Nursery Technology (Major Code: 53002)
Student Learning Outcomes
Cuyamaca College – Ornamental Horticulture
Associate Degree in Nursery Technology
Students enrolled in this major pursue careers in the wholesale production and retail sales of horticultural crops. Coursework will focus on plant propagation, greenhouse plant production, and horticultural practices related to production and sales of landscape and greenhouse plant material. Students entering the nursery industry, those already employed but seeking upgraded skills, and those wishing to transfer to Cal Poly or other four-year degree programs will benefit from the curriculum. Graduates are employed by wholesale and retail nurseries, public agencies or may be self employed.
Students who complete this program should be able to:
- Identify 250 trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and turf grass species commonly used in Southern California landscapes. (OH 102, 170, 180)
- Explain the principles of plant structure, function and plant growth. (OH 102, 120, 240, 275)
- Perform propagation of plants, both sexually and asexually with standard industry tools, techniques and media. (OH 120, 121)
- Cultivate horticultural crops in both natural and artificial environments common in the horticulture industry, including diagnosing and correcting biotic and abiotic problems affecting these crops. (OH 120, 240, 275)
- Identify soil composition and correct soil problems to enhance plant growth. (OH 102, 120, 140, 275)
- Utilize principles of landscape design to assist clients in the selection of appropriate plant materials for landscape use. (OH 102, 170, 180, 172)
- Identify and describe labor relations, business plans, cost estimating and regulatory requirements for the nursery industry. (OH 240, 278)
- Gain practical experience working in the landscape industry. (OH 290)
Course Requirements ~ Associate in Science Degree and Certificate of Achievement:
| Course | Title | Units |
| OH 120 | Fundamentals of Ornamental Horticulture | 3 |
| OH 121 | Plant Propagation | 3 |
| OH 130 | Plant Pest Control | 3 |
| OH 140 | Soils | 3 |
| OH 170 | Plant Materials: Plants and Shrubs | 3 |
| OH 180 | Plant Materials: Annuals and Perennials | 3 |
| OH 240 | Greenhouse Plant Production | 3 |
| OH 290* | Cooperative Work Experience Education | 3 |
| 24 |
Select 9 additional units from the following:
| BIO 122 | Plant Structures and Functions | 4 |
| OH 114 | Floral Design I | 3 |
| OH 172 | Introduction to Landscape Design | 3 |
| OH 276 | Horticultural Equipment Repair and Maintenance | 3 |
| OH 278 | Business Management for Ornamental Horticulture | 3 |
| SPAN 120 | Spanish I | 5 |
Total Units Required for Certificate: 33
Plus General Education Requirements for Associate in Science Degree
*Student must complete 6 units within the major at Cuyamaca College to be eligible for this course.
