Horticulture Program

Degree Options

Program Information

The General Ornamental Horticulture AAS degree (68 credits) requires general education classes such as English, Social Studies, and Mathematics in addition to Horticulture courses. This degree is available to students who have not identified a specific career area or would like to receive a well rounded education in the field of horticulture. Most students that begin in this curriculum will determine their area of interest and transfer to that degree program.

Occupational Information

Horticulture is a growing and expanding industry with a strong job market. The general Degree gives a student a well rounded education in most of the specialized areas in Horticulture. Students who have received this degree are working in various areas within the industry.

Artistically designed lawns, gardens, and grounds do much more than increase property values; they increase our quality of life. Professionals in landscape contracting, grounds keeping, nursery, greenhouse, and lawn services help maintain the outdoor environments we enjoy each day. These specialists also care for indoor gardens and plants in commercial and public areas such as gardens, malls, and hotels.

Floral designers use the positive psychological and physiological effects of plants and flowers to enhance our décor, create our desired environments, and add to our most memorable moments.

Students of horticulture enjoy a wide variety of career options. Horticulture specialists have titles such as landscape contractor, park naturalist, nurseryman, city forester, groundskeeper, retail or wholesale florist, landscape designer, turf specialist, golf course superintendent, greenhouse manager, horticultural journalist, and garden center manager.

DeKalb Area Garden Club

The DeKalb Area Garden Club (DAGC) is a group of people from a wide range of backgrounds, ranging from beginning to seasoned gardeners, sharing the fellowship of gardening though educational projects and entertaining programs.

Since its inception, the DAGC has had a close relationship with the Gurler House, where we hold our annual plant sale. The organization also works closely with the Ellwood House where it now holds its annual Flower Show.

In addition to its annual events, the organization invites guest speakers, plans trips, potluck dinners, and garden tours, and sponsors scholarships for horticulture students at Kishwaukee College.

Additional Links

Contact Information

Richard A. Alde
Instructor, Nursery Management
815-825-2086, ext. 5900
Office: U311

Janet Gallagher
Instructor, Floral Design
815-825-2086, ext. 4610
Office: U315

Matthew Girman
Instructor, Greenhouse Production
815-825-2086, ext. 2940
Office: U308

James Knoll
Instructor, Landscape Design
815-825-2086, ext. 2980
Office: U310

Peter Leuzinger
Instructor, Turf Management
815-825-2086, ext. 2970
Office: U309

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