Landscape Design and Construction
Certificate of Achievement Landscape Horticulture · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Program Description
The Landscape Design and Construction Certificate of Achievement 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 Landscape Design and Construction Certificate of Achievement, students must satisfactorily complete the Certificate requirements specified below.
Career Opportunities
The Landscape Design and Construction Certificate of Achievement 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)
- Design and build landscapes that provide basic human livability, meet client functional and financial needs, and support community health and well-being.
- Build landscapes that support principles of sustainability and low impact design.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| Core Courses: | 16 | |
| LANHT 18A | Landscape Design | 3 |
| LANHT 18LA | Landscape Design Laboratory | 1 |
| LANHT 18B | Landscape Design | 3 |
| LANHT 18LB | Landscape Design Laboratory | 1 |
| LANHT 35A | Advanced Landscape Design | 3 |
| LANHT 206 | Landscape Business Practices | 3 |
| LANHT 210A | Landscape Design Forum I | 2 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 1 | Introduction to Landscape Horticulture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 1E | Introduction to Landscape Horticulture (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 2 | Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 2E | Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 4 | Plant Materials: Shrubs ID and Culture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 4E | Plant Materials: Shrubs ID and Culture (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 5A | Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 5EA | Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) | 3 |
| LANHT 5B | Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 5EB | Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 14 | Landscape Construction with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 14E | Landscape Construction (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 17 | Irrigation with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 17E | Irrigation (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3-4 | |
| LANHT 29 | Planting Design with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 29E | Planting Design (Evening) | 4 |
| Choose One | 6 | |
| LANHT 33A | Design Evaluation of Bay Area Landscapes | 3 |
| LANHT 60A | Freehand Drawing for Landscape Designers I | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 34A | Computer-Assisted Landscape Design | 3 |
| LANHT 9 | SketchUp Pro | 3 |