Indoor Agriculture Certificate
Discover the future of sustainable farming.
Designed to meet Canada’s growing demand for sustainable, high-tech agriculture and the revolutionary field of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), this cutting-edge program is your gateway to a rewarding career in vertical farming, hydroponics, and more.
In this introductory program, you will gain hands-on experience and the knowledge necessary to optimize plant growth with indoor growing technology. This unique program balances plant production techniques with current technologies and relevant business practices for success in the emerging field of controlled environment agriculture.
Whether you're a high school graduate or a working professional, our comprehensive curriculum, spanning crop selection to system troubleshooting, equips you with the specialized skills the industry needs. Additionally, you'll have the chance for a field placement, offering invaluable real-world experience.
Work-integrated learning: Following the completion of the required courses, you will have the opportunity to complete an optional field placement, allowing you to explore controlled environment agriculture systems based on your specific area of interest and enhance your industry-specific knowledge and skills.
Credentials: Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate in Indoor AgricultureProgram Details
-
Admission Requirements:
- 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
- 50% or better in Math 20-1 or 20-2
- 50% or better in two of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Science 20, OR One of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30
- Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrolment and any available interim/ mid term marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
Transfer Options: Olds College has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.
-
- Tuition: $3,330 / Fees: $900 / Books & Supplies: $350
Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.
* Please note that international students are subject to higher tuition rates. All students should refer to the Fee Schedule for the most accurate information and all fees are subject to change.*
Scholarships & Student Awards
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.
For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards
Entrance Awards Available!
Entrance awards range from $250 - $1500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.
Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance. Not all that apply will receive an entrance award.
Student Funding
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page. -
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Term 1 - View Course Descriptions
-
CEA 1000 - Fundamentals of Controlled Environment Agriculture
-
CEA 1010 - Business and Economics of Controlled Environment Agriculture
-
CEA 1020 - Principles of Crop Production in Controlled Environments
-
CEA 1030 - Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems & Components
-
CEA 1040 - Operating Controlled Environment Systems
-
WIL 1600 Field Placement Experience (optional)
-
-
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Vertical farming technician
- Vertical farming supervisor
- Vertical farming assistant
- Grower technician
- Grower assistant
- Grower associate
- Greenhouse associate
- Hydroponics labourer
- Indoor microgreen farmer
- Indoor farm production operator
- Indoor farming associate
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
-
Program Dates
Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.
Class Registration
You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Technology Recommendation
It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:
- A laptop is preferred (Mac or PC)
As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:
- Go to portal.office.com
- Enter your Olds College email address and password
- Once logged in there is a button on the right that says "Install Office Apps"
This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.
Materials & Supplies
The following items are required to be purchased prior to the start of your program:
*Additional items may be required by the instructor based on individual needs of the horse or rider for safety purposes.
Information on other required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.
