Sustainable Greenhouse Production Diploma

Program Description

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

By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning outcomes:
• Identify and practice safe use of tools, equipment and supplies used in horticulture careers;
• Identify regional and Minnesota plants by common name, genus and species003B
• 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.

Career Opportunities

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.

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.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com