Landscape/Horticulture Associate of Applied Science Degree

Overview and Award Outcomes

Overview

This degree provides students with a well-rounded foundation in landscape and horticulture practices, preparing them for diverse careers across the green industry. Through a combination of core courses and practical fieldwork, students gain hands-on experience in plant production, garden and landscape design, pest and disease management, and sustainable horticultural practices. Graduates are equipped to work in landscape, greenhouse, nursery, or urban green infrastructure settings, and to adapt their skills to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Award Outcomes

Operate greenhouse and nursery systems using industry best practices.

Apply principles of plant propagation to produce healthy nursery crops.

Identify and diagnose abiotic and biotic disorders in trees and landscape plants.

Recommend appropriate treatment strategies for plant health problems.

Design functional and visually appealing garden beds and landscape features.

Install and maintain residential and commercial landscapes following safety and horticultural standards.

Evaluate tree structure and health for proper care and maintenance in the landscape.

Implement safe and effective pest management strategies, including pesticide use in accordance 

with regulatory guidelines.

Use hand tools and equipment safely and efficiently in greenhouse and landscape settings.

Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, team members, and industry partners.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program may find employment in a wide range of horticultural and landscape roles, including:

Greenhouse or nursery technician

Landscape installer or maintenance technician

Horticulture production specialist

Garden designer or floral display coordinator

Municipal or utility arborist assistant

Garden center or horticultural sales associate

Interior plant care technician

Urban greening or stormwater planting crew member

Parks and grounds technician

Public garden, zoo, or arboretum horticulture staff

Program Requirements

Technical Studies Required 53 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1110Introduction to Landscape/Horticulture Careers

1

LNDC1120Woody Plants I - Trees

4

LNDC1125Arboriculture I

4

LNDC1141Nursery Propagation and Production

3

LNDC1151Insects and Diseases of Landscape Plants

3

LNDC1190Woody Plants II - Shrubs

4

LNDC1202Herbaceous Plant Materials

4

LNDC1220Integrated Pest Management

2

LNDC1231Nursery Operations

2

LNDC1235Landscape Operations

2

LNDC1242Plant Biology

4

LNDC1250Bedding Plant Production

3

LNDC1271Soil Science

3

LNDC1300Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants

2

LNDC1315Minnesota Native Plants and Communities

4

LNDC2210Tropical Plants and Their Uses

2

LNDC2241Landscape Equipment Operation

3

LNDC2261Professional Gardening

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 4 Credits

Recommended:

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
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

LNDC1400Small Business Planning

2

LNDC1500Small Business Management

2

LNDC1900Specialized Lab

1 - 4

LNDC2110Introduction to Landscape Construction

2

LNDC2120Landscape Construction I

4

LNDC2131Landscape Construction II

3

LNDC2160Landscape Design I

4

LNDC2335Landscape Construction Internship

1 - 4

LNDC2346Arboriculture Internship

3

LNDC2360Horticulture Internship

1 - 4

Total Associate in Applied Science Degree Credits 72

Semester Sequence

Offered at Brooklyn Park Only

First Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1110Introduction to Landscape/Horticulture Careers

1

LNDC1120Woody Plants I - Trees

4

LNDC1202Herbaceous Plant Materials

4

LNDC1242Plant Biology

4

LNDC1271Soil Science

3

Total Credits  16

Second Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1151Insects and Diseases of Landscape Plants

3

LNDC1190Woody Plants II - Shrubs

4

LNDC1235Landscape Operations

2

 

PHIL1100Critical Thinking for College Success

3

 

Technical Studies Electives

2

Total Credits  14

Summer Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC2241Landscape Equipment Operation

3

LNDC2261Professional Gardening

3

 

ENGL1060Food in Literature and Film

3

Total Credits  9

Third Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1125Arboriculture I

4

LNDC1141Nursery Propagation and Production

3

LNDC1231Nursery Operations

2

LNDC1300Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants

2

LNDC1315Minnesota Native Plants and Communities

4

 

SOCI1600Food and Society

3

Total Credits  18

Fourth Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
LNDC1220Integrated Pest Management

2

LNDC1250Bedding Plant Production

3

LNDC2210Tropical Plants and Their Uses

2

 

COMM1260Small Group Communication

3

PHIL1600Environmental Ethics

3

 

Technical Studies Electives

2

Total Credit  15

Technical Studies Electives

Recommended:

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
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

LNDC1400Small Business Planning

2

LNDC1500Small Business Management

2

LNDC1900Specialized Lab

1 - 4

LNDC2120Landscape Construction I

4

LNDC2131Landscape Construction II

3

LNDC2160Landscape Design I

4

LNDC2210Tropical Plants and Their Uses

2

LNDC2335Landscape Construction Internship

1 - 4

LNDC2346Arboriculture Internship

3

LNDC2360Horticulture Internship

1 - 4

Choose a Total of:  4 Credits 

Graduation (72 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 6105 / EP