Welcome to the Rochester Community and Technical College web site!

If you are getting this message, you may currently be using a screen reader, small-screen handheld device, a text-based browser or an older browser that doesn't support modern web standards.

SKIP to: User Groups, Site Search, Page content, Quick Links, Contact Information

Prospective Students :: Enrolled Students :: Employees :: Alumni :: Community :: RCTC Home

Popular Topics:

Have Questions?

Get Answers.

Horticulture Program

<< Programs List

Program Overview:

The RCTC Horticulture Technology program offers training for environmental careers in the green industry. Working with plants and people in an outdoor environment offers exciting and rewarding career opportunities. Graduates will qualify for jobs in: Greenhouse Management Landscape Maintenance Golf Course Turf Management Tree Care and Urban Forestry Landscape Design and Install Floral Design Retail and Wholesale Sales RCTC Horticulture technology provides an excellent balance of classroom and hands–on training so graduates are ready to meet the needs of the green industry. Combining traditional on site teaching methods with on-line Hybrid classes allows students to work or commute while in the program. We actively involve industry professionals in developing our curriculum to insure that we meet their needs for employees.

Curriculum-at-a-Glance:

Depending on the option selected coursework may include: Plant Materials I and II, Soil Science, Landscape Design, Golf Course Field Operations, Plant Propagation, Greenhouse Crop Production, Introduction to Turfgrass Management, Floral Design, Arboriculture, Urban Forestry and Integrated Plant/Pest Management.

Program / Degree Options:

Horticulture Technology AAS, 60 credits Floriculture/Garden Center Diploma, 52 credits Landscape/Golf Course/Grounds Maintenance Diploma, 52 credits Horticulture Science AS, 60 credits

Program Start Date(s):

Students can enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. Some courses are prerequisites to advanced level coursework so preplanning is encouraged.

Career Information:

The Horticulture Technology curriculum provides educational opportunities to individuals that will enable them to obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in a horticulture career related to landscape management, turf management, urban forestry, greenhouse crop production, and related occupations. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of specific technical knowledge and skills and a firm foundation in the science of horticulture. Students may consider transfer options by working closely with a four-year institution of their choice.

Articulations / Accreditations:

RCTC’s Horticulture Science Associate in Science degree has been established to transfer into the Environmental Horticulture bachelor's degree program at the University of Minnesota.

In 2003 RCTC's program was selected as Minnesota's Outstanding Post Secondary/Adult Agricultural Education program. For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at:

Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission: A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.