Chicago Botanic Garden

Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

Certificate Programs
Garden Design Certificate of Merit Program

This unique curriculum provides the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a garden design professional. It features a solid foundation in plantsmanship and science-based gardening techniques, both of which are essential to creating successful gardens for a wide spectrum of projects, — from private residences to municipal plantings.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Aspiring professional garden designers, and gardeners and garden designers seeking professional development. There are no prerequisites for this program, and no prior horticulture experience is needed.

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 PHOTO: Painting in studio class

Garden Design Certificate Required Courses Prerequisites
Botany 1 None
Botany 2 Botany 1
All OPC core courses (view OPC course list)  
Choice of two Gardening Techniques Courses
Gardening Techniques: Session A Botany 1
Gardening Techniques: Session B Botany 1
Gardening Techniques: Session C Botany 1
Gardening Techniques: Session D Botany 1
Plant Health 1 Botany 1
Plant Health 2 Botany 1, Botany 2, Plant Health 1
Soil Basics (formerly Soils and Water) Botany 1
Early Garden History* None
Modern Garden History* Early Garden History
Graphics* None
Introduction to Professional Practice
(formerly Project Basics)		 Botany 1, Graphics* can be taken concurrently
Principles of Garden Design
(formerly Discovering Design and
Experiencing Design)		 Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice
Hardscape Basics Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice,
Principles of Garden Design
Introduction to Grading and Drainage Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice,
Principles of Garden Design
Planting Design Botany 1, 4 OPC core courses, Graphics,
Introduction to Professional Practice,
Principles of Garden Design,
Introduction to Grading and Drainage
Garden Design Studio Capstone course

*Class may be taken prior to fulfilling the Botany 1 requirement.

New requirements or changes apply to students beginning the design portion
of their curriculum autumn 2010.

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS close panel

After completing Botany 1, remaining core courses may be taken in any order. If Botany 1 is not listed as a prerequisite, the course may be taken at any time.

For the certificate, a grade of at least 70 percent must be achieved for each core course. All requirements for the certificate must be completed within seven years of the start date of our first core course.

You can prove proficiency for up to 20 percent of the coursework by passing proficiency exams for approved courses or providing transcripts indicating grades of at least 70 percent for similar courses. There is no separate enrollment for the program.

Students pursuing the Garden Design Certificate are encouraged to complete their Ornamental Plant Materials Certificate as well. This only requires the addition of 24 hours of elective credit.