Sustainable Agriculture Certificate (SGC)
Type: Career, Certificate (C1)
Open Admissions
Division: STEM and Business
This program is available for admission effective in the Spring 2026 semester.
The Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture is designed to equip students with essential business planning skills and hands-on farming experience. Through a combination of coursework and practical application, students will develop a strong foundation in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and farm management.
Students will engage with topics such as business planning, soil management, and plant health fundamentals while applying their knowledge in a hands-on practicum. During the practicum, participants will be working alongside New Entry staff at the farm, where they will gain direct experience in food production. These immersive sessions will include interactive demonstrations, guided practice, and active participation in farm operations.
Students will have the opportunity to develop proficiency in essential farming techniques, including soil preparation, planting, irrigation management, pest control, and harvesting. Additionally, they will learn about sustainable growing methods, climate-smart agricultural strategies, and post-harvest handling to ensure food safety and quality. Through this applied learning approach, students will build confidence in their ability to operate a farm successfully, whether starting their own agricultural enterprise or working within the broader food system.
By integrating business acumen with practical skills, this program prepares students for various career paths in agriculture, including farm ownership, greenhouse production, urban farming, and community food system initiatives.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact
info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
First Year
Fall
| HRT122 | Fundamentals of Plant Health | 3 |
| ACC110 | Small Business Computerized Accounting | 1 |
| ACC105 | Accounting Essentials | 2 |
| BUS100 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| OR | |
| PRO100 | Introduction to the Professional Portfolio | 1 |
| AND | |
HIS Elective
| HORTICULTURE ELECTIVE | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Spring
| ENT200 | Applied Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| ITR200 | Internship | 2 |
| OR | |
HIS Elective
| HORTICULTURE ELECTIVE | 2 |
| EVS106 | Organic & Sustainable Food Production | 3 |
| HRT205 | Greenhouse Crop Production | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 11 |
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 20
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Examine and implement best practices in sustainable agriculture, including soil health, water conservation, and integrated pest management, in line with state and national agricultural guidelines and programs.
- Develop and apply entrepreneurial skills to create and manage a successful, sustainable farming business, focusing on business planning, financial management, and innovative strategies to adapt to changing markets and environmental conditions.
- Effectively utilize techniques and strategies for efficient fruit and vegetable production, emphasizing seasonality, crop rotation, organic practices, and innovative cultivation
methods to enhance yield, quality, and sustainability.
- Identify the foundational knowledge needed to create a comprehensive business plan for a small-scale diversified vegetable farm, including market research, marketing and pricing strategies, and financial management.
Occupational Skills Required
- Communication (written, verbal, body language)
- Organizational and time management skills
- Computer skills (Work, Excel, Quikbooks, Landscape Design Software)
- Working with tools and technology (personal safety and security)
New Entry Component
The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (New Entry) operates a comprehensive incubator farm training program designed to support historically underserved producers in developing successful agricultural enterprises.
- Moraine Farm at New Entry Farm (779 Cabot St. Beverly, MA 01915)