At Northeast Community College, the Horticulture and Golf Course Management program blends science, business, and creativity to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the horticulture industry. Students can choose the path that best fits their goals:
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree: Offers in-depth career preparation, combining technical skills with business and interpersonal skills that can be applied across the horticulture and golf course management fields.
- Diploma Option: Designed for students seeking a faster entry into the workforce, the diploma options focuses on essential industry knowledge and skills. It’s ideal for those pursuing a non-traditional path or specializing in specific areas of horticulture. Plus, all diploma coursework can be fully applied toward the AAS degree, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Science degrees, providing flexibility for future academic growth.
Whether you’re interested in landscape design, greenhouse operations, golf course maintenance, or floral design, Northeast’s program emphasizes real-world application, giving students the technical expertise, creativity, and industry insight needed to succeed.
Why Students Choose This Program
Students can select the full Associate of Applied Science degree for more in-depth education or a Diploma option for quicker workforce entry. Both tracks provide the core skills needed for success in landscaping, turf management, greenhouse production, and more.
Small class sizes in the program provide a unique opportunity for individualized attention, ensuring that each student can fully benefit from the expertise of our highly committed and experienced faculty. You will take classes with instructors who are deeply knowledgeable about their specialty but also reach across disciplinary lines to collaborate, create, and challenge each other (and you). With fewer students, instructors can engage directly with each individual, offering tailored guidance and feedback that addresses specific needs. Faculty and staff care about student and alumni success. At Northeast, you will create friendships and networks that will be a resource for your entire educational and professional journey.
Students are drawn to Northeast’s program because it opens doors to a wide range of career paths in horticulture, landscape management, golf course operations, greenhouse production, and beyond. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation of skills that are highly sought after by employers. Whether students want to work for landscaping companies, manage golf courses, start their own businesses, or specialize in floral or nursery production, the program offers the flexibility and knowledge needed to pursue their unique career goals.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
At Northeast, hands-on experience is core to the Horticulture and Golf Course Management program. Students build real-world skills working in the campus greenhouse, landscape labs, the college farm, and a nearby 18-hole golf course. In the Associate of Applied Science program, students also complete a cooperative internship, gaining valuable industry experience with a landscaping company, golf course, nursery, or other horticulture business. Through this strong blend of classroom learning and real-world practice, students graduate with a professional portfolio, industry experience, and the confidence to launch successful careers.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills, including:
- Turf Management
- Integrated Pest Management
- Horticulture Science
Program Details
Associate of Applied Science, 2 years (66 credits)
Diploma, 1 year (31-32 credits)
Courses are offered in-person.
The application for admission at Northeast is free. Apply for admission, and learn more about your next steps.
Aundria Kirchoff, Grow Hope Farms/Tower Gardens
Brian Munk, Downtown Lincoln Association/Adjunct
Daniel Moore, Kinghorn Gardens
Katie Wrede, Shamrock Nursery
Richard Wright, The Sprinkler Company/Adjunct
Todd Stewart, Lower Elkhorn NRD
