Horticulture Technology: Diploma

Description

The program curriculum and the success of KPU's diploma graduates have established the Horticulture Technology Diploma Specializations as highly valued credentials 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 practice. 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 approximately 455 hours of work experience, usually completed between first and second year. This provides 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.  Students study tree care, a program strength, where they practice 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 indeed, worldwide. 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 credential can pursue one of KPU's Bachelor of Horticulture Science degree programs, with a choice of the Urban Ecosystems major or Plant Health major. Refer to the Urban Ecosystems or Plant Health 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 (Diploma and Degree). Those who wish to pursue this option should meet with the Faculty of Science and Horticulture Degree Advisor to discuss transfer to one of these unique School of Horticulture degree programs.

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 use up to 36 program credits towards KPU's Bachelor of Business Administration (in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Human Resources Management, or Marketing Management). 

Students can combine diploma-level education with enhanced business skills and earn two credentials (Diploma and Degree).  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.

NOTE:
In addition to the Faculty Admission Requirement, students will be required to have completed a minimum of Mathematics 11 Foundations (with a C) or equivalent in order to complete the program without undertaking preparatory courses. Students are encouraged to speak with an Academic Advisor to plan course selection accordingly. 

Admission Requirements

Students pursuing a Diploma in Horticulture Technology must be admitted to the Faculty of Science & Horticulture.

Curricular 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
All of:
	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
Plus one of:
	HORT 1230	Sustainable Turf Management	3 credits
	HORT 1261	Plant Propagation	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 1110	Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture	3 credits
	HORT 1217	Foundations of Plant Health	3 credits
	HORT 1240	Arboriculture I	3 credits

Year 2

Fall Semester
All of:
	BUSI 1209	Business Management in Horticulture	3 credits
	HORT 2302	Horticulture Work Experience	1 credit
	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:
	HORT 2334	Irrigation and Drainage Practices	3 credits
	HORT 2473	Greenhouse Climate Control	3 credits
Spring Semester
All of:
	BUSI 1205	Supervisory Skills	3 credits
	HORT 2412	Landscape Estimating and Contract Administration	3 credits
	HORT 2426	Landscape Construction	3 credits
Plus two of:
	HORT 2427	Sustainable Landscape Design II	3 credits
	HORT 2463	Woody Plant Production and Development	3 credits
	HORT 2442	Arboriculture II	3 credits
	HORT 2490	Organic 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

Year 2

Fall Semester
All of:
	BUSI 1209	Business Management in Horticulture	3 credits
	HORT 2302	Horticulture Work Experience	1 credit
	HORT 2306	Work Experience Report	1 credit
	HORT 2375	Production Facilities and Systems	3 credits
	HORT 2378	Production Horticulture Pests	3 credits
	HORT 2393	Crop Production Performance	3 credits
Plus one of:
	HORT 2334	Irrigation and Drainage Practices	3 credits
	HORT 2473	Greenhouse Climate Control	3 credits
Spring Semester
All of:
	BUSI 1205	Supervisory Skills	3 credits
	HORT 2477	Production Management	3 credits
	HORT 2490	Organic Crop Production	3 credits
	HORT 2493	Crop Production Development	3 credits
Plus one of:
	HORT 2442	Arboriculture II	3 credits
	HORT 2463	Woody Plant Production and Development	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

Year 2

Fall Semester
All of:
	BUSI 1209	Business Management in Horticulture	3 credits
	HORT 2302	Horticulture Work Experience	1 credit
	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 and Drainage Practices	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:
	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 intending to continue into 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.