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The depth of learning was exceptional -- I never thought I would be able to learn so much in an online course.

Susan Perez

Industry Highlights

  • Employment of grounds maintenance workers is expected to increase 18% by 2018
  • Between 200 and 300 golf courses are constructed each year in the United States and its territories

Information from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University

Turfgrass Management (Undergraduate Certificate)

Be Exceptional

Watch this video to learn more about what our turfgrass programs can do for you.

Enrich Your Turf Expertise with the Online Basic Certificate in Turfgrass Management

Learn about turfgrass cultural systems and turfgrass edaphology, as well as methods for managing pests, so that you can pursue a career in turfgrass care, maintenance, production, or turf-related sales and service.

Why an Online Certificate through Penn State?

Build a solid foundation – As a graduate of the basic certificate program, you can apply the credits you’ve earned to the Advanced Certificate in Turfgrass Management, the Associate in Science in Turfgrass Science and Management, or the Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science programs. 

GCSAA Credits — the credits you receive for your Penn State turfgrass courses may be used toward Golf Course Superintendents Association of America education points to meet entry and/or renewal requirements for Class A and/or Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) status. In addition, GCSAA education points earned by members through attendance at the National GIS Education Conference and Golf Industry Show seminars may satisfy some requirements of the turfgrass undergraduate degrees or certificates. If you have questions about receiving these credits, please speak with your adviser.

Penn State Expertise — Penn State became a leader in turfgrass education in 1929 when we launched one of the first turfgrass programs in the United States. As the first university to offer a two-year technical program and the first to offer a turfgrass science as an undergraduate major, we built a solid foundation for the online turfgrass courses that we offer today.

World Renowned Faculty — Dr. A.J. Turgeon, emeritus professor of turfgrass management, is the retired director of World Campus turfgrass programs. He has written more than 300 publications, including the popular textbook Turfgrass Management, now in its ninth edition.

Who Should Apply

Whether you work in golf course maintenance, professional lawn care, grounds maintenance, sod production, sales and service, athletic field maintenance, or research support, this program can give you the tools needed to expand your career opportunities.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

The certificate program was created for golf course and sports field personnel who want to take their career to the next level. With the basic certificate you can earn credits toward a degree while securing a position or working toward advancement in a variety of areas, including:

  • groundskeeping
  • employee management
  • equipment care and operation
  • pesticide application

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus