Students residing outside of College of DuPage District 502 who wish to complete an Associate in Applied Science degree or certificate in horticulture not offered at their local community college can submit a Joint/Cooperative/Chargeback Application request at their local community college.

With the chargeback application, out-of-district students can take specialized courses in horticulture at College of DuPage and pay the in-district tuition rate at COD.  

Joint/Cooperative/Chargeback Application

• Students should ensure that the COD Admissions Department has received a copy of the Joint/Cooperative/Chargeback form from their home community college by the time they register at COD to make sure they are billed the in-district tuition rate. 
• Joint/Cooperative/Chargeback Agreement requests must be submitted to the student's local community college according to their deadline dates. Students need to verify deadline dates with their community college.
• The Joint/Cooperative/Chargeback agreements are good for one academic year and students must reapply each year. 

The in-district tuition rate applies only to coursework for currently approved programs of study between cooperating colleges and those providing chargeback agreements. Students who change programs of study outside of these existing agreements will be billed the out-of-district tuition rate for all coursework.  

Contact your local community college for more information regarding incoming Joint Agreements/Chargeback requests and approval processes. If you have questions regarding the process after your request has been approved, contact Admissions and Outreach at (630) 942-2626.

Colleges with Cooperative Agreements

• College of Lake County
• City Colleges of Chicago
• Elgin Community College
• Harper College
• Illinois Valley Community College 
• Joliet Junior College
• Kishwaukee College
• Moraine Valley Community College
• McHenry County College
• Oakton Community College
• Triton College
• Waubonsee Community College 

Whether you are preparing for a career in horticulture, planning to transfer to a four-year baccalaureate-granting institution, or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:

• Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification and licensing.
• Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
• Flexible schedules with day, evening, and online learning.
• Long-standing relationships with local companies and professional organizations that can help students get a foot in the door towards employment.
• An articulation agreement with Devry University, enabling students to transfer seamlessly to earn a bachelor's degree.
• Various horticulture scholarships for students planning to enroll in the horticulture program program. 

Advanced Horticultural Therapy, Certificate

This advanced certificate program is tailored to students seeking to deepen their expertise and professional reach in the specialized field of horticultural therapy. The program offers an in-depth exploration of the multidisciplinary areas in which registered horticultural therapists are required to demonstrate proficiency. Specifically, students will gain essential knowledge in horticulture and the human sciences, while continuing to hone their expertise and skill in horticultural therapy. This program features an internship component, offering hands-on learning and professional skill development in one or more supervised horticultural therapy settings. The program emphasizes refinement of skills and effective interdisciplinary collaboration across healthcare, rehabilitation, educational, and community settings, preparing graduates to lead, contribute, and innovate in the growing field of horticultural therapy.

If students in this program intend to apply their internship hours toward the professional registration requirements set by the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), they must consult with the Horticulture department in advance to ensure proper preparation for those AHTA requirements.

Completion of this certificate will fulfill the necessary coursework requirements for students to apply towards the credential, Horticultural Therapist – Registered (HTR), by the American Horticultural Therapy Association.

Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Cultivation and Operations, Certificate

The Cannabis/Industrial Hemp Cultivation and Operations Certificate prepares students for entry-level and mid-level employment opportunities in the cannabis and hemp industry and to apply state laws and regulations to cultivate cannabis and industrial hemp. Students will apply knowledge and skills regarding cannabis and hemp plant morphology and physiology as well as cultivation center operations to the cultivation of cannabis and hemp. Certificate will also prepare students to work at a dispensary. To be employed at a cannabis cultivation center employees must be 21 years of age and meet the Department of Agriculture's requirements to obtain a Cultivation Center Agent Card.

Ecological Restoration, Certificate

The Ecological Restoration Certificate prepares students to use basic and applied ecological concepts to reclaim and/or restore natural processes and functions to disturbed ecosystems. The program emphasizes application of restoration techniques to monitor, assess, preserve, and restore ecosystems while providing students a solid foundation in local natural history, ecological concepts, ecological disturbances, and the understanding of natural resource management policy.

Floral Shop Management, Certificate

The Floral Shop Management certificate prepares students for an entry level position as a floral designer or floral shop manager.

Greenhouse Management, Certificate

Horticultural Therapy, Certificate

This certificate program will educate students on the use of horticulture as therapy. This series of classes will include horticulture therapy techniques, types of programs, and how to develop a program themselves. Integral parts of the coursework include an in-depth study of stakeholders, theoretical foundations, adaptation methods, and assessment strategies for programs. Students will develop knowledge in therapeutic garden design for indoor and outdoor environments. Successful completion of this certificate includes 12 hours of horticultural therapy coursework required for professional registration from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA).

If students in this program intend to apply their internship hours toward the professional registration requirements set by the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), they must consult with the Horticulture department in advance to ensure proper preparation for those AHTA requirements.

Students wanting to further their studies in Horticultural Therapy and work towards the credential, Horticultural Therapist - Registered (HTR), by the American Horticultural Therapy Association can complete the Advanced Horticultural Therapy Certificate.

Horticulture, A.A.S.

The Horticulture program meets the needs of students entering the horticulture industry as well as those presently employed who wish to continue their professional growth. Besides providing horticultural knowledge and skills, the program emphasizes the business and management proficiency necessary to compete successfully in the horticulture industry.

Horticulture, Certificate

The Horticulture certificate program prepares students for entry level careers in the horticulture and greenhouse industry.

Landscape and Turf Maintenance, Certificate

The Landscape and Turf Maintenance certificate requires 39 credits in the courses listed below.

Landscape Contracting and Management, A.A.S.

The Landscape Contracting and Management Degree develops a student's ability to design, implement, and maintain landscape projects. Students build professional skills in plant healthcare, design, estimating, installation, and project management while earning an Associate’s in Applied Science Degree. Landscape contracting graduates are well-placed to work in the growing field of sustainable landscaping, or enter a Bachelors program in Horticulture or related field. This degree is accredited through the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

Landscape Design and Construction, Certificate

The Landscape Design and Construction certificate requires 41 credits in the courses listed below.

Nursery and Garden Center Management, Certificate

The Nursery and Garden Center Management certificate requires a total 35 credits in the courses listed below.

Power Equipment and Technology, Certificate

The Power Equipment and Technology Certificate prepares students for entry level jobs performing equipment maintenance and repairs. This program is accredited through the Engine and Equipment Training Council with certifications available.

Sustainable Landscapes, Certificate

The Sustainable Landscapes certificate provides students with the training and necessary background to apply sustainable landscape practices in the field.

Sustainable Urban Agriculture, A.A.S.

The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Degree offers a hands-on approach to becoming a professional in the field of urban farming and sustainable urban agriculture. The goal of the program is to help society improve the health of its environment, food, and communities. Students gain practical experience working alongside professional urban farmers. Students will critically analyze historical and current food systems to develop more sustainable solutions. The degree includes sustainable urban agriculture management and marketing techniques for food production systems.

Sustainable Urban Agriculture, Certificate

The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate program offers hands-on approach to becoming a professional in the field of urban farming and sustainable urban agriculture. Students receive practical, hands-on experience working in urban agriculture.

Urban Farming, Certificate

The Urban Farming Certificate program offers a hands-on approach in the practice of raising food in urban and suburban areas. Urban Farming can be many things which can include a schoolyard, a vegetable garden teaching students' healthy habits, a vacant lot growing food for neighborhood families, a church garden feeding the hungry or an entrepreneur's acre supplying restaurants and farmers markets.

The mission of the College of DuPage Horticulture Department is to prepare students to enter the green industry as well as provide additional professional development opportunities for those already in the industry.

Objectives

• Introduce students to occupations within the green industry.
• Prepare students for successful employment through classroom and practical experiences while encouraging them to take pride in their work and establish a high standard of professionalism.  
• Encourage students to be responsible stewards of the environment by demonstrating and valuing sustainable practices.
• Demonstrate the safe use of equipment, chemicals and tools used in the industry.
• Identify and explain benefits of professional organizations in the green industry.
• Maintain strong industry contacts and link classroom knowledge with the industry through field trips and guest speakers.

Values

• Integrity – We expect the highest standard of moral character and ethical behavior.
• Honesty – We expect truthfulness and trustworthiness.
• Respect – We expect courtesy and dignity in all interpersonal interactions.
• Responsibility – We expect fulfillment of obligations and accountability.

The Horticulture program is accredited by the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Equipment and Engine Training Council.

Accreditation Reports

• 2022
• 2021

Accredited by

• National Association of Landscape Professionals
• Equipment & Engine Training Council
• American Horticultural Therapy Association

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Advanced Horticulture Therapy, Certificate
• Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Cultivation and Operations, Certificate
• Floral Shop Management, Certificate
• Greenhouse Management, Certificate
• Horticulture, Associate in Applied Science
• Horticulture, Certificate
• Horticulture Therapy, Certificate
• Landscape and Turf Maintenance, Certificate
• Landscape Contracting and Management, Associate in Applied Science
• Landscape Design and Construction, Certificate
• Nursery and Garden Center Management, Certificate
• Power Equipment and Technology, Certificate
• Sustainable Landscapes, Certificate
• Sustainable Urban Agriculture, Associate in Applied Science 
• Sustainable Urban Agriculture, Certificate
• Urban Farming, Certificate

Horticulture

Upon completion of the Associate in Applied Science Horticulture degree, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the horticulture industry as well as emerging trends
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in horticulture careers
• Demonstrate an understanding of the composition, fertility and biology of soil and how they relate to good plant growth
• Propagate, grow, and maintain plants in horticulture production systems
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use and maintenance of plant material best suited for conventional and sustainable landscapes
• Identify and prescribe sustainable options in horticulture which benefit the environment while maintaining productivity and economic viability
• Identify common biotic and abiotic plant pests and disorders and develop strategies to manage them in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner
• Apply horticultural skills and knowledge to operate various business entities found in the horticultural industry
• Apply relevant mathematical principles and calculations inherent in all aspects of the Horticultural Industry
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry

Landscape Contracting and Management

Upon completion of the A.A.S Landscape Contracting and Management Degree, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the horticulture industry as well as emerging trends
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in landscape careers
• Demonstrate an understanding of the composition, fertility and biology of soil and how they relate to good plant growth
• Demonstrate fundamental skills in landscape design elements, process and techniques.
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of landscape construction and maintenance principles and practices
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of hydraulics and irrigation design, installation and water management principles and practices
• Apply horticultural skills and knowledge to operate various business entities found in the landscape industry
• Utilize computer software program applications relevant to the field for communication skills, production decisions, business management and bidding and estimating
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use and maintenance of plant material best suited for conventional and sustainable landscapes
• Demonstrate proficiency at implementing the principles and practices of sustainable landscape maintenance, turf management, and integrated pest management to care for and maintain landscapes and green spaces
• Identify common biotic and abiotic plant pests and disorders and develop strategies to manage them in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner
• Apply relevant mathematical principles and calculations inherent in all aspects of the Green Industry
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry

Sustainable Urban Agriculture

Upon completion of the Associate in Applied Science Sustainable Urban Agriculture Degree, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the Sustainable Urban Agriculture industry as well as emerging trends
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in sustainable urban agriculture careers
• Demonstrate an understanding of the composition, fertility and biology of soil and how they relate to good plant growth
• Describe basic green roof design, construction and maintenance techniques
• Apply an understanding of sustainable horticultural aspects to the development of landscape design to promote green living environments.
• Apply an understanding of modern technology and its application to growing plants, with emphasis being placed on hydroponic production of commercially valuable crops
• Identify the relationships between soil, water, insects, diseases and weeds in agricultural systems
• Apply agricultural practices that are environmentally sound and productive, and provide a positive social impact on individuals and the community
• Identify the major food producing plant families commonly found in the Midwest and niche market opportunities for urban agriculture
• Integrate diverse perspectives to understand today’s complex food systems and understand the role urban agriculture plays in the food system
• Demonstrates an understanding of the food and environmental movements and contribute to various efforts taking place in the urban setting
• Identify common biotic and abiotic plant pests and disorders and develop strategies to manage them in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner
• Apply relevant mathematical principles and calculations inherent in all aspects of the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Industry
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry

Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Cultivation and Operations

• Describe cannabis and hemp laws and regulations for cultivation, seed-to-sale tracking, and distribution.
• Describe security concerns and precautions related to cannabis and industrial hemp cultivation and distribution.
• Apply cultivation and processing techniques safely and sanitarily.
• Discuss the roles and responsibilities of employees working in the cannabis industry.
• Identify logistical concepts that relate to inventory control, distribution, packaging, transfer, and auditing.
• Review the basic and clinical pharmacology of botanical and synthetic marijuana and their active components.
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry.

Horticulture

Upon completion of the Horticulture Certificate, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the horticulture industry as well as emerging trends
• Demonstrate a working knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of plants, their culture and utilization
• Demonstrate an understanding of the composition, fertility and biology of soil and how they relate to good plant growth
• Describe the basic principles of plant taxonomy, anatomy, morphology and physiology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of functional business knowledge in the horticultural industry
• Propagate, grow, and maintain plants in horticulture production systems
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry

Sustainable Landscape

Upon completion of the Sustainable Landscapes Certificate, students will be able to:

• Describe residential and commercial water management as it relates to an understanding of the intersection of the Plant-Soil-Water continuum
• Identify and recall components of an environmentally and ecologically sound landscape system
• Describe basic green roof design, construction and maintenance techniques
• Identify and choose plant materials for designs that will have a desired impact on naturalized landscapes
• Apply an understanding of the effective use of practical and applied design strategies to determine meaningful solutions to landscape design problems pertinent to naturalized environments
• Formulate creative new strategies that will effectively develop and manage sustainable landscapes
• Successfully complete a one credit hour internship in the industry

Floral Shop Management

Upon completion of the Floral Shop Management Certificate, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the horticulture industry as well as emerging trends
• Demonstrate a working knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of plants, their culture and utilization
• Create an arrangement illustrating the elements and principles of color theory and floral design
• Distinguish floral industry standards for application to commercial venues
• Identify and categorize varieties of flowers and foliage by genus and species
• Illustrate and produce industry standard floral designs used in wedding décor, sympathy tributes, window display, permanent botanicals and event design
• Identify business principles and practices of flower shop operation
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry 

Landscape Design and Construction

Upon completion of the Landscape Design and Construction Certificate, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the horticulture industry as well as emerging trends
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in  landscape design and construction management careers
• Describe the components and effects of environment and soils on plant growth and development.
• Describe the techniques required for proper selection, installation and maintenance of softscape and hardscape materials
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of landscape construction and maintenance principles and practices
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of hydraulics and irrigation design, installation and water management principles and practices
• Use a variety of computer applications relevant to landscape design, construction, and ornamental horticulture.
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use and maintenance of plant material best suited for conventional and sustainable landscapes
• Identify and manage common landscape a pests and disorders in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner.
• Apply relevant mathematical principles and calculations inherent in all aspects of the Horticulture Industry

• Demonstrate fundamental skills in landscape design elements, process and techniques.
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry 

Greenhouse Management Certificate

Upon completion of the Greenhouse Management Certificate, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the horticulture industry as well as emerging trends
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in greenhouse management careers
• Demonstrate an understanding of the composition, fertility and biology of soil and how they relate to good plant growth
• Demonstrate an understanding of functional business knowledge in the greenhouse industry
• Propagate, grow, and maintain plants in horticulture production systems
• Demonstrate understanding of sustainable production techniques commonly used in the greenhouse industry
• Describe common greenhouse design features and the materials used to build them
• Distinguish the various types of environmental control systems used in closed environments
• Apply fertilizing techniques in a closed environment system
• Apply horticultural principles to the successful growth and production of common greenhouse crops
• Identify the most important greenhouse pests and diseases and be able to apply biological remediation techniques
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry 

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Upon completion of the Landscape and Turf Maintenance Certificate, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the horticulture industry as well as emerging trends
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in landscape and turf maintenance careers
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of landscape construction and maintenance principles and practices
• Describe identification, care, and maintenance procedures of turf and ornamental plants used in the landscape
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of hydraulics and irrigation design, installation and water management principles and practices
• Identify plant nutrient deficiencies and describe corrective measures.
• Identify major plant pests, including weeds, insects, and diseases and describe corrective measures.
• Apply relevant mathematical principles and calculations inherent in all aspects of the Green Industry
• Demonstrate basic troubleshooting and maintenance skills for small gas engines.
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use and maintenance of plant material best suited for conventional and sustainable landscapes
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry 

Nursery and Garden Center

Upon completion of the Nursery and Garden Center Certificate, students will be able to:

• Identify and research career opportunities in the horticulture industry as well as emerging trends
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in nursery and garden center management careers
• Demonstrate an understanding of the composition, fertility and biology of soil and how they relate to good plant growth
• Demonstrate an understanding of functional business knowledge in the nursery and greenhouse management industry
• Propagate, grow, and maintain plants in horticulture production systems
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use and maintenance of plant material best suited for conventional and sustainable landscapes
• Identify major plant pests, including weeds, insects, and diseases and describe corrective measures
• Apply relevant mathematical principles and calculations inherent in all aspects of the Horticulture  Industry
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry 

Power Equipment and Technology

Upon completion of the Power Equipment and Technology Certificate, students will be able to

• Demonstrate a foundation in theory, technology, equipment, safety, and industry standards
• Understand the role of a small engine technician and the career opportunities in the outdoor power equipment field
• Describe the basic operation of small engines and their systems and identify the parts of a typical 2-cycle, 4-cycle and compact diesel engine
• Describe how to disassemble, rebuild, and reassemble a typical two-stroke,  four-stroke, and compact diesel engine
• Understand and apply basic principles of testing, diagnosis, troubleshooting and servicing of small engines, outdoor power equipment and power generators
• Identify, test and diagnose charging systems in generators
• Describe the fundamentals, construction features and principles of operation of hydraulic and hydrostatic drive systems and components and maintenance procedures
• Identify the types of drive trains found in outdoor power equipment and summarize how to service lawn and riding mowers as well as garden tractors
• Apply theoretical knowledge and skills, and complete repair and maintenance tasks in accordance with the Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) and the outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association (OPEESA)
• Successfully complete a two credit hour internship in the industry 

Sustainable Urban Agriculture

Upon completion of the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate, students will be able to

• Identify and research career opportunities in the sustainable urban agriculture industry as well as emerging trends
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in sustainable urban agriculture management careers
• Demonstrate an understanding of the composition, fertility and biology of soil and how they relate to good plant growth
• Identify the relationships between soil, water, insects, diseases and weeds in agricultural systems
• Apply agricultural practices that are environmentally sound and productive, and provide a positive social impact on individuals and the community
• Identify the major food producing plant families commonly found in the Midwest and niche market opportunities for urban agriculture
• Integrate diverse perspectives to understand today’s complex food systems and understand the role urban agriculture plays in the food system
• Demonstrates an understanding of the food and environmental movements and contribute to various efforts taking place in the urban setting
• Demonstrate an understanding of functional business knowledge in the sustainable urban agriculture industry
• Successfully complete a three credit hour internship in the industry 

Urban Farming

• Apply agricultural practices that are environmentally sound and productive, and provide a positive social impact on individuals and the community.
• Integrate diverse perspectives to understand today's complex food systems to understand the role of urban agriculture plays in the food system
• Identify the major food producing plant families commonly found in the Midwest and niche market opportunities for urban agriculture
• Successfully complete a internship in the industry

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in horticulture. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or Advising Services to stay on track.

• DeVry University, AAS Horticulture to Technical Management Bachelor Degree Program with an emphasis in Horticulture 
• Valley City State University, AAS Horticulture to Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
• Valley City State University, AAS Landscape Contracting to Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
• Valley City State University, AAS Sustainable Urban Agriculture to Bachelor of Applied Science in Management

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.

• Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, AAS Horticulture to BS in Horticulture, Landscape Horticulture Specialization
• Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, AAS Horticulture to BS in Horticulture, Production Horticulture (General) Specialization
• Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, AAS Landscape Contract Management to BS in Horticulture, Landscape Horticulture Specialization