Is there an application process to join the Horticulture Certificate?
Yes, there is a short application to enroll as a student in the Horticulture Certificate (CE0668). The application fee is $200 and is required to receive the official UCLA Extension Horticulture Certificate.
It is recommended that students start the application process before enrolling in certificate program courses. Alternatively, students may apply to the certificate after enrolling in courses or after they have completed all the required certificate courses. The application and associated fee, regardless of when it is submitted, is required for students to receive the certificate. To apply, click the “Apply Now” button below.
Individuals are welcome to enroll in any horticulture program course regardless of their application status in the Horticulture Certificate program. All horticulture courses are open enrollment.
Do I need to join the certificate and pay the application fee to take horticulture courses?
No, individuals can take any course offered within the program without applying to the certificate. If, at a later point in time, a student decides to join the certificate, all previously completed course work with a letter grade of “C” or better that apply to the certificate will automatically count toward the certificate.
*The shelf life of courses that count toward the certificate is five years.
Can I complete the certificate online?
The short answer is yes. We offer courses in the Horticulture Certificate in two different formats: remote instruction and in-person. Students can complete required courses in any combination of the above formats. For those who do not live in Los Angeles and would like to complete the certificate, we offer all core courses in the program online or by remote instruction.
The certificate curriculum is designed to serve students in Southern California and the Pacific Time Zone (PT). Course curriculum focuses on horticulture practices in Southern California as well. Learn more about our online and remote methods of instruction.
The remote format consists of weekly live (synchronous) Zoom lectures. This option is best for students who cannot or choose not to commute to campus. Students who do not live in Southern California and are interested in earning the certificate can expect a focus on insects, gardening practices, soils, and plants that exist in the Southern California biomes. Students are expected to participate in fieldwork and hands on learning.
If I do not live in California, can I still enroll in the Horticulture Certificate and courses?
Yes, the certificate and all core courses are open to anyone to join. Students not living in California should be aware of a few things before joining a course or the certificate.
The instructors and the courses materials focus on plants, insects and horticulture practices common to Southern California. This may create a lack of breadth and depth for some individuals and in some courses, due to lack of access to live plant material and insects. However, this will not affect a student’s ability to pass courses successfully.
We offer remote instruction courses exclusively in Pacific Time (PT). The program office and instructors will not accommodated alternate schedules.
Attendance in remote instruction courses is required. Missed class meetings will have a negative effect on student grades.
Can I take certificate courses on a pass/not pass status?
All required courses in the certificate must be taken for a letter grade; a grade of “C” or better is required for the course to count towards the certificate.
How long does it take to complete the Horticulture Certificate?
Students complete their studies at their own pace and can enroll in as many or as few courses to meet their needs. Those who wish to pursue the certificate program can complete their studies in as little as four quarters (one year).
How many courses should I take each quarter?
Each quarter is 11 weeks long and most courses meet once per week for three hours. Full-time enrollment is two courses per quarter. Reference the curriculum chart for quarterly core course offerings.
When are courses typically offered?
We know that many of our students are working professionals, so we schedule our classes in the evenings during typical non-work hours (5:30pm-10pm). We offer classes in the evenings during the week and sometimes on weekends. Schedules vary; check course listings for specific course schedules.
Can I work while I am a student?
Yes, this program is uniquely designed for the working professional, with courses offered weekday evenings typically after 5:30pm PT.
Is there a difference in costs for out-of-state residents?
Course fees are the same for both in state and out-of-state residents. Courses in this program are open enrollment and students pay for each course at the time of enrollment in a course.
Where are classes located?
We offer in-person classes in Westwood Village, and the UCLA main campus.
Remote instruction courses are held on the Zoom platform.
