Growing Healthier Communities
Thoughtfully designed and managed landscapes have the power to transform where we live, work and connect—improving wellbeing, strengthening communities and creating healthier environments. The Horticulture minor prepares you with hands-on knowledge to create sustainable landscapes and spaces that enhance everyday life.
What You’ll Study
You’ll study ornamental and food crop production, landscape plants, plant care and the fundamentals of landscape contracting through hands-on learning and applied science.
What You’ll Take Away
You’ll gain an understanding of the landscape horticulture industry along with the knowledge and skills to design, install and maintain healthy, sustainable landscapes.
Dig Deeper
With a minor in horticulture you’ll explore core courses that provide the foundational knowledge and skills for further learning and application.
High-Value Crop
You’ll gain knowledge and skills that can open doors to careers in the growing, multibillion-dollar specialty crop industry.
Sustainability and Rehabilitation
You’ll gain experience in an industry that directly impacts the beauty, sustainability and rehabilitation of our environment.
Increased Industry Options
You’ll build skills that can prepare you for careers in greenhouse production, commercial nurseries, floral design, wholesale plant sales, and landscape design and construction.
Coursework Highlights
Through hands-on coursework and applied learning experiences, you will develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to lead in modern agriculture.
Classes and Labs
You’ll explore how California’s tree fruit, nut, and small fruit crops are grown and managed, and how environmental and biological factors influence their health, productivity and sustainability.
You’ll learn about the principles and practices of plant propagation, including analysis of why and how techniques work, and participate in discussions of current commercial horticulture propagation trends.
You’ll learn the principles of plant growth in the production horticulture industry, with an emphasis on sustainability and current technology and innovations.
You’ll learn about artistic and mechanical systems in sustainable site horticulture with elements of site design and planning. You’ll get hands-on work with irrigation systems and sustainable construction materials.
You’ll learn the development, practices, history and future of hydroponic crop production in greenhouses as well as commercial applications, research applications, production problems, growing and maintaining transplants in greenhouses and use of nutrient solutions.
You’ll explore the science and practice of urban tree care, from selecting and planting trees to diagnosing problems and planning maintenance. You’ll also learn about environmental benefits, regulations, safety, and climbing techniques.
You’ll learn about the sustainable management of private and public spaces, parks, arboreta and botanical gardens including plan reading, cost estimating and proposals for the sustainable installation and management of a site.
Explore the Horticulture Minor
Check out the course catalogue and learn more about the courses you’ll take and what you’ll learn.