Cert in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

A short certificate at Cuyamaca College for people starting out in the plant and landscape trades. It covers the basics of horticultural science and hands-on practice, giving graduates enough grounding to take an entry-level or intermediate job. Coursework mixes plant identification, a choice between pest control, soils or annual and perennial plants, a business elective, and one more elective such as floral design, propagation, irrigation or arboriculture. Every course taken counts toward further certificate or degree study in the department. Students file a request with Admissions and Records to receive the certificate once the course list is finished. The catalog describes the program as a way either to enter the horticulture workforce or to keep studying. Students should meet with a counselor to confirm prerequisites, decide the order of classes and see how the units count toward other certificates or degrees at the college. Careful sequencing helps people finish in a reasonable time while balancing work and other commitments.