Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to get the answer.
- What degrees and certificates are offered?
- See the Program Overview and catalog page for detailed information about the degrees and certificates.
- I work days. Are there night courses?
- Yes. In the first year of the program, all courses have either a day or a night section to choose from. In the second year courses, there is only one section offered of each course, but that is usually held nights (with the exception of three courses).
- Can I take classes part-time?
- About half of our students take classes part-time.
- Can I start the program at the beginning of any quarter?
- Yes. In the first-year sequence of courses there are few prerequisites. Many second-year courses however require prerequisites. An individual course is usually only offered once a year at the same time every year. So if you're planning on completing a certain certificate or AAS degree in a certain period of time, planning is essential. If you miss a course it won't come around again for another year.
- I have a prior college degree. Can any of those credits count?
- Yes. With associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees from an accredited college, most of your general education is accepted. Depending on your major there may even be courses that can be counted as landscape electives. To know for sure, make an advising appointment with Landscape Dept. Chair Elizabeth Brewster or Marilyn Alexander and bring a copy of your prior college transcripts with you. An assessment as to transfer credits can be made at that time.
- Do I need to take the COMPASS placement test?
- If you have a prior degree (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s), you do not have to take the COMPASS. However PCC requires that college algebra (MTH 60 or 65) and English composition (WR 121) be current within five years of applying for graduation. By taking the COMPASS test you might "test out" of those classes eliminating the need to retake them. If you want to take one or two classes for occupational upgrading, you do not need the COMPASS test to register for most classes. See College Placement Tests for more information.
- Where do I start?
- See What's Next? on the Landscape Technology homepage.
- What's the job outlook for the green industry?
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a higher than average growth for most sectors of the green industry (landscaping, grounds maintenance, retail and wholesale nurseries) through 2012. PCC's Student Employment Services reports more job listings in spring than students applying.
- What is the average rate of pay for the landscape industry?
- Pay varies based on education and field experience. See Careers in Landscape Technology for more information.
- What is Cooperative Education or Cooperative Work Experience?
- See the Program Overview page.
- How can I find a job?
- You can register with Student Employment and Cooperative Education Services. Once on the listserv, you will receive notice of jobs and internships as they are posted. These notices will be sent directly to your email account where you can view them at your convenience.