Application deadline
Credits and costs
Nationally Recognized
Gain Skills to Maximize Your Career Opportunities in the Golf and Turf Industries
Successfully incorporate turfgrass management practices, including cultivation, pest management, and soil science.
Produce, establish, and manage primary turfgrass species and cultivars.
Master the techniques most often used in the turfgrass industry, including mowing, fertilization, irrigation, and other cultural operations.
Increase problem-solving skills by devising methods of inquiry to distinguish cause and effect and evaluating relevant issues in turf management.
Study in a Variety of Online Courses
Study in a Variety of Online Courses
In addition to covering such topics as pesticides, turfgrass breeding, genetics, business management, and plant nutrition and fertility, this program encompasses soil science and water quality course work.
This online Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science is a 120-credit (minimum) program of study that builds upon the skills attained in the advanced turfgrass management certificate. Students can graduate from this program having received hands-on training and the opportunity to learn from knowledge leaders and practitioners in the golf and turf industries.
Through the courses provided in this turfgrass management degree program, students will be able to develop and maintain widely used turfgrass management programs. The courses cover topics such as pesticides, turfgrass breeding, genetics, plant science, soil science, and water quality, so students graduate with an opportunity to be a leader in the industry.
To earn this degree, you must successfully complete:
- 49 prescribed course credits
- 27 supporting course credits
- 13 additional credits
- 18 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the requirements for the major
- 1 elective credit
For help with understanding the credit distribution and requirements for program completion, contact an academic adviser today.
Required courses are supplemented by additional credits selected from a variety of areas to enhance your skills in related fields, such as business management, speech communications, and organic chemistry.
Supplemental courses in the program are available in a variety of formats. Details about each course's delivery method are available in LionPATH.
Prescribed Courses (49 Credits)
- 3credits
Development of quantitative problem-solving skills applied to specific examples of agribusiness management problems, using Excel spreadsheets.
- Prerequisite
AGBM 101; ECON 102; STAT 200; STAT 240; STAT 250; SCM 200
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on the properties of organic compounds of biochemical importance. Because of duplication of subject matter, students may not receive credit for both CHEM 202 and CHEM 210.
- Prerequisite
CHEM 101 or CHEM 110, CHEM 110H or CHEM 106
- 3credits
Introduction to entomology and management of insect pests of cold- and warm-season turfgrass.
- Prerequisite Concurrent
TURF 235
- 3credits
Quadratic equations; equation in quadratic form; word problems; graphing; algebraic fractions; negative and rational exponents; radicals.
- Prerequisite
MATH 4 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination.
- 3credits
Introduction to biology of turfgrass pathogens and management of cool- and warm-season turfgrass.
- Prerequisite
TURF 235
- 3credits
A study of soil properties and processes and relationships to land use, plant growth, environmental quality, and society.
- 4credits
Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.
- Prerequisite
Placement into MATH 21 or higher.
- 1credit
Covers chemical toxicity, formulations, environmental fate, labels, MSDS, calibration, IPM, safety, handling, storage, and Pennsylvania certification and regulations.
- 3credits
Characterization of the primary plant species used for sports, lawn and utility turf; includes turfgrass morphology, environmental adaptation, and cultural requirements.
- 3credits
Introduction to the development of integrated weed management strategies utilizing a variety of cultural and chemical methods.
- 3credits
A study of irrigation topics with a strong concentration on turfgrass irrigation applications and a focus on surface and subsurface drainage.
- Prerequisite
TURF 235
- Recommend preparation
MATH 21 and SOILS 101
- Note
PLANT 217 may not be substituted for TURF 307 for prescribed course credit.
- 3credits
A study of turfgrass maintenance practices and how their interrelationships can be utilized to develop management systems.
- Prerequisite
TURF 235
- Recommended preparation
SOILS 101
- 3credits
Characterization of soil's physical and chemical properties for the establishment and maintenance of sports turf; includes root zone construction.
- Prerequisite
TURF 235
- Recommend preparation
SOILS 101
- 4credits
Study of turfgrass nutrition and growth; emphasizing constructed and mineral soil fertility, nutrient uptake and function, and fertilizer-use efficiency.
- Prerequisite
TURF 235
- Recommended preparation
SOILS 101
- 3credits
Case study and discussion considering integrated management of selected turfgrass sites; emphasis on problem analysis, principle application, and decision-making.
- Prerequisite
TURF 235 and (TURF 434 or TURF 435)
- Recommended preparation
TURF 238 and TURF 425
- 1credit
Oral presentations developed by students in consultation with the course instructor
- Prerequisite
TURF 495
- Note
Seventh-semester standing
- Note
Prerequisites may be waived by the course instructor if student demonstrates required level of competency.
- 3credits
Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required.
- Prerequisite
Prior approval of proposed assignment by instructor
Additional Courses (16 credits)
- 4credits
A study of the fundamental concepts of biology, including the evolution of the major groups of organisms. This is the first biology course taken by students who intend to major in biology. It provides a foundation in the basic concepts that govern life, including the evolutionary processes that have led to the biodiversity seen today.
- 4credits
Cellular structure, organization, and metabolism; plant anatomy and physiological processes; plant reproduction and development; genetics and evolution; relationships and features of plant groups. Students who have passed BIOL 240W may not schedule this course.
- or:4credits
Introduction to horticulture with an emphasis on plant domestication, morphology, classification, world food crops, commodities, gardens, propagation, and agrochemicals. The course content deals with the fundamental concepts and specialty areas, which contribute not only to the science and technology involved in horticulture but also to the art.
- 3credits
Writing for students in scientific and technical disciplines.
- Prerequisite
ENGL 15, ESL 15, ENGL 30, and 4th Semester standing OR ENGL 137H, ENGL 138T, and 4th Semester standing
- or:3credits
Writing reports and other common forms of business communication.
- Prerequisite
(ENGL 15 or ESL 15 or ENGL 30) and 4th-semester standing OR (ENGL 137H and ENGL 138T) and 4th-semester standing
- 3credits
Nontechnical treatment of fundamentals of modern meteorology and the effects of weather and climate.
- or:3credits
Fundamental principles of synoptic and physical meteorology, satellite and radar imagery, and data analysis in the setting of mid-latitude weather forecasting.
- 3credits
First semester of a two-semester, comprehensive general chemistry course that introduces students to the basic principles of chemistry with an emphasis on the relationships between the microscopic structure and the macroscopic properties of matter.
- Prerequisite
Completion of or placement beyond MATH 22
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- or:3credits
This course is a one-semester rigorous college-level introductory Chemistry course covering the fundamental principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. One year of high school chemistry is strongly recommended.
- Prerequisite
Completion or placement beyond MATH 21
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Supporting Courses (select 27 credits)
Select credits from each of the two categories under supporting courses to fulfill the requirements:
- 15 credits in Professional Management and Economics
- 12 credits in Professional Agriculture
Electives (select 4 credits)
Elective courses will be chosen in consultation with your adviser.
Note: Listed prerequisites may be waived by the course instructor if you can demonstrate the required level of competency.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Foundations: 15 credits
All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements.- Writing/Speaking: 9 credits
- Quantification: 6 credits
3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic.
- Knowledge Domains: 15 credits
Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Integrative Studies: 6 credits
- Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits
- Exploration: 9 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits
May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.
These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Broaden Your Career Options
Broaden Your Career Options
You can use the knowledge gained from this turf management degree and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
The B.S. in Turfgrass Science program can prepare golf course and sports field professionals for a variety of positions, including:
- Golf Course Manager
- Golf Course Superintendent
- Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
- Grounds Manager
- Groundskeeper Supervisor
Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree
Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Upcoming Events
Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
---|---|---|
11 or fewer | $632 per credit | $678 per credit |
12–19 | $7,678 per semester | $8,288 per semester |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
---|---|---|
11 or fewer | $638 per credit | $685 per credit |
12–19 | $7,755 per semester | $8,371 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.
Certificate Programs Related to This Degree
The following certificates can be earned while completing this degree program:
Learn to plan and implement projects, communicate effectively, conduct training programs, and manage finances in this online degree program designed for those interested in or already working in the turf industry.
Learn more about the Associate in Science in Turfgrass Science and ManagementBuild upon your existing skills and explore more advanced turfgrass topics, such as pest management, turfgrass cultural systems, turfgrass edaphology, and case studies in turfgrass management with this certificate.
Learn more about the Undergraduate Certificate in Turfgrass Management, AdvancedA Legacy in Turfgrass Education
Penn State launched one of the first turfgrass programs in 1929. As the first university to offer a two-year program for golf course superintendents, and the first to offer a major in turfgrass science, we built a solid foundation for the turfgrass management programs offered through World Campus.
Who Should Apply?
If you have an interest in the turf industry, the bachelor's degree in turfgrass science — taken independently or as a follow-up to the advanced certificate or the associate degree — can give you the skills and advantage you need to move ahead.
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years
- Take 6 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years
- Take 4–5 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Five or More Years
- Take 2–3 courses each semester
Timelines may vary for students transferring credits from another school or based on course availability.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by October 31 to start January 13
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Spring Deadline
Apply by October 31 to start January 13Summer Deadline
Apply by March 15 to start May 19Fall Deadline
Apply by June 30, 2025, to start August 25, 2025
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Steps to Apply
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.
You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR) when applying. Official high school transcripts for first-year applicants will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Transfer international students will need to submit their high school transcript before their application can be reviewed.
Official college or university transcripts and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
Accessing MyPennState
The MyPennState Portal provides access to our online admissions services. Before accessing MyPennState, you must have a Penn State account that will be used to access all Penn State systems. After creating an account, you will receive a unique Penn State User ID. You will need to enter your User ID followed by @psu.edu when signing in to MyPennState and other Penn State sites. For example, you should be entering something like '[email protected]' in the Sign In field.
The application consists of six sections:
- Application Setup
- Program of Study
- Citizenship and Residency
- Academics and Experience
- Miscellaneous
- Review and Submit
Application Setup
Be sure to select "Online" for the "How would you like to complete your degree" question if you plan to attend Penn State World Campus.
The rest of this section will ask some basic questions about your education experience and military affiliation.
Program of Study
You will choose the degree type and then the starting semester.
Your starting campus will be selected as Penn State World Campus by default as long as you picked "Online" in your Application Setup. Click Continue.
On the Choose a Program page, select your intended major from the list.
Review your selection on the summary screen and click Continue to move on to the Citizenship and Residency section.
Citizenship and Residency
Complete the series of questions about your citizenship status, demographic information, Pennsylvania residency status, and family history.
Academics and Experience
You will need to enter academic experience information about your high school and any attempted courses at a college or university after high school.
The Education Gap Statement offers a place to explain any time that has elapsed between your high school graduation and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State. Please provide a summary of why that gap occurred. Some examples that would explain a gap in your education include work, family, attending another college or university, etc.
Miscellaneous
In the Miscellaneous section, you will provide any program-specific requirements (e.g., a personal statement), information about activities, and financial aid information.
Review and Submit
Review your information, digitally sign your application, and provide payment for the application fee ($65 domestic or $75 international).
High School Transcripts and Academic Record
After your application is completed, you will also need to self-report your high school course work before the application deadline. You will be directed to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). It is helpful to have a high school transcript available when completing this section. In the third section, you'll select your program of study and campus.
Official high school transcripts or GED transcript, along with records from high school, are required, regardless of the length of time that has passed.
Include any college/university transcripts (required), military transcripts, and Proof of English Language proficiency (if applicable). SAT/ACT scores are not required if you are identified as an adult learner or transfer student.
All official documents should be sent to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802You can also have your transcripts sent electronically through Parchment, eScript-Safe, or the National Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Acceptance
After receiving your application, application fee, and all required materials, your application will be evaluated for admission. You can check your application status online. This will provide the most up‐to‐date information about the status of your application and is updated once daily, before 8:00 a.m. (ET). Once a decision has been made regarding your application, it will be available to you through the MyPennState portal.
For information on when you can expect an admissions decision, visit the Dates and Deadlines page of the Undergraduate Admissions website. Make sure you click the "+" sign to see these dates for World Campus Applicants (First-Year and Transfer).
5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
Penn State's turfgrass science program is widely regarded as the foremost program of its kind in the world. The B.S. degree in turfgrass science was developed and is taught by faculty from the Plant Science, Entomology, and Plant Pathology departments in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
Faculty
Michael Fidanza
- DegreePh.D., Agronomy, University of Maryland
- DegreeM.S., Agronomy, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Agricultural Science, Penn State
Dr. Michael Fidanza is a professor of plant and soil sciences at Penn State Berks. His research and teaching focuses are turfgrass ecology, the translational evaluation and exploration of plant health products (fungicides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators), soil surfactants, seed technology, bio stimulants, turfgrass physiology, cultural practices in turfgrass ecosystems, and the biology and ecology of fairy ring disease in turf. He is the director of Penn State's Center for the Agricultural Sciences and a Sustainable Environment, and he is a Fellow in the American Society of Agronomy.
David Huff
- DegreePh.D., Genetics, University of California, Davis
- DegreeM.S., Genetics, University of California, Davis
- DegreeB.S., Crop and Soils Sciences, Michigan State University
Dr. David Huff is a research scientist who performs basic and applied genetics on a wide range of grass species, including some native to North America. In the area of crop improvement, his program focuses on enhancing turf quality, seed yield, persistence, disease resistance, and tolerance to salinity and extreme temperatures (both heat and cold). He also performs a range of genomic investigations on the reproductive biology of these grasses, including such systems as apomixis, dioecy, and fungal-induced hermaphroditism.
Brad Jakubowski
- DegreePh.D., Agronomy, Penn State, in progress
- DegreeM.S., Soil Science, Colorado State University
- DegreeB.S., Comprehensive Environmental Geography, University of Nebraska
- DegreeA.A.S., Printing Technology and Industry, Central Community College
Brad Jakubowski is an instructor of golf course irrigation and drainage, landscape irrigation and water management, and turfgrass management. He is experienced in water management, irrigation management, turfgrass management, and soil. As a Ph.D. candidate, he is studying impact attenuation on natural and synthetic athletic turfgrass fields.
Peter Landschoot
- DegreePh.D., Plant Pathology, University of Rhode Island
- DegreeM.S., Agronomy, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Agronomy, Penn State
Dr. Peter Landschoot's primary job responsibility involves turfgrass extension and outreach in Pennsylvania. His research interests include disease and weed management, soil improvement, turfgrass variety evaluation, and soil fertility. Dr. Landschoot teaches Case Studies in Turfgrass Management in the resident and World Campus programs at Penn State.
Benjamin McGraw
- DegreePh.D., Entomology, Rutgers University
- DegreeM.S., Entomology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
- DegreeB.S., Animal Science, University of Maine
Dr. Benjamin McGraw's main teaching foci at Penn State are general turfgrass management (TURF 235, 496a) and entomology courses (ENT 317, 952a). His research program focuses on understanding the biology and ecology of turfgrass insect populations to improve current management practices and develop novel, more sustainable management and monitoring programs.
Max Schlossberg
- DegreePh.D., Agronomy, University of Georgia
- DegreeM.S., Agronomy, University of Georgia
- DegreeB.S., Agronomy, Texas A&M University
Dr. Max Schlossberg's comprehensive instructional approach supports effective management of turfgrass in every hemisphere. His primary research focuses on developing fertilizer programs to optimize resilience, playability, and nutrient use efficiency of turfgrass systems. His laboratory team has identified cultural methods for rapid soil pH optimization of turfgrass root zones, enhanced efficiency mechanisms of N fertilizers, factors controlling soil water repellency development, and topographic dependence of soils fertility.