Environmental Horticulture
The Environmental Horticulture Associates Degree from Bakersfield College is a two-year program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the field of horticulture. The program includes courses on plant propagation, plant nutrition, landscape design, pest management, and irrigation systems, as well as general education courses in areas such as mathematics and communication. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through laboratory activities. Graduates of the program will be prepared to pursue careers as horticulturists, landscape designers, greenhouse managers, or nursery operators, among other options.
What is Environmental Horticulture?
Environmental horticulture is the study and practice of cultivating plants for their aesthetic, ecological, and economic benefits. This field involves the use of plant materials to create and maintain attractive and functional landscapes, gardens, and green spaces, as well as to promote sustainable practices and environmental conservation. Environmental horticulturists may work in a variety of settings, including nurseries, landscaping companies, botanical gardens, parks, golf courses, and farms. They may be involved in tasks such as plant selection and breeding, soil management, pest control, irrigation systems, and landscape design, among other responsibilities.
Is Environmental Horticulture Right for Me?
An environmental horticulture degree would benefit individuals who have an interest in plants, gardening, landscaping, and environmental sustainability. This degree would be ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors and have a passion for creating and maintaining green spaces. Students who pursue this degree should have an ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. Additionally, individuals with an interest in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the natural world would find this degree to be highly rewarding.
Key traits and skills that would make you a good fit for studying environmental horticulture:
- Passion for plants
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
- Physical fitness and love for working outdoors
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Environmental awareness
Environmental Horticulture Degree and Certificate
Environmental Horticulture focuses on the science and art concerned with landscape design and installation, floral arts, urban forestry, the urban environment, culture, marketing, and utilization of high value, intensively cultivated flowers, fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants and trees.
The Environmental Horticulture Certificate of Achievement is designed for the student desiring specialized training in order to enter the workforce in the least amount of time.
This Edible Education Garden Certificate of Completion covers the fundamentals of edible gardening to advanced garden management practices.
The Pest Control Adviser Preparation program will prepare students for a wide variety of entry-level positions related to pest identification, prevention, control methods and applications of crop protection materials.
Paying For Education
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Careers in Environmental Horticulture
You CAN Afford BC
Graduates with an Environmental Horticulture Associate of Science Degree can pursue various career paths in the fields of horticulture, landscaping, and environmental management, among others. You can earn a Certificate of Achievement to advance your career on your way to earning your degree. Some potential careers for graduates of this program include:
- Horticulturist: A horticulturist is responsible for the cultivation, care, and management of plants. This could include working in a greenhouse, nursery, or botanical garden, or as a landscape designer, plant breeder, or plant scientist.
- Landscape designer: A landscape designer creates outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and urban green spaces. This could include designing plans for new construction projects or renovating existing outdoor areas.
- Nursery manager: A nursery manager oversees the operations of a plant nursery, including the production and sales of plants and related products.
- Irrigation specialist: An irrigation specialist designs and installs irrigation systems for gardens, parks, golf courses, and other outdoor spaces, ensuring that plants receive adequate water.
- Pest management specialist: A pest management specialist develops and implements strategies for controlling pests and diseases that can harm plants.
- Environmental consultant: An environmental consultant provides advice and solutions for environmental issues, including the use of sustainable practices and conservation efforts in the management of outdoor spaces.
Academic Department: Agriculture
Career & Learning Pathway: Agriculture Nutrition Culinary Arts (ANCA)
Courses: Agriculture (AGRI), Crop Science (CRPS), Ornamental Horticulture (ORNH), and Soils (SOIL)
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