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Indoor Agriculture Certificate

Learn modern farming with vertical growing, hydroponics controlled environments.

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 the 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.

Course Progression

Courses are scheduled in the suggested order of completion. It is suggested that students take CEA 1010 and CEA 1040 together.

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 Agriculture.

Courses

Fundamentals of Controlled Environment Agriculture | CEA 1000

Dates: May 5 - June 27, 2025
Cost:
  Domestic Tuition - $673.32 (including fees) | International Tuition - $1,685.91 (including fees)
Delivery Method: Online

Students will learn the essential elements and practices of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in this foundational course. This course introduces students to various CEA systems, regulations and operational requirements within this emerging sector.

Business and Economics of Controlled Environment Agriculture | CEA 1010

Dates: March 10 - May 2, 2025
Cost: 
Domestic Tuition - $673.32 (including fees) | International Tuition - $1,685.91 (including fees)
Delivery Method: Online

Upon completion of the course, students will have a basic understanding of the business aspects of varied Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems, including introductory market research techniques and awareness of operational logistics, preparing them for further exploration in the field of CEA.

Principles of Crop Production in Controlled Environments | CEA 1020

Dates: May 5 - June 27, 2025
Cost: 
Domestic Tuition - $673.32 (including fees) | International Tuition - $1,685.91 (including fees)
Delivery Method: Online

In this course, students explore the relationship between plants, their physiology and growing requirements within controlled environments. Students will learn how to optimize plant growth and productivity while ensuring sustainable and efficient nutrient management practices.

Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems & Components | CEA 1030

Dates: Sept. 8 - Oct. 31, 2025
Cost: Domestic Tuition - $673.32 (including fees) | International Tuition - $1,685.91 (including fees)
Delivery Method: Online

This course provides students with an understanding of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Systems and components. Students will explore and compare the principles, technologies and environmental components involved in a wide variety of CEA systems.

Operating Controlled Environment Systems | CEA 1040

Dates: March 3 - May 23, 2025 
Cost: Domestic Tuition - $673.32 (including fees) | International Tuition - $1,685.91 (including fees)
Delivery Method: Online

Through hands-on learning, students will gain practical experience with optimizing crop production and diagnosing problems while minimizing environmental impact. By the end of the course, students will have the necessary skills to operate and troubleshoot systems, incorporating integrated pest management and waste management in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems.

Field Placement Experience | WIL 1600 | OPTIONAL

Dates: TBD
Cost:
 TBD
Prerequisites: CEA 1000, CEA 1010, CEA 1020, CEA 1030, CEA 1040

Students will create a learning plan for their field study and instructors will provide guidance in finding an appropriate field study location, specific to their industry and program of study.

Each student will complete a 6-8 week (minimum 200 hours) industry placement as a course requirement. Students must maintain Good Academic Standing, according to Policy D32 (Academic Standing), to be enrolled in this course.

Program 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.

    Alternate Admission Option: Alternate Admission status may be offered to applicants who have not or
    will not complete one of the academic admission requirements. 

    To be considered under Alternate Admission Status at Olds College, applicants will be asked to provide the following:

    1. (Required) Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses

    2. (Required) Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining the following:
    • Introduce yourself
    • Indicate why you wish to enroll in the program
    • Elaborate on your career goals
    • Detail your experience relevant to this program and the industry

    3. (Required) A resume of your work history, extracurricular and volunteer activities for the last five years

    4. (Optional) Include copies of any tickets and/or certificates you currently hold (e.g.: first aid, safety tickets, etc.)

    5. (Optional) Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches/etc. (maximum of two letters)

  • 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!

    ALIS Occupational Profiles

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Industry Training & Continuing Education

Phone: 403.556.4740
Toll-Free: 1.800.661.6537
Email: coned@oldscollege.ca