Greenhouse & Nursery Production Diploma Program
"Before I came to Kwantlen I could only find work as a labourer in the horticulture industry. After spending a quick two years of hands-on study, and making many life-long friends and memories in the process, I am now< qualified to run the greenhouses in which I used to work and have had multiple job offers from which to choose." - Karl Heimersson, 2007 Graduate
What is Horticulture?
Horticulture surrounds us, enriching our communities and our lives. Horticulturists produce fruits, flowers, and plants in greenhouses and nurseries. They design, install, and maintain parks and gardens in our communities. And horticulturists maintain our sports fields and golf courses ensuring we have safe, fair, and enjoyable athletic competitions.
Why Choose Horticulture
Horticulture offers you the opportunity to:
- advance community sustainability
- solve technical challenges
- be entrepreneurial
- produce food, flowers, and nursery plants
- be creative
Horticulture at Kwantlen
Enrol in the School of Horticulture to become successful horticulturists. Faculty and staff are dedicated to creating an exceptional learning experience that leads to career and personal success. In class, students combine scientific principles, aesthetic values, business practices and community awareness to produce and manage plants and landscapes. School of Horticulture graduates are successful and provide leadership and service to our communities.
Greenhouse and Nursery Production
Kwantlen's Greenhouse & Nursery graduates can:
- Produce vegetables, flowers, and nursery crops
- Utilize business skills (finance, communications, supervision) in production horticulture
- Manage production environments and facilities
- Implement integrated pest management programs
Program Requirements
All applicants must satisfy Kwantlen’s General University Admission Requirements. Complete details at: kwantlen.ca/generaladmissionIn addition, the following course prerequisites apply:
- English 12 with a C+ or equivalent (writing the Kwantlen English Placement Test is recommended if a candidate cannot meet the required minimum letter grade). Required for CMNS 1140.
- Mathematics 11 with a C. Required for several HORT courses. Please refer to the Calendar.
Applicants are invited to meet with a faculty member to help clarify program demands and career opportunities. Early application is recommended. Applications are accepted early as November 1st for the following September start.
Tuition and Program Costs
- Tuition, supplies, and textbooks are approximately $3,000 per semester. Note: These costs are subject to change without notice.
- Kwantlen offers many scholarships, awards, bursaries and information on other funding options. Visit the website for more information on a wide range of financial assistance and awards programs available to Kwantlen students.
- Students returning to school from the workforce may be eligible for Human Resources and Skills Development Canada sponsorship. Contact your local Employment Centre for details on eligibility www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Opportunities for Further Studies
Diploma graduates have the option to continue their studies towards a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree in Entrepreneurial Leadership at Kwantlen. For more information on these opportunities, please call 604.599.3215. Transfer depends on the student's academic record. Some course substitutions may be approved to facilitate transfer to the B.B.A. Please consult Jim Matteoni.
Program Content
A Diploma in Horticulture Technology will be granted to students who have completed the required course work as listed below. Note: Courses may be taken out of the order listed below, but specific course prerequisites apply. See on-line calendar for course prerequisites www.kwantlen.ca/calendar/2011-12/courses/hort/index.html
Contact Us
Jim Matteoni, Coordinator of Production Horticulture
604.599.3347
School of Horticulture
604.599.3254
horticulture@kwantlen.ca
Normal Course Progression for full-time studies
YEAR 1 – 31 credits
Fall – Semester 1
- CBSY 1105 Introductory Microcomputer Applications
- HORT 1102 Botany for Horticulture
- HORT 1116 Introductory Equipment Maintenance
- HORT 1155 Introduction to Plant Identification
- HORT 1171 Production Practices – Fall
- HORT 1172 Forestry Seedling Production
Spring – Semester 2
- CMNS 1140 Introduction to Professional Communication
- HORT 1101 Pesticide Applicator/Dispenser Certification
- HORT 1104 Soils and Growing Media
- HORT 1217 Foundations of Plant Health
- HORT 1246 Plant ID for Production
- HORT 1261 Plant Propagation
- HORT 1271 Production Practices – Spring
Summer Semester (2 credits)
- HORT 2300 Horticultural Work Experience
YEAR 2 – 30 credits
Fall – Semester 3
- BUSI 1209 Business Management in Horticulture
- HORT 2371 Fall Floriculture
- HORT 2375 Production Facilities and Equipment
- HORT 2378 Production Horticulture Pests
- HORT 2473 Greenhouse Environment and its Control
Spring – Semester 4
- BUSI 1205 Supervisory Skills
- HORT 2372 Greenhouse Vegetable Production
- HORT 2463 Nursery Production
- HORT 2477 Production Horticulture Management
- HORT 2479 Spring Floriculture
Electives:
Discuss with the Associate Dean or Program Chair the option of substituting these courses for program courses.
