Students, volunteers, and community members gathered at CWI’s new arboretum to plant 40 trees in celebration of Arbor Day, helping grow Nampa’s first true arboretum and supporting hands-...
Read more about CWI and Community Unite to Plant 40 Trees for Arbor Day at New ArboretumHorticulture Technology
Leading Edge Training in Hands-On Plant Care, Landscaping, and More
Program Overview
Are you drawn to the world of plants and eager to nurture your green skills? At College of Western Idaho (CWI), our Horticulture Technology program is crafted just for you. Dive into an immersive learning experience that blends hands-on practice with essential knowledge in plant propagation and nursery and greenhouse crop management. Whether you are aspiring to excel in floriculture, horticulture sales, or landscape maintenance, this program is your pathway to a flourishing career.
Here, you will engage in practical learning in state-of-the-art greenhouses, gardens, and edible landscapes, applying your skills in real scenarios. The journey leads to either an Intermediate Technical Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science Degree, opening doors to various roles in nurseries, greenhouses, and landscape companies. You will also have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, explore internships, and potentially transfer credits to a four-year institution.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Advanced Technical Certificate
Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Locations
Coming Soon
Construction of a 40-acre site dedicated to the College's expanding Horticulture and Agricultural Science programs is well underway! With estimated completion planned for Summer 2025, the expansion will offer modern learning spaces including flex classrooms, greenhouses, a barn and working farm, experimental labs, and more.
Learning Opportunities
- Hands-On Plant Care: Experience practical learning in greenhouses and gardens, nurturing your horticultural skills.
- Tailored to Your Interests: Whether it is sales, floriculture, or landscape maintenance, find your niche in horticulture.
- Professional Certifications: Stand out to employers with industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Nursery Professional (CNP) Professional Pesticide Applicator.
- Flexible Study Journey: Start your studies any semester and progress at a pace that suits you.
- Networking & Career Opportunities: Build connections with local companies for internships and professional growth.
Community Engagement
Horticulture students gain invaluable, hands-on experience by working on projects within our community and for the benefit of others. All are invited to engage with our students and their learning.
Contact Andrea Schumaker with questions.
Areas of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Horticulture Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Degree Requirements
Cost: $10,498
Horticulture Technology – Advanced Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $9,562
Horticulture Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $5,508
Career Opportunities
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
352
Annual Openings*
$18.65
Hourly Median Wage*
$38,792
Annual Median Salary
3.15%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Postsecondary Teachers
192
Annual Openings*
$35.10
Hourly Median Wage*
$73,008
Annual Median Salary
18.28%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.
173
Annual Openings*
$17.72
Hourly Median Wage*
$36,858
Annual Median Salary
11.85%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.
34
Annual Openings*
$25.21
Hourly Median Wage*
$52,437
Annual Median Salary
12.56%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Farm and Home Management Educators
Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.
3
Annual Openings*
$41.53
Hourly Median Wage*
$86,382
Annual Median Salary
3.35%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Testimonial Carousel
“There are some great resources in this program. Not only does it gear you to do anything you want to do in this field, it prepares you for professional success. The networking it provides is invaluable and the hands-on experience is just awesome.” Read more > about When ‘What If’ Becomes ‘I Did’
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Horticulture Technology as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Lab Spaces
View the College’s state-of-the art lab spaces where you will receive hands-on, comprehensive career training.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Pesticide Applicator
Requirements for professional licensure in healthcare and other fields vary from state to state. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state or territory you intend to work to verify this program meets licensure requirements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Related Programs
News
College of Western Idaho is preparing to open its new Health and Science Building and Agricultural Sciences Complex this fall, uniting several programs under one roof to create modern, accessible,...
Read more about CWI'S New Nampa Facilities Near Completion
Spruce up your yard and garden this spring with plants grown and cared for by College of Western Idaho Horticulture...
Read more about Annual CWI Horticulture Plant Sale – May 7
Students in the Horticulture Technology program at College of Western Idaho gain both in-depth education and invaluable introductions to the industry and future employers.
Read more about Cultivating Success: Robin O’Neill Finds Growth in CWI’s Horticulture Program
The 2024 Farm to Fork dinner raised more than $6,000 for the garden, which provides CWI students access to fresh produce and supports agriculture coursework.
Read more about Farm to Fork Dinner Raises $6000 for the Campus Garden
Tickets for Farm to Fork, a dinner hosted by College of Western Idaho Agriculture Science faculty and students, are on sale on now!
Read more about Farm to Fork 2024 is Sold Out
Eighty people from across the College and around the Treasure Valley devoured a tasty, five-course meal on campus Friday, Oct. 6, to support CWI's Campus Garden.
Read more about Farm to Fork Dinner Raises $5,000 for the Campus Garden
The Campus Garden provides a valuable resource to the CWI community, from educating students about agriculture best practices to helping feed those who suffer from food insecurity.
Read more about Campus Garden Supporting Students and Their Success
Tickets for 2023 Farm to Fork, a dinner hosted by College of Western Idaho Agriculture Science faculty and students, have sold out!
Read more about 2023 Farm to Fork Tickets Sold Out!
College of Western Idaho has officially been designated as Idaho’s newest Tree Campus Higher Education recipient.
Read more about CWI Receives Tree Campus Higher Education Recognition
Horticulture Technology student, Elizabeth Serocki, spent the weekend organizing a volunteer event to help restore sections of trails at Diane Moore Nature Center in Boise.
Read more about Horticulture Technology Student Restoring Boise River and Trails
Horticulture Technology students, staff, and faculty held a tree planting event as part of the process to earn the designation of a Tree Campus for Higher Education by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Read more about Horticulture Technology Working to Make CWI a Greener CampusRequest More Information
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