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Turfgrass Management - B.S.A.

General Information

Degree & Major:

College Name:

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Department Name:

Crop and Soil Sciences

Contact:

Dr. Gerald Henry
Associate Professor
cropsoil@uga.edu
(706) 542-2461

Find Out More

Degree Requirements

College-wide Requirements

University-wide Requirements

Description:

Turfgrass management is the study of the science and culture of fine grasses that are used on golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns, and other areas requiring an attractive but functional ground cover. Increasing interest in outdoor recreational activities as well as aesthetically appealing landscaped areas has created a demand for professional turfgrass managers. The turfgrass management major at the University of Georgia is unique in that it is the only 4-year turf program in the United States that is jointly administered by two departments. The combined effort of the departments of Crop and Soil Sciences and Horticulture provide greater resources to students in terms of laboratories, teaching equipment, demonstration field plots, faculty expertise, and course offerings.

The curriculum is designed for maximum flexibility that allows students the opportunity to select one of two paths depending on their interest and future goals. Both paths will enable students the ability to secure any of the jobs discussed above as well as to enter graduate school. Specifically, the curriculum educates students in the principles and applications of both applied and basic sciences necessary for the successful establishment and maintenance of fine turfgrass areas. Students completing the turfgrass management curriculum will be knowledgeable in all aspects of plant and soil science. Particular emphasis is placed on learning environmentally sound strategies for controlling common turfgrass pests such as weeds, insects, and diseases. A careful balance of applied and basic sciences with courses in economics, business management, and accounting combined with on-the-job training opportunities will prepare students for an exciting career in the turfgrass/landscape industry.

Details

Career Opportunities:	The turfgrass industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. In Georgia, it is estimated at more than one billion dollars. Completion of the turfgrass management major will allow a student the opportunity to pursue a career in golf course, athletic field, park, school, and commercial grounds management. There are many openings in the relatively new chemical lawn care industry as well as with sod production, lawn maintenance, and landscaping firms. Other opportunities include the need for well-trained individuals in the areas of turfgrass seed, chemical, and equipment sales and service. Some graduates have obtained employment in the irrigation design and installation segment of the industry, while others have found challenging careers in university research, private consulting, or with the Cooperative Extension Service. The current and future outlook for job availability is excellent. For example, two-thirds of the respondents of a recent nationwide survey of 4-year turf programs indicated between 2 to 4 jobs per graduating student. Almost 40 percent of the respondents also indicated that they expected job availability to increase over the next several years. In short, the future looks extremely bright for careers in turfgrass management.
Expectations of Transfer Students:	Core required is the CAES core. This includes CHEM 1211, 1211L, BIOL 1107, 1107L or BTNY 1210, 1210L, and speech profiency. Area VI includes BTNY 1220, 1220L, CHEM 1212, 1212L, 2100, 2100L, CRSS 2010-2010L or HORT 2000, PHYS 1010.
Scholarships:	Numerous opportunities for financial assistance are available. These include the Georgia State Golf Association Scholarship; Agronomy Club Scholarship; Georgia Ag Chem Society Scholarship; Georgia Chapter American Society of Agronomy Scholarship; and the AgrEvo Turf Scholarship. Also, several scholarships are available to students in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs in the College.
Study Abroad:	Agriculture and Ecology in Tropical America - Guatemala (odd-numbered years) Costa Rica (even-numbered years), Agriculture and Ecology of Tropical America - Pernambuco Brazil.
Internships:	Numerous internship opportunities are available to provide Turfgrass Management students with training and experience.
Distance Learning:	CRSS 2830, 3270, and 4340 are available from University System of Georgia Independent and Distance Learning.
Student Organizations:	Turf Club (www.cropsoil.uga.edu/TurfClub.html)
Available Graduate Programs:	M.S Program in Turfgrass Management, Turfgrass Physiology, Turfgrass/Environment Interactions at any University Masters of Crop and Soil Sciences