Horticulture Program

Degree Options

• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Ornamental Horticulture/General

• Floral Design
• General Horticulture
• Greenhouse
• Landscape Design & Construction
• Nursery Management
• Sports Turf Management

Certificates

• Floral Horticulture
• Garden Center Operations
• Greenhouse Production
• Horticulture Mechanics Technology
• Landscape Design and Plant Identification
• Turf Management

Career Opportunities

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.

The Occupation

Artistically designed lawns, gardens, and grounds do much more than increase property values; they increase our quality of life.  Professionals in landscaping, 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 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.

The Program

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.

A degree in Horticulture from Kishwaukee College offers you several options:

General

Train in all areas of horticulture, gaining a broad base of knowledge of the field without specializing in any one area.

Greenhouse

Learn about the production of greenhouse plants for florists, gardeners, and landscapers; grow various annuals, perennials, and seasonal flowering crops.

Golf Course

Focus on the production and maintenance of turf for aesthetic and recreational purposes such as parks and golf courses.

Landscape Contracting

Learn proper installation techniques for hardscapes and plant materials. Prepare plant lists and bid documents.

Landscape Design

Learn how to create planting plans and design hardscapes.

Floral Design

Learn the art of floral design and receive retail training by participating in the mini-floral shop on campus.

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 Resources

• Kishwaukee College Catalog
• Course Schedule
• Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA)
• Illinois Green Industry Association (IGIA)

Contact Information

For more information on the General Horticulture Degree contact:

• Maria VanHise at (815) 825-2086, Ext. 283
• Rich Alde at (815) 825-2086, Ext. 590