Northwestern to Offer Industry Programs

It just got a little easier to be green.

A series of new landscape design and management certificate programs jointly offered by The Morton Arboretum and Northwestern University will help landscape professionals reap profits from the seeds they sow. The programs begin in October with classes taught both at Northwestern’s Evanston, Ill., campus and the Arboretum in Lisle, Ill.

This unique, new partnership brings together leading experts in horticulture and business.

“It's an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in the art and science of landscaping,” describes Jan Little, the Arboretum's manager of horticulture education.

Little notes that this is the only program in the Chicago area specifically for green industry professionals or people looking to enter the industry as career changers. “Green industry surveys show that employers want more business training and deeper expertise in horticulture and design,” Little continues. “These certificate programs fill this need.”

Three certificate programs are available: residential landscape design, green industry business essentials and horticulture management.

Within these programs, participants attend a series of classes ranging from one course to obtain their certificate in green industry business essentials to the six-course series in residential landscape design. Most courses meet one evening per week, for terms ranging from five to 10 weeks.

“Students can take the classes at their own pace,” notes Jack Clegg, assistant dean at Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies. “The program is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing students to focus on the skill sets most needed for their success in landscape design and management.” Taught by industry and academic experts, students will gain the practical, real-world skills that employers seek.

For more information regarding the landscaping programs, visit www.mortonarb.org or www.scs.northwestern.edu/landscape . Registration is available online, by fax at 312/503-4942 or in person at 339 E. Chicago Ave., Wieboldt Hall, 6th floor, Chicago. For more information, call (312) 503-3715.