Landscape Design and Construction

Program Description

The Landscape Design and Construction Associate in Science (AS) degree program provides advanced training for students interested in working in the field of landscape design/build. The curriculum provides classes in design, construction, irrigation, plant ID, basic horticulture, and professional practice. The program also provides basic preparation for obtaining professional licensure or certification as a Landscape Contractor (C-27), Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL), Irrigation Technician (CIT), and Landscape Industry Certified Technician.

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 Design and Construction Associate in Arts Degree provides advanced training for students starting work or already working at: • Design/build firms • Landscape contracting firms • Garden design firms • Nursery-based landscape design services • City, school, and park department landscape installation crews • Ecological restoration firms • Golf course management • Irrigation design and installation jobs • Estate management

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Design and build landscapes that provide basic human livability, meet client functional and financial needs, and support community health and well-being.
2. Build landscapes that support principles of sustainability and low impact design.
3. Communicate landscape design and building concepts to clients, contractors, and public agencies through electronic media, reports, graphic representation, and spoken presentations.