Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Course Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Horticulture, Turf Concentration, AAS


The Horticulture program provides students with technical training in the broad horticultural field through the classroom, lab activities, projects and practical on-the-job employment experiences.

Graduates of the program will be capable of filling jobs in fields such as greenhouse operator and management involving greenhouse production, scheduling and marketing; landscaping involving design, planting and maintaining trees, shrubs, turf and foliage plants for the beautification of home, commercial, public and recreational grounds. Other jobs may include turf management involving establishing, managing and maintaining grassed areas for ornamental and/or recreational purposes; nursery operation and management concerned with the production of trees, shrubs and turf for the purpose of transplanting or propagating them. Employment may also be found in garden center merchandising and management, merchandising of flowers and foliage plants and their design. Certificates of specialization are offered in Greenhouse Production, Landscape and Turf Maintenance.

For more information about the Horticulture program, please visit our website at https://go.dmacc.edu/programs/ag/horticulture/Pages/welcome.aspx.

Location: Ankeny

Students start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements

  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.

Graduation Requirements

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

Semester 2


Semester 5


Total Credits Required to Complete the Turf Maintenance Concentration - 70


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 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) 205 255 105 185 275
Supplies 105   15   15   15  
Equipment 135        
Field Trips (2)   80   55 105    

Approximate total for program: $11,846*

* 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.
• Maintain athletic field, golf courses and commercial and/or residental turf.
• 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 $26,440 (2010-2011 Placement Report).

Nondiscrimination Policy


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. 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. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.