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Last updated 10/14/03 |
A turfgrass manager is responsible for the production, maintenance, quality, and performance of turfgrass for areas such as golf courses, home lawns, athletic fields, commercial lawns, parks, recreation areas, sod farms, and other areas where turfgrass is utilized. The challenges and opportunities for turf managers to excel are limitless. Maintaining a high quality, manicured turf, subjected to intense use, requires skill and experience. The self satisfaction and excitement of seeing your knowledge and hard work combine to prepare a challenging golf course, beautiful lawn and landscape, or a high quality sports field are the rewards of a career in turf management.
An Associate Degree is for individuals interested in a career as a professional turf manager but who is unable to devote the time to complete a four-year degree. Four semesters as a full time student are required to complete the Associate Degree. Although the number of courses taken while earning an Associate Degree are fewer than those taken while earning a Bachelor's Degree, adequate time is available to obtain knowledge in the practical areas of turfgrass management, pest control in turf, and soil management. In the Associate Degree Program all credits earned while completing an Associate Degree can be applied to a Bachelor's Degree if you choose to continue your education.
An Associate degree is an excellent option to consider for those individuals who already have a college degree and are interested in changing careers. Usually, credits earned from the first degree will transfer to fulfill core requirements necessary for an Associate Degree.
Employment Opportunities
The turfgrass industry in Indiana and nationwide is expanding rapidly. The demand for
college-educated personnel with a degree in turfgrass management is strong. Projections are for
continued growth and expansion of the turf industry.
Starting salaries vary widely depending on the area of the country. They typically range from $22,000 to $27,000 a year plus benefits. It is common for a student just graduating to work as an assistant to a professional turf manager for a few years to gain experience before moving into a position of greater responsibility and opportunity. Professional turf managers with a college degree in Turfgrass Science and 10 to 15 years experience in the turfgrass industry currently earn $37,000 to $88,000 a year. Successful turf managers have expanded their careers into club management, ownership of small businesses related to turf, consultants, managers of firms, and turf-related sales and marketing.
Scholarships
Several scholarships are available specifically for students majoring in Turfgrass
Science. The Turfgrass Program at Purdue
University administers these scholarships. All students majoring in Turfgrass Science are
eligible for turf scholarships
as well as those at the Department and School level. Scholarships are
awarded based on academic performance, activities, character, and interest in
a turfgrass
management career. These scholarships are typically awarded to
sophomores, juniors and seniors.
| Semester 1 | Credits | Semester 2 | Credits | |
| BIOL 110 Biology I/BTNY 210 | 4 | CHM 112 General Chem II | 3 | |
| CHM 111 General Chem | 3 | AGRY 210 Turf Managemnt | 3 | |
| ENGL 106 Eng Comp | 4 | Math & Basic Science Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | COM 114 Speech Comm | 3 | |
| MA 220/223 Calculus Elective | 3 | Economic Elective* | 3 | |
| AGRY 211 Turf Mgmt Lab | 1 | |||
|
Total |
17 |
Total |
16 | |
| Semester 3 | Credits | Semester 4 | Credits | |
| AGRY 398 Agronomy Seminar | 1 | AGRY 365 Soil Fertility | 3 | |
| AGRY 255 Soil Science | 3 | BTNY 304 Weed Science | 3 | |
| Math & Basic Science Elective | 3 | BTNY 520 Disease of Turf Grass | 1 | |
| AGRY 510 Turf Science | 3 | BTNY 301 Intro Plant Path | 3 | |
| HORT 217 Woody Landscape | 4 | ASM 591B Turf Irrigation & Drainage | 3 | |
| AGRY 512 Prof Turf Mgmt | 3 | Turf Elective | 3 | |
|
Total |
17 |
Total |
16 | |
Definitions of Electives
Turf Electives: AGRY 399, 585 ASM 201,215 FNR 444, HORT 218,
317, CSR 342
Humanities & Social Science Electives: Any class with one of the following
abbreviations - Anth, Econ, Pol, Psy, Soc, FLL, Phil, V&P arts
Effective for students beginning college Fall 2003
Revised 3/6/03
If you would like more information about the Turf Program at Purdue or have questions please contact:
Dr. Cale Bigelow Agronomy Department 915 West State Street Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907-2054 765-494-4692
Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to biehlj@purdue.edu