The certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design concentrates on those courses that develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to creating landscape and irrigation designs that make best use of local resources including soil, water, and construction materials. The courses of this certificate focus on sound horticultural science and principles, proper soil development and management, sustainable landscape and irrigation design, water conservation, sustainable landscape construction and maintenance practices, and integrated pest management.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

🗸 PSLO 1. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic horticultural principles and practices.

🗸 PSLO 2. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of soils, soil development, soil building and preparation, and sustainable soil management.

🗸 PLSO 3. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, and use of plant material best suited for sustainable landscapes.

🗸 PSLO 4. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic landscape design principles and practices.

🗸 PSLO 5. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of hydraulics and irrigation design, installation, and water management principles and practices.

🗸 PSLO 6. Propose landscape design concepts based on sound, sustainable soil management, water conservation, construction and maintenance, and integrated pest management best practices.

Career Information

The certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design provides a strong horticulture foundation, along with the specialized skills and technical knowledge to prepare students for employment opportunities in the field of sustainable landscape planning and irrigation design. Students who complete a certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design find employment in landscape and irrigation design, planning, consultation, installation management, and water systems management. Students may be self-employed, or find employment with landscape design firms, landscape contractors, landscape maintenance firms, or other related service providers. Students will have the opportunity to become QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) certified through this certificate program. QWEL is an EPA WaterSense Partnership program. This certificate will also prepare students for advanced training and certification through industry-sponsored programs such as the Irrigation Association (IA) Certified Water Auditor and Certified Water Manager programs.