Associate Diploma in Horticulture | Ridgetown Campus
Why choose a 2-year Associate Diploma in Horticulture?
Study the Associate Diploma in Horticulture and develop the skills you need to thrive in the dynamic horticultural industry. Learn to manage a successful greenhouse, operate a nursery, design sustainable landscapes, or innovate in the edible horticulture sector. Gain critical skills, knowledge, and hands-on experiences in practical learning environments to launch your career in horticulture. Benefit from applied, practical training in the on campus greenhouses and focus your studies on your area of interest.
Comprehensive academic foundation.
Gain a solid foundation in horticulture through a curriculum that covers plant science, soil management, pest control, and landscape design. For detailed course information, please refer to the Associate Diploma Calendar.
Co-op option.
Complete a paid summer work term to build your professional network, with support from a preparatory course and a Co-op Coordinator. Learn more about co-op at Ridgetown Campus.
Access unique on-campus facilities.
Take advantage of our fully operational farm and explore 750 plant species across 450 acres of campus. The facilities also feature an arboretum and three greenhouses totaling 7,200 sq ft, offering extensive hands-on experience in diverse horticultural settings.
What people are saying about the Associate Diploma in Horticulture program?
"As a Horticulture student, I love how hands-on the program becomes after covering the foundational knowledge. Courses like Plant Propagation and Arboriculture make learning engaging and fun, preparing me for real-world horticultural challenges."
Benefits of having an Associate Diploma in Horticulture
- 89% employment rate within 6 months post-graduation
- With 89% of graduates securing employment within 6 months of graduation, our program provides the skills and experience needed to quickly enter and succeed in careers in greenhouse, landscape and fruit and vegetable sectors.
- Prepare for industry exams
- Gain the knowledge needed to successfully write the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks' Exterminator License Exam, adding valuable expertise to your resume and enhancing your career opportunities in the horticulture industry.
- Transfer Pathway: Diploma to BSc.Agr.(Major Horticulture)
- Graduates of this program can be given multiple course credits toward the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (major in Horticulture) program at the University of Guelph, reducing your bachelor's program by 1 to 2 years. Learn more about transfer pathways.
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Discover Ridgetown
The Ridgetown Campus is part of U of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College. We are leaders in applied agricultural, animal science, and environmental research, and in life-long learning initiatives that are practical and relevant to society.