Online Golf Course Management Schools and Colleges

Many colleges and universities offer online golf management programs, commonly available at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels. Students may consider program levels and their career objectives when narrowing down their choices for online study in golf course management.

How to Select an Online Golf Course Management School

Program Levels

Students considering online programs should determine if they want to focus on overall golf course management or turf maintenance. Certificate, associate's and bachelor's degree online programs are available in turf management, as well as bachelor's degree programs in golf course management.
Certificate programs based on turf management can last anywhere from one semester to two years. Associate's degree programs typically take two years to complete and may require students to complete an on-site cooperative work experience, where students work directly with those in the turf management field.
Bachelor's degree programs in either turf science or golf course management usually take four years to complete; however, it can take only two years for students that can transfer their credits from an associate's degree program in a related field.

Career Objectives

Students enrolled in online golf course management programs can choose among a myriad of professions. Those who have a certificate in turf management may obtain entry-level jobs in golf retail, landscape business or seed sales.
Students who earn an associate's degree in turf management can seek careers like assistant golf course superintendents, turf technicians and landscape supervisors. Bachelor's degree graduates from turf or golf course management programs can obtain jobs in golf course management, agri-business sales or sod production. Oftentimes students pair their golf management degree program with a business minor.

List of Common Online Golf Course Management Programs

Online Certificate of Completion in Turf Management

An online certificate in turf management instructs students on how to keep vegetation healthy and sustain landscape. Some programs are available to students who already have an associate's or bachelor's degree in business or horticulture.
Generally offered through the school's continuing education department, certificates cover areas including routine maintenance, installation, fertilization, mowing and weed control. In addition to having Internet access, students may need to install QuickTime on their computer in order to view course videos.

Online Associate of Applied Science in Turf Management

Online associate's degree programs in turf management focus on irrigation systems, turf instillation and overall management. Classes discuss areas such as turf disease, landscape maintenance, equipment operations and turf physiology.
Certain schools may offer videoconferencing systems for communication while others rely on multimedia applications to view the coursework. Additionally, some programs may include internships for students to gain real-world experience.

Online Bachelor of Science in Turf Science

Online bachelor's degree programs in turf science offer courses in crop science, plant life, plant genetics and soil fertility. Depending upon the program, students who successfully complete the baccalaureate degree program may obtain certification from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Some bachelor's degree programs are available through interactive TV technology, allowing students to instantaneously converse with their instructors.

Online Bachelor of Science in Golf Course Management

A distance learning bachelor's degree program in golf course management covers subjects such as business finance, hospitality law, turf management and golf course design. Some programs require students to have an associate's degree in golf operations and management program before they can enroll.
Baccalaureate programs run asynchronously, allowing students to complete work independently but communicate with other classmates and teachers. Students are expected to contribute to online discussion groups, submit electronic assignments and listen to multimedia presentations. Students may need access to computer applications such as RealPlayer or QuickTime to view coursework.