Online Associate's and Bachelor of Science
degrees in turf management, also called turfgrass science, are offered
through several schools. There are also individual classes in such
related fields as soil science and horticulture.
Overview of Associate of Science in Turf Management
Turfgrass managers are in charge of lawns on golf courses, athletic
fields, parks or sod farms. They may also be responsible for trees and
gardens on these sites. They must thoroughly understand soil, grass and
plant sciences as well as the interrelationships between these elements.
Turfgrass managers may also plan and supervise projects, handle
finances or train other employees. The associate degree in turf
management is geared towards those candidates already working in the
field, who want to advance their careers.
Online associate's degree programs usually correspond to on-campus
calendars, and students may set their own schedule within that time
frame. Programs are taught fully online through lectures, discussions
and interactive case study analysis. A computer with high-speed Internet
access is required, along with an up-to-date browser. Plug-ins, like
Adobe Acrobat or Flash Player, can be downloaded for free from the Web.
List of Typical Turf Management Courses
Core classes focus on components of lawn care. There are also general
education classes built into the program, including English
composition, biology and ethics.
Introduction to Turfgrass Course
Online students learn about the biological structure of turfgrass.
The different species of grasses used for athletic fields, lawns and
parks in addition to the environmental adaptations of each are explored.
Introduction to Soils Course
The characteristics of soils and their effects on turf are the focus
of this online course. The impact of human culture, land use, the
environment and plant growth are discussed.
Management of Insect Pests Course
This class presents information on beneficial and harmful insects,
including how to manage them in both warm- and cool-season grasses.
Overview of Bachelor of Science in Turf Management
Students in the bachelor's degree program gain an advanced
understanding of plant health and pathology, weed and insect pest
control as well as soils and irrigation. In addition to online work,
they do a local, supervised internship to acquire field experience.
While most classes in a bachelor's degree program are offered online,
students may be required to take some courses locally, on-site.
Technical program requirements include a computer with high-speed
Internet, an up-to-date Web browser, word processing software and a
printer capable of printing graphics. Downloadable plug-ins are free on
the Web.
List of Typical Turf Management Courses
The bachelor's degree curriculum includes the same turfgrass classes
as in the associate's program, plus more advanced courses. In addition
to courses in general education and business management, courses in
weather forecasting, biology and organic chemistry enhance the
bachelor's turfgrass curriculum.
Turfgrass Nutrition Course
The focus if this class is on the biology of grass and how it
receives nutrition. Enhancing health and growth through the use of
mineral-balanced soil and fertilizers is discussed.
Management of Turfgrass Disease Course
Students learn about the pathogens affecting both cool- and warm-season grasses and how to control them.
Sports Turfgrass Course
The environmental and cultural advantages of grassy areas are
considered, along with the importance of having grass with the right
surface and consistency for various sports.
Turfgrass managers have employment opportunities in a wide range of
lawn care settings and in related fields, like landscape design.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov),
there were 217,900 turf managers employed in 2008 and employment was
expected to grow at a faster than average rate of 15% through 2018. The
median hourly wage for turf managers was $19.19 in May 2008.
Continuing Education
Although turfgrass managers are not required to take continuing
education courses, certifications, which are provided through various
professional associations, may be necessary for certain positions, such
as golf course superintendent.
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