Plant Science

The Plant Science Certificate provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in plant science. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and cultivation of plants, the development and properties of soil, as well as the nuanced relationship between agriculture and the local environment. The certificate is designed for students who have an interest in pursuing careers in plant science, soil science, horticulture, or agriculture. By obtaining this certificate, students will complete many of the courses required by the Associate in Science in Agricultural Plant Science for Transfer Degree and gain the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level positions in plant-science-related positions.

20-30 students are projected to earn the certificate annually. 

The goals of the Plant Science Certificate are multifaceted. First, the certificate will provide an avenue for students working towards an Associate in Science in Agricultural Plant Science for Transfer Degree to gain the requisite skills and knowledge required to obtain an entry-level position (e.g., careers related to agriculture, horticulture, pest inspection, and scientific aide/technician)while simultaneously working towards the AST. Second, the Plant Science Certificate will allow students interested in careers in plant science but not interested in transferring to a 4-year university to obtain a CTE certificate that will make them competitive in the job market without a degree from a4-year university. Lastly, the Plant Science certificate is broader in scope than the AST and provides students with the education required to understand how plant science and agriculture interact with the local environment, including the local plants, animals, and habitats, human health, and other environmental justice metrics. Thus, the objectives of the program are:

·        To create an option for plant and soil science majors to obtain the skill and knowledge necessary for entry-level positions early on in their education.

·        To create a pathway CTE pathway for students interested in a career and plant and soil science, but not interested in transferring to a4-year university.

·        To create a program that is broader than the Associate in Science in Agricultural Plant Science for Transfer Degree by emphasizing the local relationships between plant and soil science and the local ecology.

 Program Learning Outcomes

A student who completes this certificate of achievement will be able to:

1.     Identify the anatomy of plants and describe their major physiological processes.

2.     Explain the development of soil, as well as the composition and properties of soil.

3.     Identify the plant, soil, and environmental factors that influence plant growth, and how they can be manipulated to alter plant growth.

4.     Describe the relationship between agriculture and the local environment.

Please see table below.