Niagara Catholic District School Board

Program Details

The Horticulture SHSM program offers high school students an exciting opportunity to explore the world of plant science, landscaping, and sustainable agriculture. This program provides students with essential certifications, hands-on workplace experience, and a solid foundation for further education and rewarding careers in horticulture, such as landscape design, greenhouse management, and urban agriculture. This program includes:

A    Bundle of Credits: Students must complete a bundle of nine senior credits, which includes:

        Four major credits in horticulture studies, which can include courses in Green Industries and Environmental Science.

        One English credit.

        One Mathematics credit.

       One additional credit in Science, Business Studies, or additional major credit.

*Sample Grade 11 and 12 Course Selections for a College-Bound Student Studying Horticulture  

*Contact Student Services at your school for course availability and planning support

At least TWO Co-operative Education Credits related to Horticulture. Apprenticeship, College, or Workplace bound students can take FOUR or more credits in co-op while fulfilling graduation requirements.

Certifications and Training: Students must complete sector-recognized certifications and training, such as:

•        Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C 

•        Standard First Aid

•        Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Experiential Learning: Opportunities for hands-on learning through co-operative education placements, job shadowing, and field trips.

·     Reach Ahead Experiences: Activities that connect students with their postsecondary goals, such as visits to colleges, universities, or workplaces.

·     Sector-Partnered Experiences: Activities that involve working with industry partners to gain real-world experience.

Example of Experiential Learning 

A Horticulture SHSM field trip could visit a botanical garden and a horticultural research center. They would tour the garden, interact with horticulturists, and participate in a hands-on workshop, followed by a visit to the research center to learn about current horticultural projects and innovations in plant science.

Career Opportunities: 

Graduates can pursue careers such as a Lawn Care Specialist, who would maintain and beautify lawns and gardens for residential and commercial clients.

College Pathway:

Students can enroll in programs to be a Horticulture Technician, who would work in various horticultural settings, including nurseries, greenhouses, and landscaping companies. In the role of a Landscape Designer, people would plan and design outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and commercial landscapes.

University Pathway:

Students can pursue degrees to become a Horticultural Scientist, who would conduct research on plant breeding, genetics, and pest management to improve crop yields and plant health. Working as an Environmental Consultant, a person would advise on sustainable practices and environmental impact assessments related to horticulture.

Apprenticeship Pathway:

As a Horticultural Technician Apprentice, students would gain hands-on experience in horticulture through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. In the role of a Landscape Gardener Apprentice, students would learn the skills needed for landscape design, installation, and maintenance.

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