Horticulture Technology Diploma
DESCRIPTION
Enrolling in a Horticulture Diploma Program
Our Students
Our diploma students acquire the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for success in horticulture. The support of employers and alumni ensures courses and programs meet the requirements of industry and the aspirations of graduates. Choose from the Greenhouse and Nursery Production, Turf Management, or Landscape Design and Installation.
The diploma programs combine theory and practices. Students are encouraged to use our facilities to gain competence in a range of horticultural skills. Our facilities include glass greenhouses, ploy houses, container nursery, turf field lab, landscape field lab, and horticulture science-focused teaching labs.
Many students enter the School of Horticulture to upgrade their skills or to 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 school, college, or university.
Specializations:
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
In response to an increased demand for horticulture products and services, and in response to increasing consumer interest in their environment and sustainability, the horticulture industry is both growing and changing. The combination of growth and change has resulted in a shortage of qualified people for staff and management positions. As a result, technology graduates will find numerous employment opportunities. School of Horticulture technology graduates are in supervisory or management roles in greenhouses, golf courses, landscape design firms, landscape maintenance companies, garden centres, nurseries, and municipal park departments.
STUDENT PROFILE
Students who wish to act on their concern for the environment, their interest in sustainability, engage in creative activities, own and operate their own businesses, or engage in hands-on work will enjoy horticulture. Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen or plant products, or specific chemicals should be aware of the potential impact on their health. Physical fitness and a healthy back are generally required for a successful career in these horticulture disciplines. Students will be required to work with plant protection products, both biological and chemical.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
All applicants (full or part-time) must meet general Kwantlen admission requirements. Some courses have additional prerequisites. Much of the first year can be completed without meeting the Mathematics requirement.
Students who wish to complete the program in two years are strongly encouraged to meet the following requirements at the beginning of their studies:
- English 12 with a C+ or equivalent (if a candidate does not meet the recommended letter grade required, they are encouraged to write the Kwantlen English Placement Test)
- Mathematics 11 (Applications or Principles) with a C or equivalent
Applicable upgrading courses are available at Kwantlen for students who do not meet these entrance course prerequisites.
All applicants are invited to meet with a faculty member to help clarify program demands and career opportunities. Early application is recommended. Applications are accepted 10 months prior to the start of classes.
CONTENT
1. Greenhouse and Nursery Production
The greenhouse and nursery sector of the horticulture industry in BC has consistently provided rewarding employment opportunities each year. There is always a demand for knowledgeable and skilled individuals who enjoy working with people and plants. The demand for qualified greenhouse/nursery technologists is high and job opportunities exist in BC and abroad. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to work successfully in the greenhouse production of vegetable, flower or forestry crops, or field and container production of ornamental plants in nursery environments. Graduates may be employed as assistant growers or growers in wholesale and retail nurseries, commercial greenhouse operations, garden centres and as technical representatives in supply companies.
Normal Course Progression for full-time studies
YEAR 1 – 31 credits
Fall – Semester 1
- CBSY 1105 Introductory Microcomputer Applications
- HORT 1102 Botany for Horticulture
- HORT 1116 Introductory Equipment Maintenance
- HORT 1155 Introduction to Plant Identification
- HORT 1171 Production Practices – Fall
- HORT 2472 Forestry Crop Production
Spring – Semester 2
- CMNS 1140 Introduction to Professional Communication
- HORT 1101 Pesticide Applicator/Dispenser Certification
- HORT 1104 Soils, Soil Amendments and Soilless Media: An Introduction
- HORT 1217 Introduction to Pest Management
- HORT 1246 Plant ID for Production
- HORT 1261 Plant Propagation
- HORT 1271 Production Practices – Spring
Summer Semester (2 credits)
- HORT 2300 Horticultural Work Experience
YEAR 2 – 30 credits
Fall – Semester 3
- BUSI 1209 Business Management in Horticulture
- HORT 2371 Fall Floriculture
- HORT 2375 Production Facilities and Equipment
- HORT 2378 Greenhouse and Nursery Pests
- HORT 2473 Greenhouse Environments
Spring – Semester 4
- BUSI 1205 Supervisory Skills
- HORT 2372 Greenhouse Vegetable Production
- HORT 2463 Nursery Production
- HORT 2477 Production Horticulture Management
- HORT 2479 Spring Floriculture
Courses offered as possible electives:
Discuss with the Associate Dean or Program Chair the option of substituting these courses for program courses.
2. Landscape Design and Installation
Public and private landscapes and gardens provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to our communities and have created a demand for individuals trained in landscape design, installation, and maintenance. The Landscape specialization offers exciting opportunities for individuals seeking a career in the landscape industry. Employment opportunities exist for supervisors and managers in residential and commercial landscaping companies, garden design firms, arboriculture companies, municipal park maintenance and management , and in horticulture materials supply companies. The opportunity for self-employment is high.
Normal Course Progression for full-time studies
YEAR 1 – 33 credits
Fall – Semester 1
- CBSY 1105 Introductory Microcomputer Applications
- HORT 1102 Botany for Horticulture
- HORT 1116 Introductory Equipment Maintenance
- HORT 1122 Introduction to Landscape Practices
- HORT 1155 Intro to Plant Identification
- HORT 1230 Sustainable Turf Management
Spring – Semester 2
- CMNS 1140 Introduction to Professional Communication
- HORT 1101 Pesticide Applicator/Dispenser Certification
- HORT 1104 Soils, Soil Amendments and Soilless Media: An Introduction
- HORT 1217 Introduction to Pest Management
- HORT 1224 Landscape Drafting
- HORT 1240 Arboriculture I
- HORT 1255 Plant Identification II
Summer Semester (2 credits)
- HORT 2300 Horticultural Work Experience
YEAR 2 – 30 credits
Fall – Semester 3
- BUSI 1209 Business Management in Horticulture
- HORT 2308 Landscape IPM
- HORT 2320 Landscape Design I
- HORT 2334 Irrigation, Drainage and Lighting
- HORT 2355 Plant Identification III
Spring – Semester 4
- BUSI 1205 Supervisory Skills
- HORT 2412 Landscape Estimating and Contract Administration
- HORT 2420 Landscape Design II
- HORT 2426 Landscape Construction
- HORT 2442 Arboriculture II
Courses offered as possible electives:
Discuss with the Associate Dean or Program Chair the option of substituting these courses for program courses.
3. Turf Management
Turf management is a key component of the landscape trades, recreation, and tourism industries and a significant component of the provincial economy. Approximately 126,000 hectares of managed turfgrass exist in the province. There is steady growth in the demand for qualified turf managers. Graduates from the program have the skills necessary to achieve management level careers in turfgrass operations. Students will be involved in the ongoing development and maintenance of the golf turf and landscape turf on campus. While many graduates find employment in the golf course industry, opportunities also exist in lawn care, landscape maintenance, athletic field management, commercial sod growing, and management of cemeteries, parks, and recreational facilities. Related careers include golf course construction, equipment supply, and fertilizer and seed sales. A number of turf management graduates have established successful careers in arboriculture.
Normal Course Progression for full-time studies
YEAR 1 – 32 credits
Fall – Semester 1
- CBSY 1105 Introductory Microcomputer Applications
- HORT 1102 Botany for Horticulture
- HORT 1116 Introductory Equipment Maintenance
- HORT 1134 Turf Maintenance Operations
- HORT 1155 Intro to Plant Identification
- HORT 1230 Sustainable Turf Management
Spring – Semester 2
- CMNS 1140 Business and Technical Communication: Theory and Application
- HORT 1101 Pesticide Applicator/Dispenser Certification
- HORT 1104 Soils, Soil Amendments and Soilless Media: An Introduction
- HORT 1217 Introduction to Pest Management
- HORT 1223 Basic Landscape Operations
- HORT 1240 Arboriculture I
- HORT 1255 Plant Identification II
Summer Semester (2 credits)
- HORT 2300 Horticultural Work Experience
YEAR 2 – 29 credits
Fall – Semester 3
- BUSI 1209 Business Management in Horticulture
- HORT 2330 Turfgrass and Environmental Stress
- HORT 2333 Turfgrass Pest Management
- HORT 2334 Irrigation, Drainage and Lighting
- HORT 2335 Sports Turf Management Practices
Spring – Semester 4
- BUSI 1205 Supervisory Skills
- HORT 2304 Grounds Machinery
- HORT 2436 Golf Course Management
- HORT 2437 Golf Course Irrigation Systems: Design and Operations
- HORT 2442 Arboriculture II
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES TO THE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM AT KWANTLEN
A successful career progression often leads to a management role in industry. While the diploma programs include a solid foundation in business skills, Horticulture Technology Diploma graduates are eligible to transfer into the third year of Kwantlen's Bachelor of Business Administration (in either Entrepreneurial Leadership or Human Resources Management). Some additional course work in Accounting, English, Microeconomics, Statistics and Marketing is required to complete the transfer. Students can now combine technology-level training with enhanced business training and receive two credentials (Diploma and Degree) in a 4.5 year course of study. Students who wish to pursue this option should meet with their program chair to discuss some course substitutions that would facilitate transfer to the School of Business degree program.
TRANSFER — INTERNAL
These degrees are under development in areas of study that are linked to the Horticulture Diploma programs. The degree proposals include substantial transfer credit for diploma graduates. Proposed areas of specialization include Plant Health, Green Space Management, and Sustainable Agriculture. Degree approval is anticipated in the spring of 2010 and implementation for the fall of 2011.
TRANSFER — EXTERNAL
Graduates of the Technology program may access advanced level admission to the Bachelor of Applied Horticulture Technology at Olds College in Olds, Alberta.
GRADUATION
Upon successful completion of this program, including the industry work component, students are awarded a Diploma in Horticulture Technology.
