Horticulture Technologist Diploma
"The program at Olds College tells you what you need to know and is a stepping stone to a successful horticulture career. It gave me the insight into the horticulture industry I needed to start planning my own business."
Tim Moreland, Class of 1998
What can you expect from our program?
Sustainability, water management, production horticulture, and urban agriculture are vital elements of the world we live in. The Horticulture Technologist Diploma provides you with a deeper understanding of horticulture, including the production and management of plants, the management of pests, landscapes, soils and water systems to achieve productive and sustainable systems. You will get to take part in Field School, where you get to work with a company to put your studies into practice, and earn a wage while you learn.
Need more information?
Olds College Admissions
403.556.8281
1.800.661.6537
plants@oldscollege.ca
What will you learn?
You will learn about designing specialty landscapes, how to start a horticulture business and how to create entrepreneurial approach to processing plants. You will also learn how to manage production of horticulture crops in response to market demands, as well as recognize the ecological, economic and social implications of horticulture decisions and processes.
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
Program at a glance
Length of Program:
2 Years
Program Intake:
Fall Intake
Delivery:
Olds Campus
Applications Open:
October 1
Tuition & Fees:
$5,950*
Credential: Diploma
Length of Program: 2 Years
Method of Delivery: On-Campus Delivery
Directed Field Study/Work Term/Practicum: There are two Field Study requirements in each year of the program.
Program Intakes: Fall Intake (September program start)
Program Dates: Please visit our Dates & Schedules page to confirm start and end dates of your desired program and confirm campus closures.
Applications Open: October 1 for the Fall Intake
Selection Process for Admission: First Qualified, First Accepted
Tuition, Mandatory Fees, Books, and Supplies: Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for details
- Year 1: Tuition & Fees: $5,950 / Books & Supplies: $1,150
- Year 2: Tuition & Fees: $5,950 / Books & Supplies: $800
*These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. Please note that this is an estimate for domestic students (international students should refer to the Fee Schedule) and all fees are subject to change.
What do I need to apply?
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 (completed at minimum 3 years of formal education taught entirely in English or provide the results of a recognized English Language Proficiency exam)
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm 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.
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, applicants will be asked to provide the following:
- (Required) Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses
- (Required) Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining the following:
- Introduce yourself
- Indicate why you wish to enrol in the program
- Elaborate on your career goals
- Detail your experience relevant to this program and the industry
- (Required) A resume of your work history, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, etc. for the last 5 years
- (Optional) Include copies of any tickets and/or certificates you currently hold (e.g.: first aid, safety tickets, etc.)
- (Optional) Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches/etc. (maximum of two letters)
*Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*
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. Further information can be found on our website under International Students.
International Students will require a Co-Op Work Permit as well as a Study Permit for this program