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Horticulture Technology Diploma
DESCRIPTION

For Updated program information for the Horticulture Citation Programs offered September 2009, click here.

Kwantlen's Horticulture Technology Diploma programs prepare students for opportunities in (but not limited to) greenhouse and nursery production, golf course and athletic field management, or landscape design and installation. Through the support of employers and alumni, faculty ensure that courses are relevant to the requirements of industry and to the aspirations of graduates. Students gain the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in a variety of careers within the horticulture industry at the technologist or management level.

The Diploma program combines theoretical and practical components and students are encouraged to make maximum use of our facilities to gain competence in a realistic range of labour operations. Our educational facilities include modern glass greenhouses, poly-houses,  nursery,  a turf field lab, science labs and a developing landscape. For the most part, students work 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.

Specializations:
  1. Greenhouse and Nursery Production
  2. Landscape Design and Installation
  3. Turf Management
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

In response to an increased demand for horticulture products and services, and in response to increasing consumer interest in their environment and sustainability, the horticulture industry is both growing and changing. The combination of growth and change has resulted in a shortage of qualified people for staff and management positions. As a result, technology graduates will find numerous employment opportunities. School of Horticulture technology graduates are in supervisory or management roles in greenhouses, golf courses, landscape design firms, landscape maintenance companies, garden centres, nurseries, and municipal park departments.

STUDENT PROFILE

Students who wish to act on their concern for the environment, act on their interest in sustainability, engage in creative activities, own and operate their own businesses, or engage in hands-on work will enjoy horticulture. 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, both biological and chemical.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

All applicants (full or part-time) must meet general Kwantlen admission requirements. Some courses have additional prerequisites. Much of the first year can be completed without meeting the Mathematics requirement.

Students who wish to complete the program in two years are strongly encouraged to meet the following requirements at the beginning of their studies:

Applicable upgrading courses are available at Kwantlen for students who do not meet these entrance course prerequisites.

All applicants are invited to meet 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.

CONTENT
1. Greenhouse and Nursery Production

The greenhouse and nursery sector of the horticulture industry in BC has consistently provided rewarding 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 the greenhouse production of vegetable, flower or forestry crops, or 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 centres and as technical representatives in supply companies.

Normal Course Progression for full-time studies

YEAR 1 – 31 credits

Fall – Semester 1

Spring – Semester 2

Summer Semester (2 credits)

YEAR 2 – 30 credits

Fall – Semester 3

Spring – Semester 4

NEW! HORT 1110 Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture and HORT 2490 Organic Greenhouse Crop Production

Discuss with the Associate Dean or Program Chair the option of substituting these courses for program courses.

2. Landscape Design and Installation

The increased development of sustainable 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, arboriculture, 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

YEAR 1 – 33 credits

Fall – Semester 1

Spring – Semester 2

Summer Semester (2 credits)

YEAR 2 – 30 credits

Fall – Semester 3

Spring – Semester 4

NEW! HORT 1110 Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture and HORT 1119 Landscape and the Environment I

Discuss with the Associate Dean or Program Chair the option of substituting these courses for program courses.

3. Turf Management

Turf management is a key component of the landscape trades, recreation, and tourism industries and a significant component of the provincial economy. 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 many 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. A number of turf management graduates have established successful careers in arboriculture.

Normal Course Progression for full-time studies

YEAR 1 – 32 credits

Fall – Semester 1

Spring – Semester 2

Summer Semester (2 credits)

YEAR 2 – 29 credits

Fall – Semester 3

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's Bachelor of Business Administration (in either Entrepreneurial Leadership or Human Resources Management) 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. Students who wish to pursue this option should meet with their program chair to discuss some course substitutions that would facilitate transfer to the School of Business.

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES TO THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT AT KWANTLEN

Approximately 30 credits of the technology program (10 courses) are also part of the curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Pest Management. Technology students may apply these credits towards the B. Sc, IPM. Please refer to the IPM degree section of the calendar for further details.

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.

GRADUATION

Upon successful completion of this program, including the industry work component, students are awarded a Diploma in Horticulture Technology.


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