What is Horticulture?

Horticulture is defined as the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants and incorporates a broad range of career opportunities from production and marketing, to research, maintenance, design, and horticulture therapy.   Horticulturalists work in both public and private sectors.

How can I earn a Horticulture Management Certificate?

The NCTC horticulture certificate provides a broad, technical education in the field of horticulture, emphasizing practical knowledge that will prepare students to work in multiple facets of the industry. The Horticulture Management Certificate is a 36 credit hour program, consisting of 26 credit hours of required core curriculum classes as well as 6 credit hours of electives.   Upon completion of the classes, students wrap-up their certification with a 4 credit hour internship or on-the-job learning experience in a commercial horticulture, greenhouse, or landscape-related setting.

What horticulture classes does NCTC offer?

Required Core Classes

Floral Design

Landscape Plant Material

Horticulture

Agriculture Chemicals

Landscape Design

Greenhouse Management

The Agriculture Industry

Soil Science

Cooperative Education

Elective Classes

Interior Plants

Landscape Computer Design

Naturalistic Gardening

Greenhouse Crop Production

Food Crops

Will the horticulture classes transfer to a 4-year university?

Two of the classes offered in the curriculum will transfer to a 4-year institution: Horticulture (AGRI 1415) and The Agriculture Industry (AGRI 1131).

How long will it take to get a certificate?

The program is designed for students to complete the courses in one year's time; however, students may work at their own pace.

How are the classes taught?

Courses are taught using a range of teaching methods consisting of hands-on labs, one-on-one instruction, guest lecturers, group presentations/projects, fieldtrips, and lectures.  

What can I do with a certificate in Horticulture Management?

The certificate will provide you with multiple horticulture skills.   Those earning a certificate may pursue jobs in landscaping, floristry, horticulture crop production, greenhouse management, and nursery production.

Who is this program designed for?

The program is designed for anyone who is interested in the field of horticulture or gardening science.   Students who seek to be career horticulturalists will benefit from these basic classes and will be prepared to enter the workforce or go on to a four-year university.   For students who are hobby horticulturalists, this program will provide invaluable skills for at-home horticulture interests.

What sort of horticulture facilities does NCTC offer?

Students meet in the newly remodeled Equine Center horticulture laboratory adjacent to NCTC's recently built, state of the art greenhouse facility.  

Who teaches the horticulture classes?

The principle horticulture instructor is Ashley Hartman.   She earned her master's degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University and worked there for several years as a research associate and undergraduate instructor before making North Texas her permanent home.

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