Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog

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Horticulture, Plant Production Concentration, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny



The DMACC Horticulture program provides students with technical training in the broad horticultural field through the classroom, greenhouse, landscape, turf area, tree nursery, and practical on-the-job employment experiences.

The Horticulture program offers concentrations of Plant Production, and a concentration of Landscape & Turf. Graduates of the program are prepared to take on a diverse range of jobs available in each of these disciplines. Employment may be found at a wholesale operation or at a retail garden center, food crop producer or nursery, where you will find yourself growing and selling plants. If a student loves to work in a greenhouse, there are opportunities in large-scale corporate setting or at smaller production and/or garden center operations that would include working with seasonal flowers and vegetables. Landscape and Turf graduates could find themselves working for municipalities, golf courses, residential design-build firms, lawn maintenance companies or even start their own business. These positions may offer the opportunity to design, install and maintain plantings and hardscapes. 

Program Details


Pathway: Agriculture, Animals, & Natural Resources


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start Fall semester


Graduation Requirements


To earn a Horticulture AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Option 1 - Select 1 Credit


Semester 2


Semester 4


Total Credits Required to Complete the Plant Production Concentration - 70*


*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate) 205 300 105 185 375
Supplies 105   15   15   15  
Equipment 135        
Field Trips (2)   80   55 105    

Approximate total for program: $14,645**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Care for and maintain grounds, trees, plants, gardens, shrubbery and other greenery.
  • Pest control for plants.
  • Production and/or sales of commercial horticultural plants and products.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Work independently.
  • Follow directions and accept responsibility for your own work.
  • Demonstrate your knowledge of plant materials and use of horticulture terminology, skills and equipment.
  • Deal with people in a pleasant, businesslike way.
  • Use math in the selling and purchasing of materials and supplies and for calculating chemical/fertilizer applications.
  • Physical ability to perform horticulture tasks.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?


  • Need access to transportation for employment experience.
  • There is much variety in this work due to seasonal changes; may work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
  • Allergies to plants and pollen can be a problem.
  • Entry-level positions usually involve some level of physical activity and you are sometimes on your feet long hours.
  • Average starting salary is $28,110 (BLS.gov).

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/.(2021)