2026-2027 Course Catalog
Horticulture, Landscape & Turf Concentration, AAS
Location(s):
Ankeny
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 Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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 Production, Landscape, and 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 a person will be growing and selling plants. If a student loves to work in a greenhouse, there are opportunities in large-scale corporate settings 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 their own businesses. These positions may offer the opportunity to design, install, and maintain plantings and hardscapes.
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Students may start this program Fall semester
Program Graduation Requirements
To earn a Horticulture, Landscape & Turf Concentration, AAS, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Total Credits for Semester 1: 13
Option 1 - Select 3 Credits
Option 2 - Select Credits
Option 3 - Select 3 Credits
Option 4 - Select 4 Credits
Option 5 - Select 3 Credits
Total Credits Required to Complete this Award: 68
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied 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 |
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| | Field Trips | 80 | 55 | 105 |
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Approximate total cost for the program: $16,315**
**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.
- Plan and install landscapes.
- Pest control for plants.
- Production and/or sales of commercial horticultural plants and products.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Work independently.
- 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 Program or Career Choice?
- 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 $29,760 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Program Competencies
- Identify factors that influence plant growth
- Correlate soil characteristics with their impacts on plant growth
- Classify native and local horticulture plants by common name and scientific names
- Demonstrate understanding of plant taxonomy, morphology, physiology and pathology
- Determine proper plant selection, planting, pruning and other cultural practices
- Establish positive safety practices and procedures
- Install quality hardscapes
- Maintain landscape and turf areas
- Demonstrate effective landscape design techniques
- Demonstrate basic job and human relation skills
Competencies revised date
FY2023 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of 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. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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