Is this program all classroom courses?

No. The practical skills of Horticulture are best learned by practicing them in a real setting. The Horticulture Centre has extensive outdoor grounds, as well as modern greenhouses and workshops, which permit us to offer many courses with extensive practical components. Overall, nearly half the hours of the program are spent doing hands-on learning. Students propagate and grow many crops in the greenhouses. They build garden features, plant and maintain outdoor gardens, and design landscapes.

I am only interested in one part of Horticulture (example: Turf Care). Can I take just that part of the program?

We have linked many of our courses together - for example the Soils course is applicable to many other courses, such as Turf Management and Plant Propagation. So they all need to be taken to give a thorough background in any one field. As well, many students switch their area of interest during the program.

What kind of careers are open to me when I graduate?

Our graduates work for landscape companies, designing, building and maintaining both commercial and private landscapes. They work for golf courses and turf care companies, and they are found in greenhouses, nurseries and garden centres. Many become self-employed and or start their own businesses, either immediately on graduation or within a few years.

What is the job market for graduates?

The Industry is suffering from a real shortage of skilled people at this time, so finding a job is easy.

How do I know I will enjoy this program?

The fundamental aptitude for this program is a love of being outdoors and working with plants in a variety of weather conditions. If you don't want to sit at a desk, or stand in a shop all day, then you will enjoy this career. If you are the kind of person who wants to conceive a project, implement it with your own hands and see a visible result of the work you will enjoy Horticulture. It's also a good thing if you don't mind getting a little dirty!