Bachelor of Applied Science - Horticulture

Sow the seeds of the hard work you put into completing your Horticulture Technologist diploma by advancing your skills and knowledge with the Bachelor of Applied Science - Horticulture degree. This two-year program focuses on combining science and technology with business concepts that will enable you to have a successful career in horticulture or start your own business.

Accessing our unique campus that acts as a living lab, consisting of a 15-acre constructed wetland, botanic gardens, greenhouses, and 12,000 square foot Landscape Pavilion, you’ll develop expertise in integrated pest management, research methods, and sustainable site technologies.

Work-Integrated Learning

Fourth-year students of the Bachelor of Applied Science - Horticulture program will be required to complete an eight-month Directed Field Study, where they will gain valuable hands-on experience in a mentored workplace setting.

Accreditation

Graduates are eligible to pursue certification through the Horticulture Certification Program by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.

Since its beginning as an agricultural and home economics school, Olds College has expanded its program offerings and has grown to offer more career-focused programs over the years. Cooking and sewing classes evolved into our renowned Fashion program, machinery classes have grown to become Agricultural and Heavy Duty Mechanics programs and farming skills as evolved into our Agriculture Management and Horticulture programs.

You have what it takes and Olds College can help you get there.

You have the potential, both as a student and as a successful graduate, to flourish in a career that will challenge and excite you. Through our programming, applied research, and industry partnerships, you will thrive in our innovative and technologically advanced learning environment centered around the collaboration between students and the agriculture and technology industries.

Mission Statement

Alberta's agriculture community has the talent, knowledge, and thought leadership to lead globally. This result will be produced in a manner that demonstrates stewardship and sustainability.

Quick Facts

• 3800 Total Learners
• 53/47 Male / Female Ratio
• 82% of students are from Alberta
• 2000 Acre Farm Smart Farm
• 15% Full Load Equivalent increase in 2018/2019 from 2017/2018
• 180 Dual Credit Learners 2018/2019
• The average Class Size is 25
• 75% of Students are under the age of 25
• 96% of Students would recommend Olds College to a friend

Why Olds College?

Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, horticulture, land, and environmental stewardship. We work closely with the industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

• Beautiful Campus
• Integrated Learning
• Applied Research
• On-Campus Housing

Student Pathways

Attending Olds College provides you with a variety of opportunities and pathways that you can take along your educational journey.

Whether you start in one of our 1-year Certificate programs or our 2-year Diploma programs or begin in a Pre-Employment or Apprenticeship program, there are a variety of ways you can enhance your education once you have completed your credential. As a Diploma graduate, you could take one of our Post-Diploma Certificate programs or head into a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree program. Many of our programs also have transfer opportunities to other post-secondary institutions.

Research & Innovation

Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI)

Since 1999, Olds College has played a leadership role in applied research activity aimed at advancing innovation-based rural economic development in Alberta. The mandate of Olds College Centre for Innovation is to enhance innovation in the agriculture, horticulture, land, and environmental management sectors through market-focused applied research and developing enabling processes and new products.

• Ranked Top 50 in Canada's Top Research Colleges
• $28 Million Applied Research Funding

Talked to 175+ clients, partners & organizations resulting in 95+ projects.