Adult Education Classes
Certificate Programs
Garden Design Certificate of Merit Program
This unique curriculum provides the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a garden design professional. It features a solid foundation in plantsmanship and science-based gardening techniques, both of which are essential to creating successful gardens for a wide spectrum of projects, — from private residences to municipal plantings.
|
 |
| Garden Design Certificate Required Courses | Availability | Prerequisites | Supply lists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botany 1 — Autumn Session (afternoons) or Botany 1 — Autumn Session (evenings) |
9/16/13 – 10/23/13 | None |  |
| Botany 2 | Botany 1 | |
|
| All OPC core courses (view OPC course list) PLUS choice of two Gardening Techniques Courses |
|||
| Gardening Techniques: Session A* | Botany 1 | |
|
| Gardening Techniques: Session B* | Botany 1 | |
|
| Gardening Techniques: Session C* | Botany 1 | |
|
| Gardening Techniques: Session D* | 6/22/13 – 8/3/13 | Botany 1 | |
| Plant Health 1 | Botany 1 | |
|
| Plant Health 2 | 7/29/13 – 9/12/13 | Botany 1, Plant Health 1 | |
| Soil Basics — Intensive Session | 9/7, 9/21, and 10/5 | Botany 1 | |
| Early Garden History* | 9/9/13 – 11/18/13 | None | |
| Modern Garden History* | Early Garden History | |
|
| Graphics — Autumn Session* | 9/19/13 – 11/21/13 | None | |
| Introduction to Professional Practice | Graphics* can be taken concurrently | |
|
| Principles of Garden Design — Spring Session | Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice | |
|
| Hardscape Basics | 5/16 – 7/18, and 6/1 | Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design |
|
| Introduction to Grading and Drainage | 6/12 – 8/7, and 7/13, 7/20 | Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design |
|
| Planting Design | 9/18/13 – 11/13/13 | 4 OPC core courses, Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design, Hardscape Basics, Introduction to Grading and Drainage |
|
| Garden Design Implementation | Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design, Hardscape Basics, Introduction to Grading and Drainage, Planting Design | |
|
| Garden Design Studio | Capstone course | |
|
| Garden Design Certificate Elective Courses | Availability | Prerequisites | Supply lists |
| Advanced Graphics | Graphics (or commensurate experience) | |
|
*Class may be taken prior to fulfilling the Botany 1 requirement.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 
After completing Botany 1, remaining core courses may be taken in any order. If Botany 1 is not listed as a prerequisite, the course may be taken at any time. For the certificate, a grade of at least 70 percent must be achieved for each core course. All requirements for the certificate must be completed within seven years of the start date of our first core course. |
You can prove proficiency for up to 20 percent of the coursework by passing proficiency exams for approved courses or providing transcripts indicating grades of at least 70 percent for similar courses. There is no separate enrollment for the program. Students pursuing the Garden Design Certificate are encouraged to complete their Ornamental Plant Materials Certificate as well. This only requires the addition of 24 hours of elective credit. |