This certificate is a bi-disciplinary study of horticulture resources and design fundamentals. It includes an in-depth study of plant materials, irrigation, landscape design, and site planning. Topics such as landscape computer-aided design, surveying, and construction measurement techniques, are also covered.
Landscape architects and landscape architect technicians are responsible for the overall design and detailed drawings of a wide range of projects in outdoor spaces including commercial and residential developments, parks and recreation areas, as well as master plans for the management of forested lands. Employment of landscape architects and landscape architect technicians is expected to increase as a result of the increasing emphasis on sustainability land development and design.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ select plant materials that are used for landscapes.
✔ solve landscape design problems.
✔ analyze typical landscape design projects using the design process.
✔ communicate landscape design solutions effectively.

This certificate represents several areas of study in Horticulture: arboriculture, floriculture, landscape horticulture and landscape design, olericulture, pomology, and viticulture. Horticulture is the science, art and skill of plant cultivation and the focus of the program is to prepare horticulturalists to work and do research in the many disciplines the industry has to offer. The certificate program concentrates on plant identification, landscape design, construction and maintenance, soils and plant nutrition, plant production and marketing, irrigation and water conservation, integrated pest management, and sustainable horticultural practices.
Horticulturalists find careers in landscape horticulture, which includes the production, marketing and maintenance of landscape plants, as well as the landscape design/build industry, which includes design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor and interior landscapes. Graduates can find careers in the nursery industry, which includes plant production and retail garden centers, and the landscape construction and maintenance industry. Opportunities are with industry, government, education and research, and self employment.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ identify and select plant materials that are used for landscapes in northern California regions.
✔ analyze a landscape site and create a complete landscape design for that site.
✔ analyze a landscape design and apply the sustainable installation procedures necessary to implement the design.
✔ assess a landscape and apply the sustainable maintenance operation techniques required.
✔ assess a soil analysis and apply the appropriate procedures for plant health and soil sustainability.
✔ apply the plant production options to produce landscape nursery stock by sexual and asexual methods.
✔ diagnose plant pest signs and symptoms.
✔ formulate a pest management plan using the principles of integrated pest management and recognizing the requirements for licensing or certification.
✔ utilize the sustainable methods of plant growth and production for ornamental and edible plant materials.
✔ identify and then apply safe operating procedures and practices to all horticultural operations.
✔ safely and efficiently operate pesticide application equipment.

Social Work and Community Studies is an applied sociology program that provides a foundation for students to explore the social services, community development practices, and social justice efforts needed to address social inequities. Sociological theory and research principles will guide critical academic exploration and development, which will be applied to hands-on practicum field experience(s) under the supervision of faculty and professionals in the community. The A.A. degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies will offer additional broader employment options and career advancement opportunities. This program was formerly known as Community Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of the social services, community development practice, and related public policy.

✔ identify, analyze, and help to construct strategies for social change through participation in the social justice work of an organization.

✔ analyze how communities attempt to overcome problems associated with inequality, cultural stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.

✔ analyze social service and community development organizational structures and their functions.

✔ identify and evaluate the various roles of a community worker.

✔ assess, compare, and develop core interventions and community resources.

✔ integrate personal sensitivity and awareness of the cultural diversity of clients, professionals, and communities.

✔ assess and apply knowledge of existing professional codes of ethics and laws related to the social services and community development.

This certificate introduces basic concepts of the real estate field while providing the minimum coursework to qualify for the California Real Estate Salesperson's License examination. Topics include principles of real estate, real estate law, real estate economics, real estate finance, real estate practice, and appraisal.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ develop the necessary background and qualifications for the California Real Estate Brokers and Salesperson license examinations.

✔ identify and explain the major functional areas of real estate, including legal aspects, finance, economics, real estate practice, and appraisal.

✔ develop leadership skills and abilities that are effective in a real estate environment.

✔ analyze practical real estate problems and utilize research and critical thinking to evaluate and recommend alternative solutions.

✔ integrate real estate principles related to finance, law, products, services, and information.

✔ assess current real estate market conditions.

✔ recommend appropriate sales strategies based on market conditions.

This certificate introduces advanced concepts of the real estate field, while providing the minimum coursework to qualify for the broker examination and license in California. Topics include principles of real estate, real estate law, real estate economics, real estate finance, real estate practice, and appraisal.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ identify and explain the major functional areas of real estate, including legal aspects, finance, economics, real estate practice, and appraisal.

✔ develop leadership skills and abilities that are effective in a real estate environment.

✔ identify and explain the major functional areas of real estate, including legal aspects, finance, economics, real estate practice, and appraisal.

✔ analyze practical real estate problems and utilize research and critical thinking to evaluate and recommend alternative solutions.

✔ integrate real estate principles related to finance, law, products, services, and information.

✔ assess current real estate market conditions.

✔ recommend appropriate sales strategies based on market conditions.

This program is designed for students pursuing a career as a Railroad Conductor or Engineer.

Recommended High School Preparation: English, mathematics, physics, electronics, mechanics and computers.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ qualify for an interview for a Conductor or Engineer Position with a Class I Railroad.

✔ demonstrate the knowledge and skills appropriate for an entry level railroad position.

✔ demonstrate the knowledge and skills pertaining to industry history, careers, operations, safety, quality, environment, procedures, and operating rules.

The photography certificate program is designed for students who want to enter a career path in photography or learn basic photographic skills to enhance their current vocation.

Recommended High School Preparation: Students should take courses in art, English, journalism, basic photography, graphic arts.

Costs: In addition to the normal student expenses (for textbooks, personal equipment, and supplies) digital print materials fees may be required. These fees may vary each semester. If these fees create a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ produce photographs using various camera, film, and digital methods.

✔ demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current computer software and digital imaging skills as they apply to photography.

✔ produce photographs using photographic papers and various digital media outputs.

✔ execute a wide range of digital darkroom techniques and processes.

✔ develop a marketing plan, materials, and support process.

✔ develop a small business plan and organizational structure.

The Career Photography II certificate will provide additional photographic skills, visual aesthetics, and small business foundations to establish a business in portraiture, wedding and commercial photography with an emphasis on the development a professional portfolio.

Students will further their development of a personal photographic style and portfolio around the portraiture, wedding, or commercial photography to help them secure clients upon leaving the program.

Areas covered include portraiture, weddings, event, magazine, food, and beverage photography in both studio and on location. Students will learn techniques to pose subjects, work with models and clients, use strobe equipment and available lighting techniques, work with professionals in the field, and design their own portfolios and photography website. Business strategies, self-promotion, and work-flow methods will also be covered.

Recommended High School Preparation: Students should take courses in art, English, journalism, basic photography, and graphic arts.

Costs: In addition to the normal student expenses (for textbooks, personal equipment, and supplies) digital print materials fees may be required. These fees may vary each semester. If these fees create a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ demonstrate advanced camera functions with stills and video and techniques associated with their use.

✔ demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current computer software and digital imaging skills as they apply to photography.

✔ execute a wide range of technical and creative lighting solutions.

✔ develop and expand a personal style with pre visualization conceptualization skills.

✔ apply shooting production skills in both the studio and on location.

✔ develop a small business plan and organizational structure.

✔ develop a marketing plan, materials, and support process.

The Career Photography I certificate will provide photographic skills, visual aesthetics, and small business foundations to establish a business in portraiture, wedding and commercial photography or work as a photographer or manager in a larger studio.

Students will begin to develop a personal photographic style and portfolio around portraiture, wedding, or commercial photography to help them secure clients upon leaving the program.

Areas covered include portraiture, weddings, event, magazine, food and beverage photography in both studio and on location. Students will learn techniques to pose subjects, work with models and clients, use strobe equipment and available lighting techniques, work with professionals in the field, and design their own portfolios. Business strategies, self-promotion, and work-flow methods will also be covered.

Recommended High School Preparation: Students should take courses in art, English, journalism, basic photography, and graphic arts.

Costs: In addition to the normal student expenses (for textbooks, personal equipment, and supplies), digital print materials fees may be required. These fees may vary each semester. If these fees create a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ demonstrate advanced camera functions with stills and video and techniques associated with their use.

✔ demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current computer software and digital imaging skills as these apply to photography.

✔ execute a wide range of technical and creative lighting solutions.

✔ develop and expand a personal style with pre visualization conceptualization skills.

✔ compare and differentiate career options, styles, and trends in professional portraiture and wedding photography.

✔ develop a small business plan and organizational structure.

✔ develop a marketing plan, materials, and support process.

✔ demonstrate post-production technical and creative solutions for wedding packages.

The American River College (ARC) Honors Program is a community of students and faculty who are dedicated to the pursuit of intellectual and personal enrichment in a diverse and challenging academic environment. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better who have completed at least 15 units of approved Honors coursework earn a Certificate of Achievement noted on the transcript. A maximum of 6 units of Honors coursework may be transferred from other colleges. Some courses may need to be petitioned. A total of 12 units of degree-applicable coursework must be earned at ARC to meet residency requirements. Most courses in the certificate fulfill requirements for the ARC A.A., A.S., A.A.-T., A.S.-T. degrees, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), and the CSU General Education Certification Pattern. Check with an ARC counselor for exceptions. Completion of the certificate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or better allows students to take advantage of transfer agreements with highly selective colleges and universities through the Honors Transfer Council of California and to participate in the Transfer Alliance Program at UCLA. Honors students must meet with a counselor to ensure completion of ARC graduation and/or transfer requirements. In addition, Honors students should meet regularly with an Honors faculty advisor to ensure completion of the Honors certificate in a timely fashion.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ analyze the broad areas of human knowledge that contribute to purposeful and meaningful lives.
✔ incorporate argumentative reasoning and logic involved in the process of advanced problem-solving in an academic setting.
✔ investigate advanced methods of inquiry and analysis employed in a variety of disciplines.
✔ justify personal accomplishments as a highly motivated, self-directed individual in an advanced academic setting.
✔ demonstrate cultural competence in a diverse academic setting.