Landscape Design Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I apply?

  
  

  There is no formal application process at this time—simply enroll in People, Plants, and Landscape Design and you're on your way! We do recommend that you subscribe to email updates here. If you have any questions, please contact the Continuing Education team.

  
  

• What are the requirements?

  
  

  Please see the Certificate Requirements section above for detailed information on requirements. If you have questions, please email continuingeducation@longwoodgardens.org.

  
  

• What are the outcomes? Who is this for?

  
  

  The Landscape Design Certificate is for those looking to start their own landscape design practice, or for those already working in the landscape or horticulture fields looking to build their design skills. It’s also suited for those looking to expand their love and understanding of landscape design.

  
  

• How much does a Certificate cost?

  
  

  Cost is variable based on the elective coursework chosen, but students typically spend approximately $3,000 completing their Certificate.

  
  

• Can I take courses without completing a Certificate?

  
  

  Absolutely! All courses are available to everyone, regardless of your status in the Certificate program. In particular, we recommend People, Plants, and Landscape Design for those who aren’t sure whether they’d like to pursue the complete curriculum.

  
  

• Do I have to complete all prerequisite courses?

  
  

  Yes, all courses must be completed, and all prerequisites must be completed before proceeding with the curriculum.

  In rare cases, with demonstrated proficiency, students may be exempted from required core coursework. If you would like to request an exemption, please email continuingeducation@longwoodgardens.org. Please note that, if you are granted an exemption, you must make up the hours through elective coursework.

  
  

• How long will this take?

  
  

  It is possible to complete the Certificate curriculum in 1 year; however, most students complete their Certificates in 1 to 3 years. We require that students complete their studies in no more than 5 years.

  
  

• Where are classes held?

  
  

  All coursework, unless noted otherwise, is completed online.

  
  

• What classes count toward the elective requirement?

  
  

  Our selection of elective coursework is constantly changing. Please consult the Landscape Design webpage and look for courses marked “Elective”.  You can view our current elective courses on this page under Current Elective Courses.

  
  

• What if I completed coursework in the retired Certificate of Merit program?

  
  

  If you completed core or elective coursework toward the now-retired Certificate of Merit in Landscape Design, exemptions or credits may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Continuing Education Office to discuss: continuingeducation@longwoodgardens.org.

  
  

• What about the Horticulture and Gardening requirement for the Landscape Design Certificate?

  
  

  If you started your Landscape Design studies prior to 2025, you may have taken 1 or more Horticulture and Gardening courses in order to fulfill the 3-course Horticulture and Gardening requirement. Moving forward, our 8-week Horticulture for Landscape Designers core course will take the place of this requirement. If you have already started taking courses in order to fulfill this requirement, you may choose to take the remaining courses you need, or you may choose to take Horticulture for Landscape Designers. All new students should take Horticulture for Landscape Designers; this is a required course for new students.

  
  

• What if I have more questions or need help?

  
  

  Please contact the Continuing Education Office: continuingeducation@longwoodgardens.org.