Landscape Design Certificate

Shape outdoors spaces

Create outside areas where people interact and form part of the urban environment. Learn all phases of landscape design and the implementation process.

A landscape design certificate takes 12 months to complete. Gain the skills local employers value in landscape design, including:

drafting (by hand)
landscape design
computer landscape design using AutoCAD
landscape construction

What can you do with a Landscape Design Certificate in Horticulture?

You will be ready for an entry-level position with a landscape firm. You will start with skills in both hand drawing and computer graphics, as well as design concepts for residential, commercial and public sites.

commercial landscape designer
residential landscape designer
landscape construction

One certificate may be enough for you to begin working in horticulture. However, each certificate is focused on a single area of expertise. Stack two complementary certificates together for a more well-rounded skill set. Individual certificates require 18-20 credits. Dual certificates require less than twice that (only 27-30 credits total) because of common courses.

Consider these combinations:
- Design + Landscape Maintenance
- Landscape Maintenance + Arboriculture
- Landscape Maintenance + Natural Areas Management
- Horticulture Production + Sustainable Agriculture
- Natural Areas Management + Arboriculture

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate.
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $107,820
  
  Median
  
  $159,299
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $220,383
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51.83
  
  Median
  
  $76.58
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $105.95
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.15%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  46.67%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  51.04%
  
  Doctorate
  
  1.15%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,188
  
  Median
  
  $74,639
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $148,555
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.76
  
  Median
  
  $35.88
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.42
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.32%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  15.55%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  30.49%
  
  Doctorate
  
  44.63%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,662
  
  Median
  
  $52,627
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $88,477
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.02
  
  Median
  
  $25.30
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $42.53
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  24.17%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.23%
  
  Some college
  
  10.38%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  13.55%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  32.32%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  6.34%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,456
  
  Median
  
  $69,959
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $128,148
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.00
  
  Median
  
  $33.63
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.61
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,074
  
  Median
  
  $42,610
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $60,788
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.98
  
  Median
  
  $20.48
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $29.22
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  47.37%
  
  Certificate
  
  31.2%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.1%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  18.33%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
HRT 125	HRT 125 Tree and Shrub Identification Class Description This course covers the identification of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs by their common and botanic names. Emphasis is placed on trees and shrubs commonly used in the landscape and their key characteristics. Field study will compliment lectures.	3
HRT 140	HRT 140 Landscape Graphics Class Description This course introduces students to the methods used to visually communicate existing and desired information to create a landscape design. The course also covers the process of gathering information about site constraints and client needs to develop these drawings.	3
HRT 260	HRT 260 Landscape Construction Class Description This course explores the practical, hands-on installation of landscape features. Project organization, job set up, and construction methods will be covered. Students will be assigned projects that will include design specifications, cost estimates, project planning and project implementation. How to handle equipment and participation in actual construction tasks are included.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 125
Course Title	HRT 125 Tree and Shrub Identification Class Description This course covers the identification of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs by their common and botanic names. Emphasis is placed on trees and shrubs commonly used in the landscape and their key characteristics. Field study will compliment lectures.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 140
Course Title	HRT 140 Landscape Graphics Class Description This course introduces students to the methods used to visually communicate existing and desired information to create a landscape design. The course also covers the process of gathering information about site constraints and client needs to develop these drawings.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 260
Course Title	HRT 260 Landscape Construction Class Description This course explores the practical, hands-on installation of landscape features. Project organization, job set up, and construction methods will be covered. Students will be assigned projects that will include design specifications, cost estimates, project planning and project implementation. How to handle equipment and participation in actual construction tasks are included.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HRT 127	HRT 127 Perennials, Annuals and Weeds Class Description This course covers the identification, care, and maintenance of herbaceous plants including perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, vines, groundcovers and weeds. Approximately 600+ plants will be covered in this course. Students will review materials through photo and herbarium samples.	3
HRT 240	HRT 240 Landscape Design Class Description This course introduces students to design concepts and practical approaches for residential landscape design. Students take a variety of design projects from concept through final presentation.	3
HRT 245	HRT 245 Computer Landscape Design Class Description This course introduces students to the use of AutoCAD for site planning, and for the creation of landscape design plans. Emphasis is placed on practical application of software and hardware to develop working drawings for the landscape industry.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 127
Course Title	HRT 127 Perennials, Annuals and Weeds Class Description This course covers the identification, care, and maintenance of herbaceous plants including perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, vines, groundcovers and weeds. Approximately 600+ plants will be covered in this course. Students will review materials through photo and herbarium samples.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 240
Course Title	HRT 240 Landscape Design Class Description This course introduces students to design concepts and practical approaches for residential landscape design. Students take a variety of design projects from concept through final presentation.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 245
Course Title	HRT 245 Computer Landscape Design Class Description This course introduces students to the use of AutoCAD for site planning, and for the creation of landscape design plans. Emphasis is placed on practical application of software and hardware to develop working drawings for the landscape industry.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

20

Horticulture at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A landscape design certificate is just one possible way to study horticulture. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Horticulture Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

This program includes courses that provide scientific concepts and hands-on experiences. Some courses have lab sessions (e.g., Plant Propagation, Landscape Graphics, Landscape Design) where students will apply and practice techniques required to be successful in a landscape design career.
The horticulture department offers unique opportunities to learn and refine your skills. In particular, you could be a part of:
- on-campus ecological restoration
- arboretum redesign
- woody plant propagation
These programs are conducted in collaboration with renowned organizations.
Our students come from varied backgrounds including recently graduated high school students, non-traditional students who are retraining for new careers, students who work for family businesses and those who are taking classes for personal enrichment.
Here’s what others have found:
- Flexibility to explore a range of specializations and options
- Increased employment options and opportunities
- Understanding of the relationships between different horticulture courses - they're all connected!

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Shape outdoors spaces

What can you do with a Landscape Design Certificate in Horticulture?

Do more with stackable certificates

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Landscape Architects

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 11 Credits

Semester 2 9 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Horticulture at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

How will I learn in this program?

How is my learning experience going to be different compared to other colleges?

Are there students like me in the program?

What’s the best thing about studying landscaping at CLC?

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Be debt-free at CLC

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