How to Apply
Admissions Requirements
Participants must hold a bachelor’s degree to enroll in this program. Online Horticulture Certificate applicants should have majored in horticulture, crop science, plant science, or agricultural education with a concentration in plant science, or another closely related degree.
Students may begin taking courses for the certificate in Summer, Fall, or Spring. All certificate coursework must be completed within four years of enrollment.
How to Apply to the Graduate Certificate in Horticultural Science
Step 1: Determine whether there are graduate faculty working in your area of interest
Because the Certificate in Horticultural Science is tailored to students’ specific interests, applicants should review the list of graduate faculty members before applying to ensure that their area of interest is represented.
Step 2: Ensure you meet the required qualifications for application
Participants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to enroll in this program. Applicants should have majored in horticulture, crop science, plant science, or agricultural education with a concentration in plant science, or another closely related degree. The Graduate School has its own criteria for admission in addition to the specific admissions requirements for the Certificate Program. To understand more about the Graduate School admission requirements, visit the Graduate School webpage. There you will find information regarding frequently asked questions along with Self Service features, Live Chat, and technical support.
Step 3: Check Graduate School requirements and deadlines
Applications and all supporting documents must be received on or before the deadlines posted in the left sidebar. For more information on enrollment dates, visit the enrollment calendar.
International applicants typically have earlier deadlines to allow time to process necessary visa documentation. Applicants applying for financial aid also usually have earlier deadlines. To view the most up-to-date Graduate School deadlines, visit the Horticultural Science program profile on the Graduate School website.
Step 4: Prepare your application materials
All applications must include the following:
- Application fee ($25)
- One unofficial transcript from each previously attended college or university
- Three recommendations (optional)
- Proof of English Proficiency (non-US citizen applicants only)
- Personal Statement
All of the above listed requirements can and should be uploaded to the online application (see Step 6).
Step 5: Inquire about financial aid
Financial aid eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office. We encourage you to contact your financial aid advisor in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Criteria for funding is based on academic merit, demonstrated financial need, and enrollment in multiple DE courses per semester. For additional information, please visit NC State’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website or call (919) 515-2421.
Step 6: Apply to Horticultural Science Online Certificate Program
Use our online application (opens in a new tab) to apply to Horticultural Science Online Certificate Program. You may check the status (opens in a new tab) of your application at any time. Students will receive a letter of approval upon program acceptance.
Apply Now (opens in a new tab)
Coursework
Not ready to enroll yet? You can still take classes! Classes taken independent of a certificate or degree program may be used to satisfy continuing education requirements or, if approved, be applied toward a certificate or degree program in the future. Learn how to enroll in individual classes as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student.