Horticulture Technology Program

Applications are currently not being accepted for this program.

Career/Program Overview

In an increasingly urbanized world, the importance of urban greening and food safety is growing.  The intelligent use of plants in the urban landscape offers solutions.  Horticulturists design, install and maintain green spaces for ornamental use and food production.

The RCTC Horticulture Technology program offers an excellent balance of classroom and hands-on training preparing graduates to manage the urban ecosystem.  Combining traditional hands-on teaching methods with online Hybrid classes allows students to work or commute while in the program.  We actively involve industry professionals in developing the curriculum to meet green industry needs. Students may consider transfer options by working closely with a four-year institution of their choice.

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

Curriculum-at-a-Glance

Coursework includes Plant Materials I – Woody plant ID, Plant Materials II – Herbaceous Plant ID, Soil Science, Plant Propagation, Greenhouse Crop Production, Sustainable Food Production, Introduction to Turfgrass Management, Turf and Landscape Management, Interior Plant scaping and Floral Design, Arboriculture, Urban Forestry and Integrated Plant/Pest Management.

Program/Degree Options

Horticulture Technology AAS, 60 credits

Horticulture Technician Diploma, 54 credits

Program Start Date(s)

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

Career Opportunities/Information

According to the most recent National Green Industry Survey, the horticulture industry contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) is $120.71 billion and the industry directly employs 1,599,662 Americans.

The RCTC Horticulture Technology program offers training for careers in urban ecosystem management.  Working with plants and people in an outdoor environment offers exciting and rewarding career opportunities.  Potential career opportunities include the following.

  • Arborist / Tree Inspector
  • Municipal Park and Forestry Maintenance
  • Turf and Landscape Management
  • Greenhouse Crop Production
  • Plant Health Care Technician
  • Natural Resources Technician
  • Client Experience Coordinator
  • Entrepreneur

Accreditations/Articulations

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Rochester Community and Technical College.

For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: www.rctc.edu/academics/articulations/

Additional Information

Program Website: www.rctc.edu/program/hort/ 
Program Plan: rctc.edu/academics/programs/
More Information: www.rctc.edu/about/contact-information/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RCTCHort/

Gainful Employment Programs

The U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information for programs that lead to certificates or diplomas and are financial aid eligible. The most current RCTC gainful employment information can be found at:  http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/programs

 

Overview content updated: 2018-06-05