Sustainable Agriculture Certificate - Career Certificate

Start your own green career

Food production is big business and producing it sustainably is the future. At CLC, you will be able to learn sustainable, organic and permaculture techniques. You will be able to learn from the organic campus farm.

This sustainable agriculture certificate takes 12 months to complete. Learn skills that are tailored to the needs and input of local employers, including:

sustainable agriculture practices
plant propagation
green business and entrepreneurship
food crop production methods

What can you do with a Sustainable Agriculture Certificate in Horticulture?

Save the planet—by feeding people. You can start your own sustainable food production business or work for one as a skilled farm laborer or manager. You can also enter entrepreneurial support programs like the Farm Business Development Center.

community garden manager
small farm manager
sustainable food production consultant

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

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.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,030
  
  Median
  
  $70,220
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $101,353
  
  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
  
  $23.09
  
  Median
  
  $33.76
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.72
  
  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
  
  63.17%
  
  Some college
  
  12.48%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.23%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  10.33%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.79%
  
  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 the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. 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
  
  $44,643
  
  Median
  
  $80,088
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $139,804
  
  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
  
  $21.45
  
  Median
  
  $38.50
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $67.21
  
  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
  
  1.4%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  1.41%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.88%
  
  Doctorate
  
  82.31%
  
  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).
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33,296
  
  Median
  
  $38,636
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $76,220
  
  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
  
  $16.00
  
  Median
  
  $18.57
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $36.63
  
  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
  
  2.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  18.32%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  30.45%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  49.05%
  
  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).
Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,146
  
  Median
  
  $77,426
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $128,285
  
  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
  
  $23.14
  
  Median
  
  $37.22
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.67
  
  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
  
  7.6%
  
  Some college
  
  7.28%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.29%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  76.83%
  
  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).
Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $65,774
  
  Median
  
  $233,097
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $431,738
  
  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
  
  $31.61
  
  Median
  
  $112.06
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $207.57
  
  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
  
  18.52%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  81.48%
  
  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).
Recruit and hire seasonal or temporary agricultural laborers. May transport, house, and provide meals for workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27,042
  
  Median
  
  $41,147
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $80,683
  
  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
  
  $13.00
  
  Median
  
  $19.78
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $38.79
  
  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
  
  90.83%
  
  Some college
  
  8.9%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  0.14%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.14%
  
  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, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $9,213
  
  Median
  
  $40,785
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $202,845
  
  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
  
  $4.42
  
  Median
  
  $19.61
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $97.52
  
  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
  
  4.16%
  
  Certificate
  
  8.82%
  
  Some college
  
  18.5%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.84%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  44.67%
  
  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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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, see the college 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 131	HRT 131 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture Class Description This course introduces students to agroecology and permaculture at the macro and micro scales, through both global and local examples. Topics include design, implementation and management of integrated perennial food systems, including orchard and fungi crops. Standards for sustainable soil and water management, organic certification, seed collecting and sourcing, and other key regenerative farming methods will be explored. Crop production plans for multi-year phased growing operations are emphasized. Harvest, storage and shipping methods to maximize crops sales also are covered. Field practice is integrated with class sessions for the lecture/lab based course. NOTE: Up to four labs will require field trips off campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites.	3
HRT 121	HRT 121 Introduction to Horticulture Class Description This course introduces students to basic plant taxonomy, terminology, anatomy, physiology and the functions/responses of plants. Professions working with the culture and use of plants and applications of plant science will be included.	3
HRT 124	HRT 124 Introduction to Soils Class Description This course introduces students to the science and function of native and artificial soils as they relate to plants and the environment. Topics on formation, physical characteristics, nutrient content and availability, water movement, taxonomy and biota interactions are covered.	4

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 131
Course Title	HRT 131 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture Class Description This course introduces students to agroecology and permaculture at the macro and micro scales, through both global and local examples. Topics include design, implementation and management of integrated perennial food systems, including orchard and fungi crops. Standards for sustainable soil and water management, organic certification, seed collecting and sourcing, and other key regenerative farming methods will be explored. Crop production plans for multi-year phased growing operations are emphasized. Harvest, storage and shipping methods to maximize crops sales also are covered. Field practice is integrated with class sessions for the lecture/lab based course. NOTE: Up to four labs will require field trips off campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 121
Course Title	HRT 121 Introduction to Horticulture Class Description This course introduces students to basic plant taxonomy, terminology, anatomy, physiology and the functions/responses of plants. Professions working with the culture and use of plants and applications of plant science will be included.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 124
Course Title	HRT 124 Introduction to Soils Class Description This course introduces students to the science and function of native and artificial soils as they relate to plants and the environment. Topics on formation, physical characteristics, nutrient content and availability, water movement, taxonomy and biota interactions are covered.
Credits	4

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HRT 132	HRT 132 Sustainable Food Crop Production Methods Class Description This course covers a range of practical field production methods including season extension practices like floating row covers, cold frames and high tunnels, and annual fruit and vegetable crop planning. Students will explore intercropping, vertical growing, successional planting and other harvest maximization techniques though lecture and lab. Sustainable practices for regional climate and soil conditions and organic growing methods are emphasized.	3
HRT 221	HRT 221 Plant Propagation Class Description This course focuses on the techniques and procedures involved in propagating plants. Sexual and asexual methods are practiced along with environmental conditions needed to promote growth and development. Seed propagating and grafting will be included.	3
HRT 225	HRT 225 Green Business & Entrepreneurship Class Description This course addresses the fundamental business skills needed to run or manage a horticulture-related business or small farm enterprise. Issues including establishing wholesale accounts for purchasing, hiring and managing seasonal employees, creating client contracts and creating value-added products are covered. Various farm-to-market models such as CSAs vs. wholesale distribution will be reviewed. This class also covers front office issues like creating billing statements, responding to "requests for proposals" and marketing seasonal products.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 132
Course Title	HRT 132 Sustainable Food Crop Production Methods Class Description This course covers a range of practical field production methods including season extension practices like floating row covers, cold frames and high tunnels, and annual fruit and vegetable crop planning. Students will explore intercropping, vertical growing, successional planting and other harvest maximization techniques though lecture and lab. Sustainable practices for regional climate and soil conditions and organic growing methods are emphasized.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 221
Course Title	HRT 221 Plant Propagation Class Description This course focuses on the techniques and procedures involved in propagating plants. Sexual and asexual methods are practiced along with environmental conditions needed to promote growth and development. Seed propagating and grafting will be included.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HRT 225
Course Title	HRT 225 Green Business & Entrepreneurship Class Description This course addresses the fundamental business skills needed to run or manage a horticulture-related business or small farm enterprise. Issues including establishing wholesale accounts for purchasing, hiring and managing seasonal employees, creating client contracts and creating value-added products are covered. Various farm-to-market models such as CSAs vs. wholesale distribution will be reviewed. This class also covers front office issues like creating billing statements, responding to "requests for proposals" and marketing seasonal products.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

21

*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.

Horticulture at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A sustainable agriculture 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

You learn scientific concepts and gain hands-on experience in most courses. These include lab sessions where you will gain hands-on experience with different arboriculture techniques.
Take advantage of an opportunity to learn on a one-acre organic campus farm! That's not something every college has. At CLC, you will be able to apply concepts and techniques you learned in the classroom.
Many courses offer both online and in-person options. Some online courses require you to work with a local organization to gain hands-on experience. Many of our students share a passion for saving the planet or working to improve the environment.
Here's what others have found:
- Flexibility to explore a range of skills
- A broadening of the work you might take up
- An understanding of the relationships between different horticulture courses - they're all connected!

What students say about CLC

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

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Sustainable Agriculture

Start your own green career

What can you do with a Sustainable Agriculture Certificate in Horticulture?

Do more with stackable certificates

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Agricultural Inspectors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Agricultural Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Chief Sustainability Officers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Farm Labor Contractors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 12 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?

Can I earn my certificate online?

What’s the best thing about this program?

What students say about CLC

Yesenia Mercado

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Be debt-free at CLC

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