Horticulture Technology: Diploma
Description
Horticulture is the branch of agriculture that focuses on the production and care of fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants. KPU’s two year Horticulture Technology Diploma specializations focus on high value crops like greenhouse vegetables, on landscape design and maintenance, and on turf management. These three areas are among the most technology-intensive and knowledge-based areas of horticulture practice and have a great impact on the quality of life for our urban and suburban society.
The program curriculum and the success of KPU’s diploma graduates have established the Horticulture Technology Diploma Specializations as a highly valued credential in the workplace. The diploma program uniquely combines theory and technique with the practice of horticulture. Students learn how to use the tools, equipment, and technologies that are an everyday part of industry. The program also provides students with a foundation in horticulture science. Students develop an understanding of the environmental requirements for optimum plant growth and the limits of technology. Best practice and sustainability are key learning outcomes.
All students must undertake a 14-week work experience, usually completed between first and second year. This provides a great opportunity for students to apply the their new skills and identify where their careers lie after completing the diploma.
Specializations:
The Diploma in Horticulture requires students to choose one of three specializations:
- Landscape Horticulture Systems (formerly Landscape Design and Installation)
- Sustainable Crop Production (formerly Greenhouse and Nursery Production)
- Turf Management
Landscape Horticulture Systems
This specialization delivers basic horticulture knowledge as well as practical hands-on experience. Students resolve local landscape garden problems through landscape design classes. In landscape construction they learn by building features that become part of the campus landscape. A program strength is tree care (arboriculture) where students learn pruning, planting, and tree management problem-solving skills in our urban forests.
Graduates are working for landscape companies of all types and sizes. Many are successfully running their own landscape firms. Graduates have also established successful careers working for the parks departments in our cities.
Sustainable Crop Production
The greenhouse and nursery sector of horticulture in BC has consistently provided rewarding employment opportunities. There is always a demand for knowledgeable and skilled individuals who enjoy working with people and plants. Job opportunities exist in BC and abroad. This diploma specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to work successfully in the greenhouse production of vegetables, flower crops, and field and container production of ornamental plants. Graduates may be employed as assistant growers or growers in wholesale and retail nurseries, commercial greenhouse operations, garden centres, or as technical representatives in supply companies. Research and sales also compliment these diverse career choices.
Turf Management
Turf management students participate in provincial and national industry conferences, establishing networks of industry and alumni contacts that support their career development. On campus, students play a role in the management and maintenance of the turf field lab with golf greens, tees, fairways, home lawns, and park style lawn areas.
Graduates are managing golf courses in all parts of the province. Many have successful careers with municipal parks departments managing sports fields. In addition to turf management, the program includes tree care (arboriculture) and a number of turf management graduates are successful arborists.
Transfer to a Degree
KPU Bachelor of Horticulture Science
Graduates of a diploma program can pursue KPU’s Bachelor of Horticulture Science degree majors. Students have the choice of an Urban Ecosystems major or a Plant Health major. Refer to the Horticulture Science degree section of the calendar for details. Students can combine their diploma education with the enhanced horticulture science knowledge of the degree and earn two credentials. Those who wish to pursue this option should meet with the Faculty of Science and Horticulture Degree Advisor to discuss transfer to this unique School of Horticulture degree program.
KPU Bachelor of Business Administration
A successful career progression in horticulture often leads to a management role. While the diploma programs include a solid foundation in business skills, graduates are eligible to transfer into the third year of KPU's Bachelor of Business Administration (in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Human Resources Management, or Marketing Management). Some additional course work in Accounting, Computer Applications, English, Microeconomics, Statistics, and Marketing is required to complete the transfer. Students can combine diploma-level education with enhanced business skill and earn two credentials (Diploma and Degree) in a 4.5 year course of study. Students who wish to pursue this option should meet with the Faculty of Science and Horticulture Degree Advisor to discuss course substitutions that would facilitate transfer to the School of Business degree program.
Student Profile
Students who wish to contribute to environmental and community well-being, engage in creative activities, own and operate their own business, or engage in hands-on work will enjoy horticulture.
Many students enter the horticulture diploma to upgrade their skills or facilitate a career change. Faculty and staff are supportive and sensitive to the issues faced by students who embark on a post-secondary program after a significant period away from formal education.
Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen or plant products, or specific chemicals should be aware of the potential impact of practicing horticulture on their health. Moderate physical fitness and a healthy back are generally required for a successful career in horticulture.
Career Opportunities
Refer to the descriptions of the three specializations for information on career opportunities in the program description section above.
Program Admission Requirements
General university admission requirements apply to this program including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement.
Students wishing to complete the program without having to undertake any preparatory courses must enter with English 12 with a grade of C+ (or equivalents) and Mathematics 11 (Applications or Principles) with a grade of C (or equivalent). Students are encouraged to make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to plan course selections accordingly.
Program Requirements
Landscape Horticulture Systems Specialization
Students pursuing a Horticulture Technology Diploma with a Landscape Horticulture Systems specialization must complete at least 63 credits. Students should be familiar with the basic computer applications of word processing and spread sheets. If students require upgrading, they should take CBSY 1105.
Year 1
Fall Semester |
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All of: |
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| HORT 1102 | Botany for Horticulture | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1118 | Basic Machinery Operation and Maintenance | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1124 | Landscape Gardening Methods | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1155 | Introduction To Plant Materials | 3 credits | |
Spring Semester |
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All of: |
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| CMNS 1140 | Introduction to Professional Communication | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1104 | Soils and Growing Media | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1105 | BC Pesticide Applicator Certification | 1 credit | |
| HORT 1217 | Foundations of Plant Health | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1240 | Arboriculture I | 3 credits | |
Fall or Spring Semester |
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And: |
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| HORT 1110 | Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture | 3 credits | |
Plus one of: |
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| HORT 1230 | Sustainable Turf Management | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1261 | Plant Propagation | 3 credits | |
Summer Semester |
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| HORT 2302 | Horticulture Work Experience | 1 credit | |
Year 2
Fall Semester |
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All of: |
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| BUSI 1209 | Business Management in Horticulture | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2306 | Work Experience Report | 1 credit | |
| HORT 2308 | Landscape Pest Management | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2327 | Sustainable Landscape Design I | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2355 | Plant Identification 3 | 3 credits | |
Plus one of: |
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| HORT 2334 | Irrigation, Drainage and Lighting | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2473 | Greenhouse Environments | 3 credits | |
Spring Semester |
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All of: |
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| BUSI 1205 | Supervisory Skills | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2412 | Landscape Estimating and Contract Administration | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2426 | Landscape Construction | 3 credits | |
Plus two of: |
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| HORT 2427 | Sustainable Landscape Design II | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2463 | Nursery Production | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2442 | Arboriculture II | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2490 | Organic Greenhouse Crop Production | 3 credits | |
Sustainable Crop Production Specialization
Students pursuing a Horticulture Technology Diploma with a Sustainable Crop Production specialization must complete at least 63 credits. Students should be familiar with the basic computer applications of word processing and spread sheets. If students require upgrading, they should take CBSY 1105.
Year 1
Fall Semester |
|||
All of: |
|||
| HORT 1102 | Botany for Horticulture | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1110 | Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1118 | Basic Machinery Operation and Maintenance | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1155 | Introduction To Plant Materials | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1193 | Crop Production Practices | 3 credits | |
Spring Semester |
|||
All of: |
|||
| CMNS 1140 | Introduction to Professional Communication | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1104 | Soils and Growing Media | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1105 | BC Pesticide Applicator Certification | 1 credit | |
| HORT 1217 | Foundations of Plant Health | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1293 | Crop Production Operations | 3 credits | |
Plus one of: |
|||
| HORT 1240 | Arboriculture I | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1261 | Plant Propagation | 3 credits | |
Summer Semester |
|||
And: |
|||
| HORT 2302 | Horticulture Work Experience | 1 credit | |
Year 2
Fall Semester |
|||
All of: |
|||
| BUSI 1209 | Business Management in Horticulture | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2306 | Work Experience Report | 1 credit | |
| HORT 2375 | Production Facilities and Equipment | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2378 | Production Horticulture Pests | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2393 | Crop Production Performance | 3 credits | |
Plus one of: |
|||
| HORT 2334 | Irrigation, Drainage and Lighting | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2473 | Greenhouse Environments | 3 credits | |
Spring Semester |
|||
All of: |
|||
| BUSI 1205 | Supervisory Skills | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2477 | Production Horticulture Management | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2490 | Organic Greenhouse Crop Production | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2493 | Crop Production Development | 3 credits | |
Plus one of: |
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| HORT 2442 | Arboriculture II | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2463 | Nursery Production | 3 credits | |
Turf Management Specialization
Students pursuing a Horticulture Technology Diploma with a Turf Management specialization must complete at least 63 credits. Students should be familiar with the basic computer applications of word processing and spread sheets. If students require upgrading, they should take CBSY 1105.
Year 1
Fall Semester |
|||
All of: |
|||
| HORT 1102 | Botany for Horticulture | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1118 | Basic Machinery Operation and Maintenance | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1132 | Turf Maintenance Operations | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1155 | Introduction To Plant Materials | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1230 | Sustainable Turf Management | 3 credits | |
Spring Semester |
|||
All of: |
|||
| CMNS 1140 | Introduction to Professional Communication | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1104 | Soils and Growing Media | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1105 | BC Pesticide Applicator Certification | 1 credit | |
| HORT 1217 | Foundations of Plant Health | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1232 | Sports Turf Management Practices | 3 credits | |
| HORT 1240 | Arboriculture I | 3 credits | |
Summer Semester |
|||
And: |
|||
| HORT 2302 | Horticulture Work Experience | 1 credit | |
Year 2
Fall Semester |
|||
All of: |
|||
| BUSI 1209 | Business Management in Horticulture | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2306 | Work Experience Report | 1 credit | |
| HORT 2330 | Turfgrass and Environmental Stress | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2332 | Environmental Turf Management | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2333 | Turfgrass Pest Management | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2334 | Irrigation, Drainage and Lighting | 3 credits | |
Spring Semester |
|||
All of: |
|||
| BUSI 1205 | Supervisory Skills | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2432 | Grounds Machinery Maintenance | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2436 | Golf Course Management | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2437 | Golf Course Irrigation Systems: Design and Operations | 3 credits | |
Plus one elective (3 credits) selected from: |
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| ACCT 1230 | Business Statistics * | 3 credits | |
| ACCT 2293 | Accelerated Introductory Financial Accounting * | 3 credits | |
| CBSY 1105 | Computer Business Applications * | 3 credits | |
| ECON 1150 | Principles of Microeconomics * | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2426 | Landscape Construction | 3 credits | |
| HORT 2442 | Arboriculture II | 3 credits | |
| MRKT 1199 | Introduction to Marketing * | 3 credits | |
* Recommended for students bridging to a Bachelor of Business Administration degree program.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program and the respective specialization, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Horticulture Technology Landscape Horticulture Systems Specialization.
Upon successful completion of this program and the respective specialization, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Horticulture Technology Sustainable Crop Production Specialization.
Upon successful completion of this program and the respective specialization, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Horticulture Technology Turf Management Specialization.
