Agricultural Sciences Academy
Co-Enrollment Program with Sam Houston State University
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Education track: University Transfer / Guided Pathway
The Agricultural Sciences Academy, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a co‑enrollment program with Sam Houston State University, designed for students interested in agricultural sciences and related careers. This academy provides an early, structured pathway that blends foundational coursework with university‑aligned expectations, helping students transition smoothly toward advanced study in several different disciplines:
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Engineering Technology
- Animal Science
- Animal Science with PreVet Medicine
- Interdisciplinary Agriculture (Agricultural Education)
- Plant & Soil Science
Get Started
Students interested in the Agricultural Sciences Academy should email the Itz Center.
How It Works
Students are co-enrolled with Houston City College and Sam Houston State University.
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Apply to HCC & SHSU
- Apply to HCC under for Multidisciplinary Studies
- SHSU Application for College of Humanities and Social Sciences (select Non-Degree Seeking)
Important
Students must apply to both schools.
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Once Accepted
Once accepted, students should confirm enrollment with Itz Center:
Chris Qualls, christopher.qualls@hccs.edu
Continuing Education
Our Continuing Education offerings, funded by the USDA, provide professional training and industry recognized credentials for individuals both entry level and mor experienced in the landscape and horticulture fields. Additional Continuing Education horticulture courses are in development and will be added in the future.
Get More Information
To learn more about TCLA and TCLP courses, please contact:
Credential: Certified though Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA)
Total Hours: 36
Education track: Continuing Education
The Texas Certified Landscape Associate (TCLA) class provides in-person delivery of course materials from experienced industry professionals with hands-on learning to prepare students for exams covering general knowledge and safety, plant identification, and plant characteristics. This foundational knowledge and practical skill set is beneficial for entry‑level and intermediate roles in the landscape industry.
Duration: 4-8 weeks
Program Format: In-Person
Campus Location: Katy Campus, South Campus, Northline Campus
Total credits: N/A
Cost: TCLA $349
Credential: Certified though Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA)
Total Hours: 45
Education track: Continuing Education
The Texas Certified Landscape Professional (TCLP) program is designed for individuals seeking advanced technical and leadership skills in the landscape industry. TCLA certification is required by TNLA before TCLP testing.
Duration: 4-8 weeks
Program Format: In-Person
Campus Location: Katy Campus, South Campus, Northline Campus
Total credits: N/A
Cost: TCLP $399
Community Learning
The Itz Center at HCC also supports home gardening education through hands on learning opportunities with our community learning workshop series.
Format: Community Workshops
Frequency: 1-2 times per month
These workshops are open to the general public and focus on practical horticulture and gardening topics. Most workshops are free, and when fees apply, they are low‑cost to ensure accessibility.
Contact Us
Chris Qualls
Program Manager – Agriculture, Horticulture & Environmental Studies