GRCC Program:
Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences
Students are encouraged to enroll at GRCC and MSU concurrently so they may finish the program in the shortest period of time.
This program is offered in cooperation with the Institute of Agricultural Technology, Michigan State University.
Created with input from industry professionals, the Landscape and Lawn Management curriculum is based on the MSU Landscape and Nursery program. It combines the business, mathematics, science and communications courses of GRCC with courses and technical expertise offered by MSU faculty in the areas of horticulture, soil science and turfgrass management.
The green industries offer an interesting variety of career choices to individuals with knowledge and technical skills. Graduates of the Landscape and Lawn Management program will be prepared for employment in landscape and turfgrass management for commercial, residential and public sites. Landscape managers use their knowledge of plant growth and development, plant identification, pruning, fertilization, integrated pest management and problem solving to maximize the beauty of outdoor spaces. Exciting careers are also available in landscape design, landscape construction, plant production and retail sales. Increasing public interest in gardening and the environment has resulted in a great demand for educated individuals to fill these positions.
The Landscape and Lawn Management program also includes courses that offer individuals working in the industry a chance to sharpen technical skills, keep informed of the latest research and regulatory information, and improve management practices.
Enrollment Options
Students who participate in the Landscape and Lawn Management program may choose to earn a certificate from the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology or an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences from GRCC. The program incorporates courses from MSU and GRCC, making it possible to earn the certificate and an associate’s degree simultaneously. High school graduates are welcome to participate in the program.
To earn a certificate from MSU, students must apply for admission to the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology and complete a 48-credit-hour program of courses which includes a professional internship.
To earn an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences, students must enroll in the GRCC Landscape and Lawn Management program and complete an additional 24-27 credit hours of GRCC courses.
Landscape and Lawn Management Program
MSU Contact:
Marcus Duck
Program Coordinator
(517) 355-5191, ext.1351
E-mail: duckmarc@msu.edu
GRCC Contact:
Rosario-Montes Sutton
Counselor
(616) 234-3900
E-mail: rmsutton@grcc.edu
Grand Rapids Community College Courses:
English Required – 6 Credits:
Humanities Required – 6 Credits
Social Sciences Required – 8 Credits:
Wellness Required – 1 Credit
Business Required – 14 Credits:
Two Courses From the Following:
Natural Science Required – 8 Credits:
Computer Literacy Required – 2 Credits:*
* Note: CO 151 and CO 153 if previously taken.
Mathematics Required – 3 Credits:*
* Note: MA 003 may be a prerequisite for the above courses based on student’s math background.
Michigan State University Courses
(24 credits minimum):
Required:
- HRT 213 Landscape Maintenance 2
- HRT 211 Landscape Plants I 3
- HRT 212 Landscape Plants II 3
- HRT 214 Landscape and Turfgrass Business
- Operations 2
- CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil and
- Landscape Science 3
- CSS 232 Intro to Turfgrass Management 3
- ENT 111 Basics of Applied Entomology 2
- PLP 491 Plant Diseases 3
Required Internship:
- AT 293 Placement Training 3
Elective courses:
- AT 290 Independent Study in Ornamental
- Horticulture variable (1-4)
- HRT 111 Landscape Design 3
- HRT 218 Landscape Irrigation Design 3
- HRT 475 Study Abroad 4
Other MSU, HRT, and CSS courses not listed here may also be offered and accepted as electives in the program. Course offerings are subject to change. Consult with the program coordinator.
Total Credits
Total credits for AAAS: 72
Total credits to complete the MSU certificate: 48