SUSTAINABLE GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION DIPLOMA
Program Course Requirements
 
Fall Semester (15-17 credits)
HORT 1104  Plant Science, 4 cr
HORT 1106  Applied Plant Science Lab, 2 cr
HORT 1113  Annuals and Perennials, 4 cr
HORT 2112  Sustainable Greenhouse Production (5 cr)
HORT 1345  Internship , 0-2 cr

Spring Semester (15-17 credits)
HORT 1118  Indoor Flowering & Foliage Plants, 4 cr
HORT 1196  Sustainable Greenhouse Management, 4 cr
HORT 2116  Integrated Pest Management, 4 cr
HORT 1122  Local Food Production, 3 cr
HORT 1345  Internship, 0-2 cr

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT - 32 CREDITS
*Denotes Prerequisites

Click here to download the Sustainable Greenhouse Diploma Program Planning Form (PDF)

Career Description: Sustainable Greenhouse Production graduates help produce a variety of ornamental plants such as bedding plants, holiday plants (Easter lilies, poinsettias, etc.), and plants for special occasions. The greenhouse facilities range from small, family run operations to large commercial production greenhouses. The greenhouse industry is quickly becoming a high-tech industry with computers, robotics, and other exciting innovations. People who appreciate natural beauty, enjoy caring for plants and flowers, and have an attention for detail are particularly well suited for this career. This program will help students prepare for a wide range of careers, including greenhouse owner/manager, greenhouse foreman, propagator, pest control, coordinator, plant sales, plant and supply buyer, greenhouse supply, representative, and plant consultant.

Program Information: Students enrolled in the one-year Sustainable Greenhouse Production Program will learn how to schedule, produce, and care for a wide variety of plants grown commercially in the Upper Midwest, as well as how to properly construct and manage a greenhouse production facility. A state-of-the-art greenhouse and laboratory provide the opportunity to learn in real-life situations.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in horticulture careers;
• Identify regional and Minnesota plants by common name, genus and species;
• Propagate, grow, and maintain plants in horticultural production systems;
• Identify and prescribe sustainable options in horticulture which benefit the environment while maintaining productivity and economic viability;
• Design greenhouse production structures and systems;
• Apply effective communication and interpersonal skills with co-workers, supervisors, suppliers and customers.

Transfer Opportunities: Many horticulture courses can be transferred to a variety of four-year colleges and universities. Because each college has its own requirements, always check with an advisor or counselor about transferability of specific courses to these other colleges.