunities awaits those who earn a certificate in General Horticulture. Students may find gainful employment opportunities in landscape construction and maintenance, irrigation systems installation and maintenance, landscape planning, tree care, wholesale or retail nursery sales and support, landscape materials sales and/or services, or other specialty areas in Horticulture.


Horticulture, Sustainable Irrigation and Water Management Technology Certificate

The certificate in Sustainable Irrigation and Water Management Technology concentrates on those courses that develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to designing, installing, and managing water efficient irrigation systems that are compliant with current California state and local ordinances. The required courses are designed to develop a strong foundational understanding of basic botany and plant growth requirements, and provide advanced education and training in sound principles of soil/water relationship testing and evaluation, soil development and management, proper sprinkler and drip irrigation design, irrigation systems troubleshooting and retrofitting, and irrigation systems management for water conservation. Students will have the opportunity to become QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) certified through this certificate program. QWEL is an EPA WaterSense Partnership program.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3) 3
   or PLTS 310 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3)
HORT 350 Landscape Irrigation 3
HORT 351 Drip and Subsurface Irrigation 2
HORT 353 Sustainable Water Management 3
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
HORT 498 Work Experience in Horticulture (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 16

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic horticultural principles and practices.
  • PSLO 2: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to sustainably manage landscape soils.
  • PSLO 3: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to perform basic tasks related to landscape irrigation systems design, installation, and maintenance.
  • PSLO 4: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to perform advanced tasks related to sustainable irrigation systems design, installation, retrofitting, and troubleshooting.
  • PSLO 5: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to perform advanced tasks related to landscape water use efficiency and sustainable water management.

Career Information

Students who complete a certificate in Sustainable Irrigation and Water Management Technology can find employment opportunities in sprinkler and surface/subsurface irrigation design, consultation, installation, maintenance and irrigation/water management. Students may be self-employed, or find employment with landscape and/or irrigation design firms, landscape contractors, landscape maintenance companies, golf courses, parks departments, water agencies, or other water/water service providers. This certificate will also prepare students for advanced training and certification through industry sponsored programs such as the Irrigation Association's (IA) Certified Irrigation Designer, Certified Irrigation Contractor, Certified Water Auditor, and Certified Water Manager programs, as well as the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) Water Management Certification program.


Horticulture, Sustainable Landscape Design Certificate

The certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design concentrates on those courses that develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to creating landscape and irrigation designs that make best use of local resources including soil, water, and construction materials. The courses of this certificate focus on sound horticultural science and principles, proper soil development and management, sustainable landscape and irrigation design, water conservation, sustainable landscape construction and maintenance practices, and integrated pest management.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3) 3
   or PLTS 310 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3)
HORT 303 Integrated Pest Management (3) 31
   or PLTS 332 Integrated Pest Management (3)
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections (3) 3
   or HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections (3)
   or HORT 307 Plant Identification - Sustainable and CA Native Selections (3)
HORT 340 Landscape and Irrigation Graphics and Design 32
HORT 350 Landscape Irrigation 3
HORT 351 Drip and Subsurface Irrigation 2
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
HORT 498 Work Experience in Horticulture (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 22

1Horticulture 100 at American River College meets the Hort 303 course requirement.

2Horticulture 322 at American River College meets the Hort 340 course requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic horticultural principles and practices.
  • PSLO 2. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of soils, soil development, soil building and preparation, and sustainable soil management.
  • PLSO 3. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, and use of plant material best suited for sustainable landscapes.
  • PSLO 4. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic landscape design principles and practices.
  • PSLO 5. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of hydraulics and irrigation design, installation, and water management principles and practices.
  • PSLO 6. Propose landscape design concepts based on sound, sustainable soil management, water conservation, construction and maintenance, and integrated pest management best practices.

Career Information

The certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design provides a strong horticulture foundation, along with the specialized skills and technical knowledge to prepare students for employment opportunities in the field of sustainable landscape planning and irrigation design. Students who complete a certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design find employment in landscape and irrigation design, planning, consultation, installation management, and water systems management. Students may be self-employed, or find employment with landscape design firms, landscape contractors, landscape maintenance firms, or other related service providers. Students will have the opportunity to become QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) certified through this certificate program. QWEL is an EPA WaterSense Partnership program. This certificate will also prepare students for advanced training and certification through industry sponsored programs such as the Irrigation Association (IA) Certified Water Auditor and Certified Water Manager programs.


Horticulture, Sustainable Landscape Technology Certificate

A variety of professional career opportunities are available to those who wish to provide professional landscape installation and/or support services. Landscapers design, install, and maintain private and public outdoor spaces where people live, work, and play. The Sustainable Landscape Technology Certificate concentrates on those courses that develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for entry-level careers in developing, constructing, and maintaining functional and sustainable landscapes, green spaces, and irrigation systems, as well as careers in tree care, and landscape material, supply, and specialty services. The courses in this certificate focus on sound horticultural science and principles, plant identification, proper soil development and management, sustainable landscape and irrigation design, water conservation, sustainable construction and landscape maintenance, tree care, and integrated pest management.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
HORT 300 Introduction to Horticulture 3
HORT 302 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3) 3
   or PLTS 310 Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3)
HORT 303 Integrated Pest Management (3) 31
   or PLTS 332 Integrated Pest Management (3)
HORT 305 Plant Identification-Fall Selections (3) 3
   or HORT 306 Plant Identification-Spring Selections (3)
   or HORT 307 Plant Identification - Sustainable and CA Native Selections (3)
HORT 320 Sustainable Landscape Construction (3) 3
   or HORT 324 Sustainable Landscape Maintenance (3)
   or HORT 360 Introduction to Tree Care and Urban Forestry (3)
   or MAT 300 Introduction to Agriculture Mechanics (3)
HORT 350 Landscape Irrigation 3
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
HORT 498 Work Experience in Horticulture (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 20

1Horticulture 100 at American River College meets the Hort 303 course requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic horticultural principles and practices.
  • PSLO 2: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of soils, soil development, soil building and preparation, and sustainable soil management.
  • PSLO 3: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use, and maintenance of plant material best suited for sustainable landscapes.
  • PSLO 4: Demonstrate proficiency at implementing the principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management for sustainable landscapes.
  • PSLO 5: Demonstrate proficiency at implementing the principles and practices of sustainable landscape construction, sustainable landscape maintenance, or arboriculture to install and/or maintain sustainable landscapes.
  • PSLO 6: Demonstrate proficiency at implementing the principles and practices of irrigation design and water efficiency to design, install, and manage landscape irrigation systems.

Career Information

Students who complete a certificate in Sustainable Landscape Technology may find entry-level employment in a wide range of areas including landscape contracting, landscape construction and installation, landscape and grounds maintenance, turf management, tree care, parks and recreation, landscape irrigation, landscape design and consulting, nurseries and garden centers, landscape pest management, and horticulture materials supply and power equipment servicing.


Plant-Based Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture Certificate

The Plant-Based Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture Certificate Program brings farm-to-fork into the classroom. It provides the science that supports the benefits of whole plant-based foods to the health of the individual as well as the environment. Students will gain knowledge in the function of plant-based foods towards the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. The program addresses the environmental and social concerns with strategies and principles of sustainable agriculture. Students will master the theories and skills of plant-based food preparation bringing the food to the fork and into everyday food choices.

Contact the CRC Nutrition and Foods, Horticulture, and/or Ag Counselor regarding transferable courses.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
NUTRI 303 Plant-Based Nutrition 3
NUTRI 331 Plant-Based Food Principles and Preparation 3
HORT 313 Sustainable Agriculture 3
Total Units: 9

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: Demonstrate independent learning and effective communication skills.
  • Demonstrate responsibility for personal action and choices.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • PSLO 2: Explain the principles of nutrition and its effect on health.
  • Relate the dietary causes of chronic diseases.
  • Evaluate the role of plant-based foods on health and the environment.
  • PSLO 3: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of health behaviors on nutritional and health status.
  • Schematize the effects of personal food choice on health, the environment and public policy.
  • PSLO 4: Basic and advanced plant science/horticulture skills development and improvement.
  • Demonstrate and apply the theories of sustainable and organic agriculture.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of soils, soil development, soil building and preparation and sustainable soil management.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of hydraulics and irrigation design, installation, and water management principles and practices.
  • Create agriculture design concepts based on sound, sustainable soil management, water conservation, construction and maintenance, and integrated pest management best practices.
  • PSLO 5: Effectively and accurately prepare and analyze raw ingredients and prepared foods.
  • Evaluate food through sensory evaluation of texture, taste, color, presentation, smell and umami.
  • Identify optimal cooking procedures/heat transfer to maximize nutrient content as well as the quality of the ingredients and dish as a whole.
  • Analyze quality defects in cooked products and specify possible errors in techniques or ingredient selection.
  • PSLO 6: Implement proper sanitary and safety techniques.
  • Demonstrate appropriate food handling and sanitary techniques.
  • Utilize kitchen tools/equipment appropriately.

Career Information

In restaurants, food service facilities, farms, urban farms, sustainable/organic farms, school garden, health education. Some of these career options may require more than the certificate and two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.