Landscape and Parks Maintenance

Program Description

The Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Landscape and Parks Maintenance provides training for students interested in working in the field of landscape and parks maintenance. The curriculum provides advanced studies in horticulture, plant ID and maintenance practices, and provides foundational training towards working for parks and recreation departments, golf courses, public works, landscape maintenance companies, or starting one’s own landscape maintenance business.

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

The Landscape and Parks Maintenance AS Degree program provides additional training for students interested in working in the field of landscape and parks maintenance. The curriculum provides advanced studies in horticulture, plant ID and maintenance practices, and provides foundational training towards working for parks and recreation departments, golf courses, public works, landscape maintenance companies, or starting one's own landscape maintenance business.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Demonstrate sustainable management of parks and gardens including soil management, plant nutrition and tree care.
2. Demonstrate maintenance business practices utilizing state-of-the-art tools.