Horticulture (CRT.HRT)

The Horticulture certificate is designed for students seeking educational training and employment in the industries of landscaping, greenhouse management, plant propagation, nursery management, golf course management and turf grass management. In addition to 33 credit hours of specialized courses in horticulture, business and soil science, students will receive 12 weeks of supervised occupational experience at approved internship locations.

Program requirements may change over time. Specific degree/graduation requirements are determined by a degree audit.
FIRST YEAR
First Semester
Hours
HRT-201
Introduction to Horticulture

HRT-201
Introduction to Horticulture

A study and introduction to the principles and practices involved in the development, production, and use of horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, greenhouse, turf, nursery, floral, and landscape). Course will include a broad overview of the green industry including propagation, production and design.

Course Outline
+
3.0
HRT-061
Woody Plants Identification

HRT-061
Woody Plants Identification

A study in the identification of deciduous trees and shrubs used primarily in landscaping. Emphasis is placed on cultural requirements of the plants, their natural habitat, and plant usage.

Course Outline
+
3.0
HRT-076
Greenhouse Mgt and Production

HRT-076
Greenhouse Mgt and Production

A study of the commercial production of floricultural crops, including greenhouse construction, management and operation. Attention will be given to the production of better plants through the study of temperature, light, soil, nutrition, scheduling, propagation methods, and plant breeding.

Course Outline
+
3.0
HRT-082
Landscape Construction & Maint

HRT-082
Landscape Construction & Maint

Students will learn construction methods for residential and small commercial landscapes; selection and installation of plants; techniques and uses of materials related to various landscape features; prepare cost estimates; control of landscape diseases and pests; and maintenance of landscape areas.

Course Outline
+
3.0
AGR-040
Agricultural Mathematics

AGR-040
Agricultural Mathematics

Applications of mathematics as it applies to the operation of grain and livestock farms, agriculture business and agriculture mechanization.

Course Outline
+
2.5
AGR-050
Soils

AGR-050
Soils

Planned learning activities and experiences designed to cover soil development, functions of soil minerals, soil types, and their class. A major study of soil types in Illinois and Indiana and their conservation practices are included.

Course Outline
+ OR
AGR-205
Intro/Soil Science

AGR-205
Intro/Soil Science

Application of the basics in the physical, chemical, and biological aspects in soils. Soils of Illinois and Indiana are emphasized along with concepts of fertility, conservation, and field descriptions.

Course Outline
3.5

Semester Totals

18.0
Second Semester
HRT-063
Evergreen/Vines & Ground Cover

HRT-063
Evergreen/Vines & Ground Cover

A study in the identification, selection, use, propagation, and cultural requirements of woody and herbaceous ground covers, vines, needled evergreens, and broad-leaved evergreen plants.

Course Outline
+++
3.0
HRT-066
Turf Management

HRT-066
Turf Management

Methods of establishment and maintenance of turfgrass for lawns, public grounds, and recreational areas. Also includes the identification and management of plant and soil materials in different environments.

Course Outline
+++
3.0
HRT-081
Landscape Design

HRT-081
Landscape Design

This class will cover the basic principles of landscape design, methods and techniques of the landscape design process for residential and commercial settings, including an appreciation of various landscape theories and objectives, art in landscape design, and special landscape problems.

Course Outline
+++
3.0
HRT-071
Herbaceous Perennial Plants

HRT-071
Herbaceous Perennial Plants

A study in the identification, selection, and use of herbaceous plants primarily used in the landscape, including perennials, biennials, ornamental grasses, wildflowers and specialty annuals. Emphasis is placed on cultural requirements of the plants, propagation, and plant usage.

Course Outline
+++
3.0
HRT-091
Supervised Occupational Exp I

HRT-091
Supervised Occupational Exp I

This course provides introductory on the job experience as a full-time employee in selected horticulture production or landscaping.

Course Outline
3.5

Semester Totals

15.5
Summer Term
HRT-072
Herbaceous Annual Plants

HRT-072
Herbaceous Annual Plants

Covers the identification and use of flowering (bedding) annuals, specialty annuals, and tropical plants used for outdoor displays. Improvement in selection, changes in marketing and branding, and new trends are discussed. Emphasis is placed on use in the Illinois landscape.

Course Outline
++++
3.0
HRT-092
Supervised Occupational Exp II

HRT-092
Supervised Occupational Exp II

This course provides intermediate level on the job experience as a full-time employee in selected horticulture production or landscaping occupation.

Course Outline
2.5

Semester Totals

5.5

Total Program Hours

39.0