Conservation Horticulture: CS
Certificate of Specialization | 25 credit hours minimum
School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Program Description:
The Certificate of Specialization in Conservation Horticulture affords students the opportunity to learn the specialized processes of using native plants in responsible ways that focus on ecological principles combined with best horticultural practices. The certificate will give students a competitive edge in the shifting horticulture job markets of today while fostering green industry innovators of tomorrow. This program integrates sustainable environmental practices and ecological theory into the field of horticulture. Field trips are required for this certificate. Students are responsible for providing transportation to field trips.
Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Meramec.
Related Programs. The Horticulture Department offers an Associate and certificates in the following areas:
- Cannabis and Hemp Production, Certificate of Specialization
- Horticulture, Associate in Applied Science
- Horticulture, Certificate of Proficiency
Cost of Attendance. For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES.
Program Career and Salary Information. Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest.
The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, the most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years before the current academic year. The time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.
Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.
At the completion of the program, students are expected to:
- utilize environmentally responsible best practices in horticultural design, implementation, and management in environmentally responsible settings.
- describe ecological stewardship practices and methods.
- select native plants for a wide range of environmental settings and natural community types.
- create solutions for ecological challenges that display both resilience and creativity.
- work collaboratively with professionals in allied environmental and construction professions and local government departments responsible for managing public spaces.
- identify invasive plants, vertebrates, and mollusks and their hazard to the natural environment.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Requirements | ||
| HRT 101 | Introductory Horticulture | 4 |
| or BIO 124 | General Botany I (MOTR BIOL 100LB) | |
| HRT 102 | Soils | 3 |
| HRT 141 | Foundations of Horticultural Ecology | 3 |
| HRT 231 | Native Plants: Intentional Communities | 3 |
| HRT 232 | Sustainable Land Management | 3 |
| HRT 233 | Urban Reconstruction and Horticultural Conservation | 3 |
| HRT 234 | Invasive Species: Plants, Wildlife, and People | 3 |
| HRT 250 | Native Landscaping Practices | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 25 | |
Full Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Spring 2027, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| HRT 101 or BIO 124 | Introductory Horticulture or General Botany I (MOTR BIOL 100LB) | 4 | Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | Exploratory Course, Gateway Course, and Critical Course |
| HRT 102 | Soils | 3 | Concurrent or prior enrollment in HRT 101 or BIO 124 with a minimum grade of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| HRT 141 | Foundations of Horticultural Ecology | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| HRT 232 | Sustainable Land Management | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| HRT 233 | Urban Reconstruction and Horticultural Conservation | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| HRT 234 | Invasive Species: Plants, Wildlife, and People | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| HRT 231 | Native Plants: Intentional Communities | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| HRT 250 | Native Landscaping Practices | 3 | HRT 101 or BIO 124, HRT 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 25 | |||
Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major. A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.
Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.
Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.