Landscape and Horticulture Specialist - Certificate Program
Are you someone who finds joy in getting your hands dirty, breathing in fresh air, and basking in the warmth of sunshine? If so, EFSC's Landscape and Horticulture Specialist College Credit Certificate (CCC) might just be the perfect starting point for your journey toward a fulfilling career in the green industry.
Currently, there's a growing demand for professionals skilled in grounds maintenance, landscape design, greenhouse management, and various other specialized areas. This demand is especially prominent in Florida, where our tropical and sub-tropical climate, plus the expanding legal cannabis industry, makes horticulture and landscaping essential year-round.
With EFSC's Landscape and Horticulture Specialist Certificate, you can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in a relatively short span of time. This CCC can be completed in as little as one full-time semester, allowing you to quickly enter the workforce or use the credits toward the related Landscape and Horticulture Technology A.S. degree.
Whether you aspire to be a skilled grounds maintenance worker, a creative landscape designer, or an expert in greenhouse operations, EFSC's Landscape and Horticulture Specialist Certificate can set you on the right track.
Landscape and Horticulture Specialist Certificate - Course Curriculum
In this certificate program, you'll learn about plant physiology, growth, and how to identify different plants. The program also covers maintaining landscape plants and teaches important employability and human relations skills. You'll practice hands-on skills through coursework at the local Rockledge Gardens greenhouses through an agreement with the college.
Landscape and Horticulture Specialist - Certificate Program
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- College Credit Certificate (CCC)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus, Hybrid
- Location
- Melbourne
- Total Credit Hours
- 12
- Academic Community
- Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
- Contact Information
-
Email Program Advisor
321-632-1111Advising Appointments
Amanda Rose Newton, M.S.
Program Manager
newtona@easternflorida.edu
321-433-5750
As an added bonus, you can earn a Florida fertilizer applicator license and a Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) certification upon completion of the program.
Landscape and Horticulture Specialist Certificate - Admissions Information
If you're interested in the Landscape and Horticulture Specialist CCC, simply apply through Eastern Florida's regular admissions process. The program offers continuous enrollment, so you can apply and start classes in any term. If you have any questions or need guidance, reach out to the advisor or program manager.
To ensure your success and safety in the program, we recommend meeting specific requirements. These include being able to lift 25 pounds, understanding labels for horticulture chemicals, recognizing color codes, being comfortable accessing plants and soil, proficiently using horticulture tools, and being willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions for extended periods of time.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
If you're considering the Landscape and Horticulture Specialist Certificate at EFSC, the cost is around $1,250, covering in-state tuition and fees. However, please note that course materials and lab fees are not included.
While Federal financial aid is not available for this certificate due to its short credit-hour duration, you can utilize options like Florida Bright Futures Scholarships, Florida Prepaid, or the Nelnet Payment Plan. Additionally, there may be opportunities for Veterans Educational Benefits, the EFSC Foundation's Titan Scholarships, and scholarships from external organizations.
College Courses You Would Take
This program consists of four classes, totaling 12 credit-hours, taught by experienced faculty members who have worked in various areas of the green industry. They have specialized knowledge in topics such as small space growing, greenhouse management, integrated pest management, niche crop production, plant propagation, and beekeeping.
Here are the courses you'll be enrolled in:
Study plant science fundamentals and their role in plant production, exploring topics like growth, reproduction, nutrition, and more.
Explore soils, pesticides, and fertilizers in horticulture. Learn safe and responsible use for plant health. Prepare for the applicator's license exam.
Learn turf grass and landscape plant care and maintenance, while covering topics like species, soil, water, pests, and landscape repair.
Covers nursery management, employee management, basic plant propagation, inventory control, nursery organization, marketing, and pest control.
Why Become a Landscaping and Horticulture Specialist Through EFSC?
High Demand for Industry Professionals
Did you know that the demand for professionals with horticulture-related training is expected to increase by 8-10% over the next few years (according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics)? This is because people rely on plants, and there is a growing trend of incorporating green spaces, locally-sourced produce, and hemp-based products. The emergence of new technologies and industries like cannabis, hydroponics, and food shipping and storage also means there's a consistent need for more employees, researchers, and students in this field.
Numerous Career Options
With the Landscape and Horticulture Specialist Certificate in hand, you could qualify for various positions, such as a gardener in botanical gardens or estates, greenhouse grower, landscape designer, irrigation specialist, nursery manager, florist, hydroponic farmer, integrated pest management technician, landscape technician, interiorscape specialist, fruit and vegetable producer, or turf specialist. These are just some of the paths you can pursue with your certificate!
Related Landscape and Horticulture Programs
If you're interested in the Landscape and Horticulture Specialist CCC at Eastern Florida, it's worth exploring the related A.S. degree and other certificate options in the program.