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Indoor Agriculture Certificate

ag tech student with a plant under a UV light

Discover the future of sustainable farming.

Designed to meet Canada’s growing demand for sustainable, high-tech agriculture and the revolutionary field of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), this cutting-edge program is your gateway to a rewarding career in vertical farming, hydroponics and more.

In this introductory program, you will gain the experience and the knowledge necessary to optimize plant growth with indoor growing technology. This unique program balances plant production techniques with current technologies and relevant business practices for success in the emerging field of controlled environment agriculture.

Whether you're a high school graduate or a working professional, our comprehensive curriculum, spanning crop selection to system troubleshooting, equips you with the specialized skills the industry needs. Additionally, you'll have the chance for a field placement, offering invaluable real-world experience.

Course Progression

Courses are scheduled in the suggested order of completion. It is suggested that students take CEA 1010 and CEA 1040 together.

Work-Integrated Learning

Following the completion of the required courses, you will have the opportunity to complete an optional field placement, allowing you to explore controlled environment agriculture systems based on your specific area of interest and enhance your industry-specific knowledge and skills.

Credentials

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate in Indoor Agriculture.

 

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Program Details

  • Admission Requirements:

    • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
    • 50% or better in Math 20-1 or 20-2
    • 50% or better in two of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Science 20, OR One of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30
    • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement

    Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrolment and any available interim/ mid term marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.

    Transfer Options: Olds College has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements

    Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.

    International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

  • Fundamentals of Controlled Environment Agriculture | CEA 1000

    Dates: Jan. 13 - March 7, 2025
    Cost:
     $673.32 (including fees)
    Delivery Method: Online

    Students will learn the essential elements and practices of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in this foundational course. This course introduces students to various CEA systems, regulations and operational requirements within this emerging sector.

    Business and Economics of Controlled Environment Agriculture | CEA 1010

    Dates: March 10 - May 2, 2025
    Cost:
     $673.32 (including fees)
    Delivery Method: Online

    Upon completion of the course, students will have a basic understanding of the business aspects of varied Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems, including introductory market research techniques and awareness of operational logistics, preparing them for further exploration in the field of CEA.

    Principles of Crop Production in Controlled Environments | CEA 1020

    Dates: May 5 - June 27, 2025
    Cost:
     $673.32 (including fees)
    Delivery Method: Online

    In this course, students explore the relationship between plants, their physiology and growing requirements within controlled environments. Students will learn how to optimize plant growth and productivity while ensuring sustainable and efficient nutrient management practices.

    Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems & Components | CEA 1030

    Dates: Sept. 8 - Oct. 31, 2025
    Cost:
     $673.32 (including fees)
    Delivery Method: Online

    This course provides students with an understanding of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Systems and components. Students will explore and compare the principles, technologies and environmental components involved in a wide variety of CEA systems.

    Operating Controlled Environment Systems | CEA 1040

    Dates: March 10 - May 2, 2025 
    Cost:
     $673.32 (including fees)
    Delivery Method: Online

    Through hands-on learning, students will gain practical experience with optimizing crop production and diagnosing problems while minimizing environmental impact. By the end of the course, students will have the necessary skills to operate and troubleshoot systems, incorporating integrated pest management and waste management in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems.

    Field Placement Experience | WIL 1600 | OPTIONAL

    Dates: TBD
    Cost:
     TBD
    Prerequisites: CEA 1000, CEA 1010, CEA 1020, CEA 1030, CEA 1040

    Students will create a learning plan for their field study and instructors will provide guidance in finding an appropriate field study location, specific to their industry and program of study.
    Each student will complete a 6-8 week (minimum 200 hours) industry placement as a course requirement. Students must maintain Good Academic Standing, according to Policy D32 (Academic Standing), to be enrolled in this course.

  • Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:

    • Vertical farming technician
    • Vertical farming supervisor
    • Vertical farming assistant 
    • Grower technician
    • Grower assistant 
    • Grower associate
    • Greenhouse associate  
    • Hydroponics labourer
    • Indoor microgreen farmer 
    • Indoor farm production operator 
    • Indoor farming associate

    Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!

    ALIS Occupational Profiles

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Industry Training & Continuing Education

Phone: 403.556.4740
Toll-Free: 1.800.661.6537
Email: coned@oldscollege.ca