Irrigation Technology (Major Code: 53011)
Student Learning Outcomes
Cuyamaca College – Ornamental Horticulture
Associate Degree or Certificate
in Irrigation Technology
This specialized field focuses on the design, installation and management of landscape irrigation systems. The program is designed for entry level students, those seeking to upgrade existing skills, or those wishing to transfer to a four year degree program at Cal Poly or other institution. The use of current design theory, installation techniques and management programs form the heart of the curriculum. Graduates are employed by landscape architects, irrigation consultants, landscape contractors, public agencies or are may be self-employed.
Students who complete this program should be able to:
- Demonstrate and practice standardized safety and public health protection procedures as they apply to the irrigation industry. (OH 120, 130, 174, 221, 225, 276.)
- Explain the relationships between plants and their soil and water environment including the use of recycled water. (OH 102, 120, 140)
- Demonstrate an understanding of landscape irrigation hydraulics. (OH 235, 238)
- Identify irrigation system components, and demonstrate their proper installation. (OH 221, 235, 238.)
- Design efficient new and retrofitted spray and drip landscape irrigation systems on residential and commercial projects. (OH 221, 235, 238)
- Develop proper irrigation schedules with the use of evapotranspiration rates, precipitation rates, proper cycling of application and controller programming. (OH 102, 120, 235, 238)
- Demonstrate the ability to diagnose irrigation system problems related to valves, wiring and hydraulics. (OH 221, 235, 238)
- Explain the importance of, and best practices for, water conservation in regards to water sources, water quality and regulations. (OH 102, 120, 235, 238)
- Gain practical experience working in the landscape industry. (OH 290)
- Install a complete irrigation system per plan, not limited to: sprinklers, valves, valve boxes, drip irrigation, and controllers. (OH 221, 235, 238)
Course Requirements for Associate in Science Degree and Certificate of Achievement:
| Course | Title | Units |
| OH 102 | Xeriscape-Water Conservation in the Landscape | 2 |
| OH 120 | Fundamentals of Ornamental Horticulture | 3 |
| OH 140 | Soils | 3 |
| OH 174 | Turf and Ground Cover Management | 3 |
| OH 221 | Landscape Construction-Irrigation and Carpentry | 3 |
| OH 235 | Principals of Landscape Irrigation | 4 |
| OH 238 | Irrigation System Design | 3 |
| OH 290* | Cooperative Work Experience Education | 3 |
| 24 |
Select 8 additional units from the following:
| DTEC 124/ENGR124 | Basic Drafting | 3 |
| ENGR 218 | Plane Surveying | 4 |
| OH 130 | Plant Pest Control | 3 |
| OH 172 | Introduction to Landscape Design | 3 |
| OH 200 | Introduction to Computer-Aided Landscape Design | 3 |
| OH 225 | Landscape Cost Estimation | 3 |
| OH 276 | Horticultural Equipment Repair and Maintenance | 3 |
| SPAN 120 | Spanish I | 5 |
Total Units Required for Certificate: 33
Plus General Education Requirements for Associate in Science Degree
*Student must complete 6 units within the major at Cuyamaca College to be eligible for this course.
