Horticulture

Work to provide food and protect the environment

Today’s horticulture industry goes way beyond traditional landscaping and floral design. Use science to grow plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. Collaborate with farmers and community agriculture groups to create safe, nutritious food for people and animals to consume.

The field of horticulture quickly evolves to address current sustainability issues, whether in plant production, landscape design, or construction and management. By studying horticulture, you become equipped to help protect our environment and ecosystem.

Our graduates become arborists, growers, retailers, landscape managers, landscape designers, turf managers, forestry experts, natural areas managers, public garden employees and more!

Why study Horticulture with us?

The Horticulture program at CLC incorporates sustainability topics and advice from industry experts into your curriculum. This better prepares you to work in the green industry. CLC has 105 acres of turf grass and 66 acres combined of wetlands, prairie and woodland natural areas.

Experience hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities, including hoop houses that extend the growing season and an apiary. Staff and student workers manage the Campus Farm, which grows vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Explore dual-certificate options

Combine these certificates for complimentary skill sets that enhance your employment options:

  • Design + Construction and Maintenance
  • Construction and Maintenance + Arboriculture
  • Construction and Maintenance + Natural Areas Management
  • Arboriculture + Natural Areas Management
  • Horticulture Production + Sustainable Agriculture

Highlights

  • Stackable Credentials

    Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Career Certificate

    Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.

  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.


Campus is buzzing

Follow us on Facebook to stay informed with the latest information for current and prospective Horticulture students.

By the way, did you know we sell delicious organic veggies, berries and herbs harvested from our Campus Farm? Follow us on Instagram to find our freshest food offerings.

Career Degrees & Certificates

For students who want to start or shift to a new career or advance in their current career.

You can earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at CLC in 2 years*. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and earn work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses you’ll take earn college credit, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university toward a bachelor’s degree.

*Assumes full-time enrollment.

For students who want to earn job skills for entry level occupations, or level up in their career.

Certificates are designed to be completed in less than 2 years. Many certificate programs contain Career Degree core courses so you can continue with additional study or stack certificates to earn an A.A.S. degree.

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

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*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Courses in the program

We offer a wide range of courses in horticulture, sustainable agriculture, soils, green business and entrepreneurship, environmental biology—and so much more!

Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.



What students say about CLC


  • A close-up of a handful of raspberries picked on the Campus Farm.

    Yesenia Mercado

    Graduate

    “I learned so much from the people at CLC: peers, colleagues, coworkers, instructors. It's a great learning community.”

    Yesenia studied horticulture at CLC and worked on the Campus Farm. She believes knowing what you eat and where it comes from leads to healthier lives and stronger communities.

    Read Yesenia's story

    A close-up of a handful of raspberries picked on the Campus Farm.

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Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

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