Horticulture

Campuses

Clarkesville

Credentials Offered

Associate Degree
Diploma

Program Length

2-6 Semesters

Horticulture

If you are ready for a career that blends science, creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on skills to improve people’s lives in the environment, then the green industry is for you. Each year, over 175,000 people start careers in the landscape and horticulture industry in the U.S.

Students in the Horticulture program of study have the option of pursuing either a diploma or an associate degree and will choose a specialization of either General Horticulture or Landscaping.

Horticulture students learn the science and design principles that are necessary to grow and maintain plants for food and medicine and to manage and improve the landscape around people. Studying plants and their environmental requirements will prepare professionals who will be able to apply knowledge and skills to successfully manage plants indoors and outdoors.

The indoor and outdoor labs at NGTC include an aquaponic/hydroponic greenhouse, traditional greenhouses and cold frames, outdoor gardens, a 3.5-acre research farm/arboretum protected by deer fence, and outdoor production areas for landscape plantings. Ongoing projects such as a pollinator garden and design projects in the community and on campus ensure that students practice skills and use equipment such as compact tractors/backhoes and tracked loaders, and other landscape equipment.

Career preparation experiences for students include field trips to area greenhouses and nurseries and the Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) Wintergreen trade show. Students also have the opportunity to compete in the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Collegiate Landscape Competition (NALP-NCLC) to network and prepare for their career in Georgia and the United States.

Courses in the program include: 

  • Horticulture Science
  • Landscape Design, Installation, and Management
  • Plant Identification
  • Greenhouse Management and Horticulture Business

Credentials You Can Earn

Associate Degree

The Horticulture degree program prepares students for careers in environmental horticulture. The program provides learning opportunities that introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to retrain or upgrade present knowledge and skills. Graduates of the program receive a Horticulture Associate of Applied Science degree.

Diploma

The Horticulture diploma program prepares students for careers in environmental horticulture. The program provides learning opportunities that introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to retrain or upgrade present knowledge and skills. Program graduates receive a Horticulture diploma.

Certificate

The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Technician Certificate prepares the student for a career in sustainable, small scale food production that integrates economic profitability and environmental stewardship. Courses provide hands-on experience in the fundamentals of plant production and marketing, giving the student a complete knowledge of the sustainable farmer’s market system.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may take positions with:

Greenhouse and growing production companies

Retail or wholesale garden centers and nurseries

Land or property management companies

Green Industry or sustainability companies

Students who complete the Horticulture program may take positions and perform responsibilities such as:

Landscape design

Landscape project management

Cost estimating

Property management maintenance

Small farm management

Additional career options can be researched on the following site(s):

Meet the Faculty

Photo of Scotty Peppers Scotty Peppers Horticulture Instructor 706-754-7886

If you are ready for a career that blends science, creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on skills to improve people’s lives in the environment, then the green industry is for you.

male and female students in blue with green plants in hand in a greenhouse
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