Horticulture

person holding plant in soil

Bakersfield College designed certificates and two-year degrees that provide the knowledge and skills to enter the field of horticulture.

These programs teach about how plants grow, how to feed them, design outdoor spaces, control pests, and use water the right way. Students will get hands-on practice in labs. After finishing the program, they can work as plant experts, landscape designers, greenhouse workers, or nursery managers.

What is Horticulture?

Environmental and ornamental horticulture is about growing plants to make places look nice, help the environment, and support the economy. People in this field use plants to design and care for gardens, parks, and other green spaces. They also work to protect nature and use resources wisely. Jobs can be at plant nurseries, landscaping companies, parks, golf courses, or farms. They may choose plants, care for soil, control bugs, set up watering systems, and help design outdoor spaces.

Is Environmental/Ornamental Horticulture Right for Me?

An environmental or ornamental horticulture degree is a good choice for people who like plants, gardening, and taking care of the environment. This program is great for those who enjoy working outside and want to help make green spaces look nice and stay healthy. It’s also helpful if you can work well alone and with a team. If you care about nature, farming in a smart way, or helping the planet, this degree could be a great fit for you.

You might be a good fit if you have:

  • A love for plants

  • Good attention to detail

  • Creative ideas

  • The ability to work outside and stay active

  • Strong problem-solving skills

  • Good communication skills

  • A desire to help the environment

Horticulture Degrees and Certificates

Select the degree or certificate title for the catalog description and requirements.

  • Associate of Science Degree (AS)
  • Certificate of Achievement (COA)
  • Certificate of Completion (COCM)
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.
Want to start a job in plant care fast? The Environmental Horticulture Certificate teaches you important skills for working in gardens, landscapes, or nurseries, so you can begin your green career sooner.
Learn how to grow and care for flowers, fruits, vegetables, trees, and shrubs. This degree combines art and science to prepare you for a career working with high-value plants in gardens, farms, and landscapes.
Get hands-on training in plant care and landscape work. This certificate helps you start a career in the landscape industry and prepares you for leadership roles on a crew.
Learn how to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, from beginner gardening skills to managing larger garden projects. Great for home gardeners or those starting garden-related jobs.

This program teaches how to find, prevent, and control pests that harm plants and crops. You’ll learn about pest problems and how to safely use pest control methods in farm or garden settings.

BC student waling and talking on campus
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Careers in Environmental Horticulture

If you earn an Environmental Horticulture Associate of Science Degree, you can get a job in plant care, landscaping, or helping the environment. You can also earn a Certificate of Achievement to help you move forward in your career while working toward your degree. Some jobs you might get after finishing this program include:

  • Horticulturist
  • Landscape designer
  • Nursery manager
  • Irrigation specialist
  • Pest management specialist
  • Environmental consultant

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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