Program Overview
The Sustainable Agriculture Certificate prepares you to lead in sustainable farming and food systems. This hands-on certificate blends practical agriculture skills with entrepreneurial insight. Through coursework and applied field experience, you’ll build a solid foundation in soil management, plant health, and farm business practices. Whether you aim to start your own farm enterprise or work in community food systems and greenhouse production, this certificate equips you with the tools to succeed.
Program Highlights
- NEW PROGRAM available for admission effective in the Spring 2026 semester!
- Flexible course options with electives and practicum/internship opportunities.
- Work directly with New Entry Sustainable Farming Project partners to gain real-world experience in sustainable production and operations.
- Students will engage with topics such as business planning, soil management, fundamentals of plant health, and entrepreneurship.
- Professional portfolio development to showcase skills to employers.
- For students interested in continuing their education, all courses in this certificate count toward the Horticulture AAS Degree.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllView and print the required courses for the Sustainable Agriculture certificate.
Students completing this program will be able to:
Courses in the Sustainable Agriculture certificate typically cover business planning, soil management, and plant health fundamentals.
Courses include:
- Fundamentals of Plant Health
- Organic & Sustainable Food Production
- Greenhouse Crop Production
- Internship
- Small Business Computerized Accounting
For a full list of courses visit our Academic Catalog.
Graduates of the Sustainable Agriculture certificate are prepared for a range of roles in the agricultural sector, including:
- Organic Vegetable Farm Manager
- Farm Owners and Managers
- Sustainable Food Systems and Farming Agricultural Manager
- Greenhouse Grower and Horticulturalist
- Farm Technician
- Entrepreneur
As part of this program, students will enhance their career development by integrating classroom study and work experience through participation in NSCC’s Cooperative Education/Internship.
Planning to continue your education beyond an associate degree? North Shore Community College has established transfer agreements with several four-year institutions, making it easier to pursue a bachelor's degree in agriculture or related fields. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.
Program Questions
horticulture@northshore.edu
978-762-4048
General Assistance
Visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual concierge.
Accreditation
North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.