Advanced Certificate: Horticulture
The Advanced Certificate: Horticulture & Design deepens knowledge of best practices for ecological landscaping, native plant design principles, plant selection and propagation, and more.
The Advanced Certificate Horticulture & Design advances botanical knowledge into applied design practice. Students progress from the native plant foundations to the composition of landscapes that unite ecological function with aesthetic intent, developing their skills through hands-on studios, seasonal fieldwork, and a culminating community service project.
Students in the Advanced Certificate programs are required to have completed the Basic Certificate or have equivalent professional experience. Advanced Certificate courses are typically offered once per year.
Note: Enrollment in the Certificate Program is not required to take certificate program courses
Core Curriculum
Landscape for Life
Gain the knowledge, skills, and understanding to create an aesthetically pleasing garden that is also beneficial to the ecosystem.
History and Principles of Landscape Design
Explore the cultural history and theory of landscape for both Eastern and Western garden design.
Introduction to Ecological Horticulture
Develop core techniques for the planting and care of native plants.
Residential Landscape Design
Gain hands-on experience in the residential design process in this six-week intensive.
Native Herbaceous Plant Materials: Early Season
Learn to identify early season native Northeast herbaceous plants.
Native Herbaceous Plant Materials: Late Season
Learn to identify late season native Northeast herbaceous plants.
Native Woody Plant Materials
Learn growth characteristics, cultural requirements, and best horticultural practices for Northeast woody plants.
Healthy Seedlings
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Additional Requirements
- Six (6) Elective Course Hours*
- Two (2) Landscape Studies
- Community Service Project: 15 hours
- Students apply their newly learned skills by completing a Native Plant Community
- Service Leadership Project that benefits the community and further our mission, such as design and installation of native plant gardens, landscape restorations, and native plant program development.
- Final portfolio
- A summary portfolio detailing certificate requirements, including Community Service Project summary.
A summary portfolio detailing certificate requirements, including Community Service Project summary.
The total cost of the Advanced Certificate: Horticulture & Design is approximately $2,500 in course fees and will vary based on the electives and landscape studies taken. Additional costs include required texts (~$250) and supplemental supplies such as a 10X hand lens, a plant ID book or two, a clipboard, notebook, pens/pencils, water bottle, hat, backpack, sunblock and insect repellant, and comfortable sneakers or boots for walking.