Unit Website Get in Contact Schedule a Visit
Unit Website Get in Contact Schedule a Visit
Students ride in a modified cart to spray a test grass patch at Ohio State ATI

About this program

Turfgrass Management is an exciting, specialized Associate of Science degree for students interested in managing high-quality golf courses, sports fields and recreational landscapes. You’ll combine scientific knowledge with extensive hands-on experience, building a strong foundation in turfgrass growth and development, soil and nutrient management, irrigation, and pest control. Along the way, you’ll learn how to apply industry-leading agronomic practices to meet the needs of different turfgrass environments and management goals.

Beyond the classroom, practical training helps you build the skills to solve real-world challenges and succeed in the turfgrass industry. Whether your goals include managing a championship golf course, maintaining elite athletic fields or leading grounds operations for a major sports venue, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and experience to build a career in this dynamic field.

What can I do with this degree?

An associate's degree in turfgrass management can lead to careers in golf course and athletic field management, turf construction, agronomy, sales, sod production and lawn care. You can also pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, continue into a four-year bachelor's degree on the Columbus campus, or build a career in the turfgrass industry at the state, national or international level.

Graduates are prepared for careers like:

  • Golf course superintendent
  • Sports turf manager
  • Athletic field manager
  • Grounds manager
  • Turfgrass agronomist
  • Sod farm manager
  • Turfgrass sales representative
  • Turfgrass business owner

Build your skills with internships

Students in the Turfgrass Management program must successfully complete a 14-week internship of full-time employment at an approved turfgrass management facility. Ohio State ATI works with students to find appropriate internship opportunities throughout the US and abroad. Students may also choose to participate in practicum, a supervised work experience at our campus-owned golf course or on campus, to improve skills and apply classroom learning. Practicum work experiences for turfgrass students may include equipment operation, irrigation, construction and maintenance. 

Facilities

Our CFAES Wooster campus offers campus grounds, sports fields, turfgrass plots and a model 3-hole golf course for management practice. 

Curriculum

Grow your skills to a bachelor's degree

Explore your options to continue your education with a Bachelor's of Turfgrass Science on our Columbus campus.
Learn about our programs
Professor and student assess a green on a practice golf course