Horticulture

Certificate

Study landscaping, plant health, and environmental science in our Horticulture certificate program. Gain hands-on experience in the FLCC greenhouse and arboretum. This flexible program is ideal for nature enthusiasts eager to start their careers in horticulture.

Career Outlook: Nursery Management and Landscaping

Horticulturists spend their careers outdoors caring for the health of plants and managing natural environments — working in nurseries, landscaping, and agriculture. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for landscaping careers to remain stable through 2030. Demand for agricultural science careers is expected to grow 9%.

Certificate Program Overview

Our 32-credit certificate program provides a quick, focused study of horticulture. Courses in plant science, biology, and pest management provide a foundation to get started in the field. If you're in an entry-level position in the industry, this certificate can help you advance your career. You can focus on plant protection, gardening, or landscaping with our elective classes.

Learn From Horticulture Professionals

Meet professional horticulturists through guest lectures and field trips. You'll learn from experts at Cornell Cooperative Extension, the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Department of Environmental Conservation, among others.

You'll explore regional gardens, greenhouses, and nurseries to witness professional horticultural practices, including:

• Cornell AgriTech — a research center providing practical solutions for farmers and agriculture businesses to thrive.
• Coldwater Pond Nursery — a family nursery specializing in growing woody ornamental plants.
• Highland Botanical Park — a world-class arboretum with 500+ varieties of lilacs, woody plants, and tree species.

Real-World Experience in Plant Management

Our Horticulture certificate program includes over 50 hours of professional experience in plant propagation, cultivation, and greenhouse management. Community partners are eager to teach you about organic gardening, plant research, and more.

Horticulture program graduates completed work experience at historical gardens, alumni-owned landscaping businesses, and our on-campus greenhouse.

Join Our Horticulture Club

FLCC's Horticulture Club builds community and provides additional field trip experiences. Visit botanical gardens, greenhouses, native plant nurseries, organic seed companies, and research centers. Horticulture Club engages in fundraising activities — such as the biannual plant sale — which sponsors distinguished speakers at club events.

Certificate Program Outcomes

Career Paths in Horticulture

Our Horticulture certificate program prepares you for careers in agriculture, plant management, and more. Some career paths include:

After completing the Horticulture certificate program, our graduates have worked at Sonnenberg Gardens, NY State Ag Experiment Station, George Eastman Museum, Mohonk Mountain House, and local landscaping companies.

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Horticulture program faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom. Our instructors are forestry, plant science, conservation, and landscaping experts. Before teaching at FLCC, faculty worked in research labs, gardens, nurseries, and seed sales. Learn more about the Horticulture faculty.