Horticulture - Program Overview


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 natural areas 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 + Landscape Maintenance
  • Landscape Maintenance + Arboriculture
  • Landscape Maintenance + Natural Areas Management
  • Arboriculture + Natural Areas Management
  • Horticulture Production + Sustainable Agriculture

Highlights

  • Stackable Credentials

    Earn college credits you can apply toward a certificate or degree.

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

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

  • Career Degrees Available

    Gain in-demand technical skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.

  • Career Certificates Available

    Refine your skills into an in-demand career by earning a career certificate in 1 year or less.


Campus is buzzing

Learn the latest about the horticulture program. And the CLC Farm Market, where we sell delicious organic veggies, berries and herbs gown on our Campus Farm.

Choose your horticulture program


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*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, 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 opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.



Career degrees & certificates: What's the difference?

For degree-seeking students who want to start a new career or advance their current career.

Full-time students can earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) at CLC in two years. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses can even earn college credits, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university to apply toward a bachelor's degree.

For certificate-seeking students who want to earn job skills for entry-level occupations or increase their career opportunities.

You can complete a certificate in less than two years. Many certificate programs include career degree courses, allowing you to stack certificates toward an A.A.S. degree.

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

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

Talk to a CCN


Career-focused courses

Build a strong foundation in horticulture with hands-on learning in courses covering botany, landscape design, sustainable agriculture, soils, green business and entrepreneurship, forestry and so much more!

line drawing of check mark on paper

Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Study horticulture by doing

A student shares how the program allows him to:

  • Learn through hands-on experience
  • Get support from caring faculty
  • Make a difference in the community
  • Build skills for a green career

Watch the video on YouTube

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.

Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction.

Department chair


Faculty




CLC horticulture programs in the news

Take the next step...


Afford college

Earn a degree or certificate with little to no debt through low tuition, financial aid and scholarships.

Paying for college

Explore careers

Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.

Explore Career Coach

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

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Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

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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.