Program streams
To be awarded the Prairie Horticulture Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan, you must complete all of the required core program courses, the courses specified for a particular stream, all of the necessary elective courses, and maintain an overall weighted average of 60%. Coursework must meet a minimum total of nine courses and be equal to a minimum 360 academic hours (36 credit weights); students registered with the SATCC and pursuing Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Training require a total of eleven PHC courses. Note that additional coursework may be required depending on the individual streams and choices between 30 or 60-hour courses.
You make also take individual courses for personal interest or professional upgrading if you wish to pursue individual courses rather than completing the certificate.
|
Foundational |
Stream |
Program |
Stream |
|
Applied Botany |
Postharvest Handling of Food Crops (HORT 38.3) |
Basics of Horticulture Business Management (HORT 42.3) |
Fruit Production |
|
Soils for Horticulture |
Basics of Horticulture Marketing |
Plant Propagation |
|
|
|
|
Integrated Plant Management |
Vegetable Crop Production |
|
|
|
Safe Work/Pesticide Application |
|
|
Plus any Open Elective course(s) necessary to meet the minimum requirements. |
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|
Foundational |
Stream |
Program |
Stream |
|
Applied Botany |
Greenhouse Crop Production |
Basics of Horticulture Business Management |
Indoor Landscaping |
|
Soils for Horticulture |
Greenhouse Structures and Environments (HORT 35.3) |
Basics of Horticulture Marketing |
Plant Propagation |
|
|
|
Integrated Plant Management |
|
|
|
|
Safe Work/Pesticide Application |
|
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Plus any Open Elective course(s) necessary to meet the minimum requirements. |
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|
Foundational |
Stream |
Program |
Stream |
|
Applied Botany |
Arboriculture |
Basics of Horticulture Business Management (HORT 42.3) |
Herbaceous Landscape Plants |
|
Soils for Horticulture |
Woody Landscape Plants |
Basics of Horticulture Marketing |
Indoor Landscaping |
|
|
|
Integrated Plant Management |
Landscape Construction |
|
|
|
Safe Work/Pesticide Application |
Landscape Design |
|
|
|
|
Turfgrass Production and |
|
Plus any Open Elective course(s) necessary to meet the minimum requirements. |
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|
Foundational |
Stream |
Program |
Stream |
|
Applied Botany |
Nursery Crop Production |
Basics of Horticulture Business Management (HORT 42.3) |
Landscape Construction |
|
Soils for Horticulture |
Plant Propagation |
Basics of Horticulture Marketing |
Landscape Design |
|
|
|
Integrated Plant Management |
Woody Landscape Plants |
|
|
|
Safe Work/Pesticide Application |
|
|
Plus any Open Elective course(s) necessary to meet the minimum requirements. |
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|
Cannabis Crop Production |
Floral Design |
Human Resource Management |
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants |
| Open Electives are not limited to the above listed courses; they can be any courses in the PHC Program not used to fulfill other requirements. | |||
Complete your Landscape Horticulturist apprenticeship educational on the job training in Saskatchewan.
How do you become an apprentice? To become an apprentice in a trade, you must be working in the trade and follow all required Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) apprenticeship application procedures.
Once you have become an apprentice with the SATCC, Prairie Horticulture Certificate courses are approved as the technical training credits towards an apprenticeship in the Landscape Horticulturist trade.
As part of the apprenticeship training, registered apprentices will complete classes in the Landscape and Arboriculture Stream; courses must be taken in the following order to qualify with SATCC for year cards and, eventually, the journeyperson certification exam:
Saskatchewan Online Option for Apprenticeship Training
|
|
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
|
Register with SATCC |
Applied Botany |
Integrated Plant Management |
Arboriculture |
Indoor Landscaping |
|
|
Soils for Horticulture |
Woody Landscape Plants |
Turfgrass Production and |
Basics of Horticulture Business Management |
|
|
Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) Safety Construction Orientation Training (SCOT) |
Landscape Construction |
Safe Work/Pesticide Application |
Landscape Design |
For more information about this process, please refer to the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission website at www.saskapprenticeship.ca and/or see the FAQ.
You must apply to the PHC program, including submitting required transcripts and the application fee.
Scholarships, grants and other resources:- https://saskapprenticeship.ca/support-programs/
- http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants/scholarships/saskatchewan-advantage-scholarship
- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/apprenticeship-incentive-overview.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/apprenticeship-completion-overview.html
The federal Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) and Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) programs offer $4000 (maximum) in taxable combined funding for apprenticeship training.
Already have your PHC certificate? Already working in the industry?
Contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission to discuss apprenticeship or challenging the interprovincial Landscape Horticulturist examination as a tradesperson.
NOTE: Only the Prairie Horticulture Certificate is awarded by the University of Saskatchewan. The SATCC exclusively evaluates apprenticeship qualifications and the award of credentials.
Course descriptions and fees
Remember: the PHC program does not follow regular USask undergraduate term dates. Late registration may not be possible.
A non-refundable late registration fee of $35.00 per class will be assessed by the university to students who attempt to register after the registration deadlines in each term. Complete the request a class override form to request to register in a class after the deadline.
Note: Textbooks and prices are listed for informational purposes only and may be subject to change; review your class syllabus prior to any purchase.
Note: Only domestic tuition rates are listed in the below information; international student tuition differential rates apply.
Applied Botany is designed to relate the basic questions of botany to the practical
questions faced by many horticulturists. Wherever possible, the course will attempt to bridge the gap
between issues of botany and the “real world” where plants and people interact. Students are exposed to a wide variety of fundamental botany topics including botanical nomenclature, cellular processes, climactic factors, as well as a broad variety of botanical structures and functions.As an introductory course, Applied Botany acts as a foundation to many of the other courses in the Certificate Program.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 13.6 |
W01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80566 |
$772.26 |
NA |
|
HORT 13.6 |
W02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20977 |
$772.26 |
NA |
|
HORT 13.6 |
W03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41544 |
$772.26 |
NA |
|
Recommended Textbooks (visit the USask Bookstore to order) |
|||||
Introduces the basic terminology used in arboriculture, the principles of installation, and care and maintenance of trees and shrubs in the landscape. This course also addresses the effect s of the environment on growth and development of woody plants.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 30.3 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80922 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 30.3 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41550 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisites |
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|
Required Textbook NA |
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Introduces the basics of business management within the horticulture industry. Students gain an understanding of the characteristics of a small business and the principles of small business organizations; financial performance, budgeting and human resource management for the small business.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 42.3 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
81508 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 42.3 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
21361 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 42.3 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41556 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore or Olds College Campus Store to order) |
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This course introduces basics of marketing within the Horticulture industry. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental marketing elements of the Canadian and Prairie horticultural industry, including: basic principles of marketing, principles of consumer behaviour, price-setting, and credit granting strategies, sales process, the elements of distribution channels in domestic and global markets.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 41.3 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
81318 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 41.3 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
21359 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook NA |
|||||
Introduces cannabis specific botany and production requirements in both greenhouse and warehouse settings. Topics include: plant growth cycle, genetics, propagation, pest management, integrated crop management (ICM) and harvesting criteria under controlled environment. An introduction to the chemical composition of cannabis and its significance from a medical and recreational perspective is also addressed.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 22.6 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
28707 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisite(s) |
|||||
|
Recommended Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore to order) |
|||||
Introduces the theory and practice of floral design. Topics include: basic botany; nomenclature and terminology; care and handling of fresh cut flowers/foliage. The course provides basic understanding of the tools, supplies, and mechanics used in floral design. Floral design styles, elements and principles are discussed.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 17.3 |
W01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
83150 |
$585.15 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore to order) |
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|
Required Resources |
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Introduces fruit production on the Canadian prairies including: the role of prairie climate in large-scale fruit production; plant breeding and cold hardiness; flowering and fruit development; fruit growth, thinning and maturity indices and harvesting techniques. This course discusses site selection, orchard establishment, planting, frost protection and briefly addresses pruning and grafting and post-harvest storage. Fruit crops include apples, plums, pears, strawberries, raspberries, currants and Saskatoon berries.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 23.3 |
W02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20984 |
$585.15 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisite |
|||||
|
Required Textbooks (visit the USask Bookstore to order) |
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Introduces aspects of greenhouse production including an overview of the prairie greenhouse industry, production economics, chemical and biological pest control and the production of bedding plants, potted and flowering plants and vegetables.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 25.6 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80919 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 25.6 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20985 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbooks (visit the USask Bookstore or Olds College Campus Store to order) |
|||||
Introduces the fundamentals of greenhouse construction and maintenance, as well as specialized features of greenhouse structures and environmental controls.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 35.3 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20991 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 35.3 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41553 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore or Olds College Campus Store to order) |
|||||
Introduces the study of common plants in the prairie landscapes including herbaceous perennials, biennials and annual flowers. This course discusses classification, identification, landscape characteristics, adaptations, cultural requirements and proper use of the plants.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 33.3 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20990 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 33.3 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41552 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook NA |
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Introduces human resource theory and methods as they apply to hiring and managing staff effectively in a horticulture setting. Human resource management issues and personnel planning processes are discussed. Leadership and communication techniques to motivate staff and resolve conflicts and application of this knowledge in a horticulture setting is the focus of discussion.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 19.3 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80917 |
$555.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 19.3 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20981 |
$555.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 19.3 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41547 |
$555.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore or ACC Bookstore to order) |
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This course covers both the theory and practice of indoor landscaping. Topics include: basic design concepts; people-plant relationships and the function of plants in the indoor environment. This course discusses plant culture, maintenance and integrated pest management. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to prepare cost estimates and budgets and create, install and maintain commercial indoor landscapes.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 34.6 |
W01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80925 |
$772.26 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisite(s) |
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|
Required Resources |
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|
Required Textbook NA |
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Introduces the basics of identifying, monitoring, predicting, and managing the environment and pest problems affecting horticulture crop growth. Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to diagnose problems, provide solutions, and predict how the manipulation of growing conditions will impact other factors.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 14.6 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80914 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 14.6 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20978 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisite(s) |
|||||
|
Required Textbook NA |
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Introduces the theory and application of landscape construction and emphasizes safety procedures. Students will learn about interlocking paving stones; water features; retaining walls; low voltage lighting; wooden decks; and fences.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 37.3 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80928 |
$579.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook NA |
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Students will gain the skills needed to produce a simple residential landscape design for a client. This course addresses the design process; identifying client needs; producing preliminary site plans and design program; using drafting equipment; and producing a basic landscape design in plan view.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 36.6 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80927 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 36.6 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20992 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook NA |
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Introduces the production, processing and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants on the Prairies. The course will provide students with useful information and skills that can be applied in establishing or running a herb production, processing, or marketing enterprise.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 29.3 |
W02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
23386 |
$585.15 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore to order) |
|||||
Introduces the principles and practices of the production of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Production in both fields as well as containers is addressed in the commercial business environment. The historical evolution of the prairie industry is discussed as it relates to current crop management practices.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 26.3 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20986 |
$555.00 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisite(s) |
|||||
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore or ACC Bookstore to order) |
|||||
|
Required Textbook (visit CNLA Publications to download) |
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Introduces both theoretical and practical information for hands-on plant propagation. This course will provide an understanding of the physiological and physical processes involved in propagation and the required skills to carry out various propagation techniques.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 28.6 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80921 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 28.6 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41549 |
$749.00 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisite(s) |
|||||
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore or Olds College Campus Store to order) |
|||||
|
Required Resources |
|||||
Introduces the principles of postharvest handling, storage, and transportation of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Handling and storage practices to maintain quality of fresh fruits and vegetables are addressed. Factors which influence quality such as timing of harvest, specific storage environments, causes of quality loss and transportation are discussed. Storage and handling of fresh herbs is also discussed.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 38.3 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41554 |
$555.00 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisite(s) |
|||||
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore or ACC Bookstore to order) |
|||||
Introduces the different aspects of safety in the use of pesticides in the horticulture industry. Topics include: basic chemistry; legislation and regulations; labeling; toxicity; handling practices; environmental protection; pest management; application equipment; emergency response; and public relations. This course will be of particular interest to horticulturalists who apply pesticides, but are not mandated to be certified or licensed.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 15.3 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80915 |
$555.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 15.3 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20979 |
$555.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 15.3 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41546 |
$555.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore or ACC Bookstore to order) |
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|
Required Textbook (visit Service Ontario to download) |
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|
Special Notes |
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Introduces the fundamental principles of soil science with specific reference to the study of Horticulture. The components of soil, their physical and chemical properties, and soil-water relationships will be the theoretical basis on which soil management and fertility will be considered. Synthetic and natural fertilizers and amendments, to improve soil physical properties, will be discussed. Potting media for greenhouse production will be introduced; however, the course emphasis is on natural soils.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
SLSC 14.6 |
W01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80903 |
$772.26 |
NA |
|
SLSC 14.6 |
W02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20788 |
$772.26 |
NA |
|
SLSC 14.6 |
W03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41557 |
$772.26 |
NA |
|
Required Resources |
|||||
|
Required Textbook NA |
|||||
This course outlines the production and maintenance of turfgrasses to enable students to function within the landscaping and turf production industries. Topics include: an overview of the turfgrass industry; turfgrass physiology; plant morphology and species identification; native turfgrass; soils; turfgrass establishment, culture, management practices and problems; turfgrass pest control and integrated pest management.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 31.6 |
X01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80923 |
$735.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 31.6 |
X02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20989 |
$735.00 |
NA |
|
HORT 31.6 |
X03 |
PHC 3 (Spring) |
41551 |
$735.00 |
NA |
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore or ACC Bookstore to order) |
|||||
Introduces vegetable production on the Canadian prairies in terms of soil, climate, equipment, cultural practices, management and marketing. A wide range of crops are reviewed from vegetable crops to vines. The course provides students with information necessary to establish a vegetable operation, advise others on vegetable production, or enhance their background for employment in the vegetable industry.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 20.3 |
W01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80918 |
$585.15 |
NA |
|
HORT 20.3 |
W02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20982 |
$585.15 |
NA |
|
Recommended Prerequisite(s) |
|||||
|
Required Textbook (visit Phytopath.ca to download) |
|||||
Introduces the identification and classification of woody ornamental plants. This course addresses plants common in the prairie environment including deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers.
|
Course No. |
Section |
Term |
CRN |
Tuition |
Materials Fee |
|
HORT 27.3 |
W01 |
PHC 1 (Fall) |
80920 |
$585.15 |
NA |
|
HORT 27.3 |
W02 |
PHC 2 (Winter) |
20987 |
$585.15 |
NA |
|
Required Prerequisite(s) |
|||||
|
Required Textbook (visit the USask Bookstore to order) |
|||||
+ This course is delivered through collaboration with Assiniboine Community College.