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Press Release - November 9, 2005
New Online Bachelor's Degree Fits Busy Work Schedules of Golf Course Professionals
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
Getting the top job maintaining a golf course used to require a two-year degree, plus on-the-job experience. Today, these jobs often require a four-year college degree, but finding the time to take classes while working 60 to 70 hours a week keeping greens and fairways in playing shape can be as challenging as making par. Golf course superintendents and grounds crewmembers now have a new option: Penn State's online bachelor's degree in turfgrass science, which lets adults learn when and where it's convenient for them.
"The standards for professionals in this industry keep going up," said Dr. A. J. Turgeon, professor of turfgrass management and lead faculty member for Penn State's online turfgrass programs. "With two Penn State turfgrass management certificate programs available online, we realized that with a little creative effort, we could expand the program into a bachelor's degree."
The program is now enrolling students for the spring semester, which begins in early January. Information is online at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/wc/BachelorinTurfgrassScience.shtml.
Michael Vessely, 30, has already made a great tee shot by becoming the first student to enroll in the bachelor of turfgrass science program. He did it to secure his future in the golf course management field, he said. Currently superintendent and general manager of Chesapeake Run Golf Club in North Judson, Ind., Vessely added, "The experience is more than I expected. The World Campus lets me do this from the comfort of my home and allows me to work full time."
One of the major benefits of the program, Turgeon explains, is that students can receive credit toward the Penn State bachelor's degree by transferring credits earned at other institutions and by being awarded credit for lifetime accomplishments and other training programs they've completed, including seminars offered by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). This national professional organization has approved Penn State's online turfgrass programs for its members. Completion of the Advanced Turfgrass Certificate portion of Penn State's program fulfills GCSAA's education requirement for certification for Class A membership in the organization.
Anyone who has worked in the turfgrass field can apply for evaluation of their education experiences and career achievements. "Through this portfolio assessment process, students who have completed two years of college and one or two turfgrass courses could find they are already within 30 credits of graduating with a bachelor's degree," Turgeon said.
A pioneer in online education, Turgeon developed Penn State's first turfgrass course for delivery through the World Campus in 1998. Since then, enrollments in the online turfgrass programs have grown to more than 2,700 from every state, Canada and many countries around the world, including Scotland, the birthplace of golf.
Established in 1929, Penn State's turfgrass program is one of the first in the nation. The program is widely recognized for its research and development of improved turfgrass varieties and other products used worldwide. "It can truly be said the Sun never sets on Penn State turfgrass," Turgeon said. The same turfgrass scientists and educators responsible for the internationally renowned on-campus turfgrass program also teach in the online program. Since its inception, Penn State's turfgrass program has amassed a number of "firsts." It was the first to employ a turfgrass Cooperative Extension specialist (1934), to graduate a Ph.D. turfgrass scientist (1950), to offer a two-year technical program designed for golf course superintendents (since 1957) and to offer an undergraduate major in turfgrass science (since 1992).
Golf course superintendents, assistant superintendents and crewmembers, as well as lawn care and landscape professionals, continue to be attracted to Penn State's online 15-credit Certificate in Turfgrass Management. The primary reason is because they can learn about the latest turfgrass management research and developments, such as pesticides, weed control, insect pest management, disease management and turfgrass cultural systems, while continuing to work. The program has about 400 enrollments a year. Online courses are organized in semester format, with a group of students proceeding together through a course over a 15-week period.
"Students can start with the 15-credit certificate program, then take additional courses to complete the advanced certificate ‹ all at their own pace," Turgeon said. "Achieving one milestone encourages them to take the next step."
Green Bay Packers assistant turf manager Derek Paris, 30, chose the online certificate program, because of the convenience of the Internet and a recommendation from a friend who had completed the program. Paris has not had much trouble juggling work, family and classes, except during football season, when he's busy maintaining the Packers' Lambeau Field.
To keep students motivated in the online learning environment, Turgeon encourages them to get online everyday. "A student may be online for only 10 minutes, but that means I've got them thinking about their class all day long," he said.
Turgeon also involves students in group projects, assigning a problem to solve or a question to answer. "I discovered I could stimulate good discussions that provided a way for students to use what they are learning in the lessons, as well as what they have learned on the job, to solve turfgrass problems."
Paris and Vessely agree group discussions are one of the best things about the courses. As Vessely explains: "We are learning from one of the top schools in this field, with some of the elite professors in the field. I can't stress enough how valuable it is to learn what people are doing at Augusta National to improve their course or what the grounds crew at Lambeau Field is doing to prepare for the football season. The World Campus is the only place where you can meet all these people in one spot."
"Online learning is a very effective way for working professionals to continue their education," Turgeon said. "We consult with GCSAA and other organizations to ensure Penn State's turfgrass programs are meeting the education needs of the turfgrass management field worldwide."
Editor contact: Deborah A. Benedetti; 814-238-4895; dab12@outreach.psu.edu
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.
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