Sustainable Horticulture Certificate (SHC)
Type: Career, Certificate (C1)
Open Admissions
Division: STEM and Business
This program is available for admission effective in the Spring 2026 semester.
Horticulture offers numerous career tracks and opportunities that are diverse and evolving. Skilled workers are needed. NSCC’s certificate in Sustainable Horticulture is designed for students wishing to become employed or self-employed in the industry or to enhance their knowledge in horticulture for career advancement. The certificate program provides flexibility through specific career course selections, internship opportunities, and career exploration and placement support.
The Certificate in Sustainable Horticulture Program introduces the vast selection of horticultural career tracks within the green industry. Flexible program electives allow students to select courses that align with career objectives and specific horticultural career tracks. The program provides career exploration opportunities through directed professional portfolio development and internship opportunities. A certificate in Horticulture targets students with prior work or learning experiences (through hands-on applications at a vocational/technical high school or related employment) in the green industry environment.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact
info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
First Year
Fall
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| BUS120 | Computer Applications for Business | 3 |
| HRT110 | Plant and Soil Science | 3 |
| HRT122 | Fundamentals of Plant Health | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Spring
| MGT102 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| OR | |
| MKT101 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
EVS ELEC
| ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| OR | |
HIS Elective
| HORTICULTURE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| PRO100 | Introduction to the Professional Portfolio | 1 |
| ITR200 | Internship | 2 |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| OR | |
HIS Elective
| HORTICULTURE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
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: 24
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Examine plant pathogens by identifying the stages of disease, evaluating the disease triangle, and understanding the role of the soil web in plant health.
- Demonstrate knowledge of plant science to employ best management practices.
- Practice professionalism and apply emotional intelligence skills to make recommendations and describe horticultural systems effectively.
- Identify environmentally sustainable horticultural practices to manage plant systems.
- Apply related academic skills to solve horticultural problems.
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)