Kwantlen’s Horticulture Technology Diploma program leads students to opportunities in (but not limited to) greenhouse and nursery production, golf course and athletic field management, and landscape design and installation, depending on the specialization chosen. Through a high level of interaction between employers, faculty and alumni, the program offers courses that are relevant to the needs of industry and to the aspirations of graduates. The program is designed so that students gain the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to work successfully in a variety of disciplines within the horticulture industry at the technologist or management level.
The Diploma program has theoretical and practical components and students are encouraged to make maximum use of the training facilities and gain competence in a realistic range of labour operations. Educational facilities include a modern glass greenhouse, a range of poly-houses, a nursery, a three-hole demonstration golf turf field lab, science labs and a developing landscape. For the most part, students will be in small groups during practical instruction.
Many students enter the School of Horticulture to upgrade their skills or to facilitate a career change. Faculty and staff are very supportive and sensitive to the issues faced by students who embark on a post-secondary program after a significant period away from school, college or university.
The horticulture industry in British Columbia continues to expand in order to meet the growing need for horticultural products and services. The expansion of the industry is making increasing demands on staff at all levels. The supply has always been limited because of the low availability of qualified people. Technologists will find numerous employment opportunities in the horticulture industry. They will have the ability, after work experience, to progress to supervisory or managerial roles in greenhouses, golf courses, landscape operations, garden centres, and nursery operations in both the private and public sectors.
Students should have a strong desire for hands-on work, enjoy nature and living things, be concerned about the environment, and have entrepreneurial talents. Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen or plant products, or specific chemicals should be aware of the potential impact on their health. Physical fitness and a healthy back are generally required for a successful career in these horticulture disciplines. Students will be required to work with plant protection products.
All applicants (full or part-time) must meet general Kwantlen admission requirements. Some courses have additional prerequisites.
Students who wish to complete the program in two years must meet the following requirements at the beginning of their studies:
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English 12 with a C+ or equivalent (if a candidate does not meet the recommended letter grade required, they are encouraged to write the Kwantlen English Placement Test)
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Math 11 (Applications or Principles) with a C or equivalent
- Chemistry 11 or equivalent with a C grade or Physics 11 or equivalent with a C grade or Biology 11 or equivalent with a B grade
Applicable upgrading courses are available at Kwantlen University College for students who do not meet these entrance requirements.
All applicants are invited to arrange an interview with a faculty member to help clarify program demands and career opportunities. Early application is recommended. Applications are accepted 10 months prior to the start of classes.
1. Greenhouse and Nursery Production
The greenhouse and nursery segments of the horticulture industry in BC consistently increase in size and employment opportunities each year. There is always a demand for knowledgeable and skilled individuals who enjoy working with people and plants. The demand for qualified greenhouse/nursery technologists is high and job opportunities exist in BC and abroad. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to work successfully in greenhouse production of vegetable, flower or forestry crops, or the field and container production of ornamental plants in nursery environments. Graduates may be employed as assistant growers or growers in wholesale and retail nurseries, commercial greenhouse operations, garden centre and supply companies. Self-employment is also a possibility.
Normal Course Progression for full-time studies
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YEAR 1
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Fall - Semester 1
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Spring - Semester 2
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CMNS 1140 Business and Technical Communication: Theory and Application
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HORT 1101 Pesticide Applicator/Dispenser Certification
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HORT 1104 Soils, Soil Amendments and Soilless Media: An Introduction
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HORT 1217 Introduction to Pest Management
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HORT 1246 Plant ID for Production
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HORT 1261 Plant Propagation
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HORT 1271 Production Practices - Spring
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Summer - Semester 3
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YEAR 2
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Fall - Semester 3
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Spring - Semester 4
2. Landscape Design And Installation
The increased development of public and private landscapes, parks, and gardens has created a demand for individuals trained in landscape design, installation and maintenance. The Landscape specialization offers exciting opportunities for individuals seeking a career in the landscape industry. Employment opportunities exist for supervisors and managers in residential and commercial landscaping companies, garden design firms, municipal park management and maintenance, and in horticulture materials supply companies. The opportunity for self-employment is high.
Normal Course Progression for full-time studies
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YEAR 1
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Fall - Semester 1
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Spring - Semester 2
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Summer - Semester 3
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YEAR 2
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Fall - Semester 3
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Spring - Semester 4
Turf management is a key component of the landscape trades, recreation, and tourism industries and a significant component of the provincial economy. In 1998, the operating expenditures of turfgrass operations in the province was estimated to be $1.65 billion. Approximately 126,000 hectares of managed turfgrass exist in the province. There is steady growth in the demand for qualified turf managers. Graduates from the program have the skills necessary to achieve management level careers in turfgrass operations. Students will be involved in the ongoing development and maintenance of the golf turf and landscape turf on campus. While most graduates find employment in the golf course industry, opportunities also exist in lawn care, athletic field management, commercial sod growing, and management of cemeteries, parks, and recreational facilities. Related careers include golf course construction, equipment supply, and fertilizer and seed sales.
Normal Course Progression for full-time studies
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YEAR 1
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Spring - Semester 2
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CMNS 1140 Business and Technical Communication: Theory and Application
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HORT 1101 Pesticide Applicator/Dispenser Certification
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HORT 1104 Soils, Soil Amendments and Soilless Media: An Introduction
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HORT 1217 Introduction to Pest Management
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HORT 1223 Basic Landscape Operations
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HORT 1240 Arboriculture I
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HORT 1255 Plant ID II
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Summer - Semester 3
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YEAR 2
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Fall - Semester 3
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Spring - Semester 4
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES TO THE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM AT KWANTLEN
Many people successfully employed in the horticulture industry eventually assume a management position. Horticulture Technology Diploma graduates are eligible to transfer into the third year of Kwantlen University College’s Bachelor of Business Administration (in Entrepreneurial Leadership) upon successful completion of additional course work in Accounting, English, Microeconomics, Statistics and Marketing. Students can now combine technology-level training with enhanced business training and receive two credentials (Diploma and Degree) in a 4.5 year course of study.
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES — EXTERNAL
Graduates of the Technology program may access advanced level admission to the Bachelor of Applied Horticulture Technology at Olds College in Olds, Alberta. Discussion is also underway for advanced entry to a degree under construction at the University of Guelph / Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph, Ontario.
Upon successful completion of this program, including the industry work component, students are awarded a Diploma in Horticulture Technology