Program Details

Course Options

While the Master Gardener application period has closed, Pro-Hort registration remains open. 

Master Gardener Core Course

This option provides cutting edge training in plant materials that are well suited for North Dakota such as trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, bedding plants, turfgrass, vegetables and fruits. Other topic areas include soils, fertilizers, plant diseases, insect pests, weeds, wildlife issues, composting and much more. In return for the university-based education, we ask that you pay it forward by volunteering in your community for 48 hours in cooperation with your County Extension Office in your first two years. Upon completion of your two-year internship, you become a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer and maintain minimums of volunteer and education hours to maintain your active status. The course is offered at a reduced fee in return for you volunteerism.

Cost: 
Extension Master Gardener total course fee, 2025: $225
Scholarships are available to reduce course fees and the application will be made available to those accepted into the program by their County Extension Agent.

Pro-Horticulture Course

This option gives you the same learning experience, but does not require volunteerism. This course option WILL NOT lead to Extension Master Gardener certification or the ability to participate in our conferences or group trips. The course fee for this option is higher since no community service is required.

Cost:
Professional Horticulture Training cost, 2025: $450

Participation

NDSU Campus (Core Course participants only) - Join NDSU faculty and other Extension Master Gardeners live on campus in Fargo, ND

Online (Core Course or Pro-Hort participants) - Students outside of Fargo have two methods of participating in class. The live Friday morning classes from NDSU are streamed using Zoom. This allows students to watch the class, ask questions of the instructors, and participate in discussion. Alternatively, students may watch the recorded videos at their convenience. All course lectures, handouts, and quizzes are available online. High speed internet is required for this option.