Program Overview
COVID-19 UPDATE:
Health and safety measures are in place for all programs. View our latest campus entry procedures for on-site classes to learn more.
For classes with on-site lab curriculum, students will be grouped and have specified times on campus in order to help maintain self distancing and keep everyone healthy. Current students should check with your instructor for more information.
Future Students: Please review our Steps to Enroll or, if you want more information, sign-up for a Virtual Information Session.
Turn Your Green Thumb into a Thriving Career
The Landscape Horticulture Program at South Seattle College currently offers a one-year certificate option with an Associate of Applied Science degree coming soon. The program offers students an opportunity to achieve a strong foundation of horticulture knowledge in the first year and learning through hands on projects in the second year.
Housed next to the South Seattle College Arboretum, a 6-acre outdoor classroom and laboratory, the facilities include classrooms, a greenhouse nursery production facility, and the Retail Garden Center.
Degrees & Certificates
Two-year degree for students who want to start a career immediately after graduation. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 92.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 7 | Part Time - 11 to 12
Two-year, job-training degrees that prepare students for immediate employment. Students take additional general education electives, making this a good option if you intend to transfer to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree program or may attend a university in the future to earn a bachelor’s degree. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 93.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 6 | Part Time - 11 to 12
Certificate programs provide students with a set of skills to find a job or stay current in a profession. Many certificates are designed to build on top of each other and eventually lead to a longer-term certificate or degree. These are called “stackable” certificates. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 51.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 3 | Part Time - 6
Additional Program Information
Student projects in the South Seattle College Arboretum, and on campus, have included garden design, installation and renovation, construction of hardscape features, irrigation installation, maintenance and repair as well as annual pruning. The Retail Garden Center markets and sells plants grown by students.
Landscape horticulture careers combine art and science, providing a balance between physical and intellectual work. Learn immediate job skills through classes that combine lecture, hands-on application, field trips and projects. Guest speakers are regularly invited to share their knowledge and expertise of the industry. Students are required to complete industry internships, and strong relationships with small firms, large scale corporations, and government sectors promote internship placement and employment opportunities.
Most landscape horticulture courses meet one day a week; some evening courses are available. Students have the flexibility to attend full-time, part-time or one class at a time. Students will be able to complete a degree within two years if enrolled as a full-time student making satisfactory progress.
South Seattle College also features the following community resources:
Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.