About our Horticulture
Associate Degree
The Horticulture program prepares graduates to work in a wide variety of horticultural occupations, such as tree, shrub and perennial plant nurseries, arboreta, greenhouses, garden centers, landscape contracting and design, municipal parks, arboriculture, turf production, golf course management, lawn and grounds maintenance, florist shops, interior landscaping, estate gardening, cut flower production, herb and specialty plant production, market gardening, organic food production, horticultural equipment supplies and sales, and horticulture education.
Many graduates own businesses and contribute significantly to their communities. The Horticulture program is a hands-on, broad-based curriculum, which provides or sponsors additional opportunities including: tuition scholarships for students who qualify, educational field experiences, visiting lecturers with expertise in horticulture and related fields, and short courses that introduce students to specialized topics presented by members of the “green industry.” Graduates from the Horticulture program have successfully transferred credits toward baccalaureate degrees in related areas of study at a variety of colleges and universities.
Graduation Outcomes
- Apply the basic principles of plant function and development, emphasizing horticultural applications.
- Identify and analyze soil properties as they relate to plant growth and land use decisions.
- Identify, use and care for a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants in landscape and crop production.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of landscape site analysis and landscape design using appropriate tools, techniques, skills and knowledge.
- Identify common biotic and abiotic plant pests and disorders, and develop strategies to manage them in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner.
- Apply horticultural skills and knowledge to operate various business entities, including landscape, arborist, greenhouse, nursery and turf management areas.
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Landscape and Garden Design, Installation, and Maintenance
- Landscaping Business Owner
- Farming and Market Gardening
- Nursery and Greenhouse Production
- Arborist
- Golf Course Facilities Manager
Continue Your Education
Available transfer agreements for this program include:
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
Costs & Financial Aid
This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)
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Ready to apply?
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Contact Us:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or smccadmissions@mainecc.edu
Department Chair: Cheryl Rich, 207-741-5780 or crich@mainecc.edu