Greenhouse Operations Associate of Applied Science Degree

Overview and Award Outcomes

Overview

This degree prepares graduates for specialized roles in production greenhouses, garden centers, and growing operations. Through a combination of technical and general education course work, students learn to match growing conditions to crop requirements, implement and adjust production schedules, resolve production problems, and oversee daily operations. The program equips graduates to become lead growers, production supervisors, or greenhouse operators capable of efficiently producing healthy, marketable plants, and it provides a strong foundation for those seeking to advance into specialized and leadership roles within the industry.

Award Outcomes

Develop and execute production schedules and plans for a range of ornamental and agricultural crops

Implement integrated pest management and disease control strategies to maximize production

Propagate a diversity of plant material under a range of conditions

Operate specialized equipment and control systems within a production greenhouse

Interpret soil and water tests to inform growing practices and fertilizer regimes

Prepare growing media and select appropriate soil amendments to match plant requirements

Provide leadership, training, and supervision to production workers

Market and distribute finished products to appropriate outlets

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Greenhouse Operator AAS degree are prepared for specialized and leadership roles in the green industry, including: 

Lead Grower 

Greenhouse Operator 

Production Supervisor 

Propagation Manager 

Greenhouse Manager 

Horticultural Crop Specialist

 

This degree prepares graduates to oversee daily operations, manage growing schedules, implement pest and disease control strategies, and lead a team of production workers in a commercial growing enterprise.

Program Requirements

Technical Studies Required 37 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1110Introduction to Landscape/Horticulture Careers

1

LNDC1141Nursery Propagation and Production

3

LNDC1160Greenhouse Infrastructure Technology

2

LNDC1166Sustainable Food and Plant Production - Fall

3

LNDC1176Sustainable Food and Plant Production - Winter

3

LNDC1187Sustainable Food and Plant Production - Summer

2

LNDC1202Herbaceous Plant Materials

4

LNDC1220Integrated Pest Management

2

LNDC1231Nursery Operations

2

LNDC1242Plant Biology

4

LNDC1250Bedding Plant Production

3

LNDC1271Soil Science

3

LNDC2210Tropical Plants and Their Uses

2

LNDC2241Landscape Equipment Operation

3

General Education Required 15 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
COMM1260Small Group Communication

3

ENGL1060Food in Literature and Film

3

PHIL1100Critical Thinking for College Success

3

PHIL1600Environmental Ethics

3

SOCI1600Food and Society

3

General Education Elective 0 Credits

 

Technical Studies Elective 8 Credits

Recommended:

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1120Woody Plants I - Trees

4

LNDC1151Insects and Diseases of Landscape Plants

3

LNDC1190Woody Plants II - Shrubs

4

LNDC1400Small Business Planning

2

LNDC1500Small Business Management

2

LNDC1900Specialized Lab

1 - 4

LNDC2360Horticulture Internship

1 - 4

Total Associate in Applied Science Degree Credits 60

Semester Sequence

Offered at Brooklyn Park Only

First Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1110Introduction to Landscape/Horticulture Careers

1

LNDC1166Sustainable Food and Plant Production - Fall

3

LNDC1242Plant Biology

4

LNDC1271Soil Science

3

 

ENGL1060Food in Literature and Film

3

Total Credits  14

Second Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1160Greenhouse Infrastructure Technology

2

LNDC1176Sustainable Food and Plant Production - Winter

3

LNDC1220Integrated Pest Management

2

LNDC1250Bedding Plant Production

3

LNDC2210Tropical Plants and Their Uses

2

 

PHIL1100Critical Thinking for College Success

3

Total Credits  15

Summer Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1187Sustainable Food and Plant Production - Summer

2

LNDC2241Landscape Equipment Operation

3

Total Credits  5

Third Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1141Nursery Propagation and Production

3

LNDC1202Herbaceous Plant Materials

4

LNDC1231Nursery Operations

2

 

SOCI1600Food and Society

3

 

Technical Studies Electives

4

Total Credits  16

Fourth Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
COMM1260Small Group Communication

3

PHIL1600Environmental Ethics

3

 

Technical Studies Electives

4

Total Credits  10

Technical Studies Electives

Recommended:

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1120Woody Plants I - Trees

4

LNDC1151Insects and Diseases of Landscape Plants

3

LNDC1190Woody Plants II - Shrubs

4

LNDC1400Small Business Planning

2

LNDC1500Small Business Management

2

LNDC1900Specialized Lab

1 - 4

LNDC2360Horticulture Internship

1 - 4

Choose a Total of:  8 Credits

Graduation (60 Credits) 

Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence.  Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.

 

3/3/2026 : BP 6112 / EP