Arboriculture

Program Description

The Arboriculture Associate in Science (AS) Degree prepares workers for careers linked to urban forestry related occupations, including arborist, arboriculture, tree care specialist, tree trimming, grounds maintenance, aerial tree work, crew leader and other identified occupations. This program follows an industry validated training model which combines classroom learning, and hands-on skill development in school shops/labs and training centers. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in basic horticultural principles, plant biology and physiology, tree ID, and urban forestry concepts; industry standard skills and practices related to safe work practices, trees/shrub maintenance, tree removal, advanced climbing skills, small and large equipment use, and leadership skills.

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AS degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities may include jobs in the tree care industry. Established positions and job titles include Tree Care Specialist/Worker with Certification, Ground worker, Arborist (Certified), Tree Climber, Plant Health Care Technician, Utility Line Clearance Tree Trimmer, and City, County or Municipality Forestry Worker. Tree Care Industry Established Positions and Job Titles: 1. Tree Care Specialist/Worker with Certification 2. Ground worker 3. Arborist (Certified) 4. Tree Climber 5. Plant Health Care Technician 6. Utility Line Clearance Tree Trimmer 7. City, County or Municipality Forestry Worker

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Apply tree biology and physiology to arboriculture practices.
2. Operate equipment safely.
3. Conduct site assessments and assess trees to mitigate risks.
4. Establish and maintain trees and shrubs safely; remove trees and shrubs safely.
5. Apply tree health care treatments.
6. Apply advanced aerial tree work.