Courses

The online basic certificate in turfgrass management is a 15-credit minimum program of study. Early courses in the program introduce the field and cover turfgrass pest management, turfgrass cultural systems, and turfgrass edaphology.

The delivery method for the core courses in this program is "online group," with a group of students progressing together through each course. The courses are offered in a time frame comparable to a traditional semester schedule, with fixed start and end dates. The course content and activities are available in electronic format, and access to the web is required in order to complete this program.

In order to earn the certificate, you must complete at least 15 credits from the following course options. Students must earn at least a "C" grade in each course taken to be eligible for the certificate.

Note about prerequisites: For this program, listed course prerequisites may be waived by the course instructor if you can demonstrate the required level of competency.

Prescribed Courses (4 credits)

1

credit

Covers chemical toxicity, formulations, environmental fate, labels, MSDS, calibration, IPM, safety, handling, storage, and Pennsylvania certification and regulations.

Note
Students who have a valid (and verifiable) state pesticide license can request to be exempted from taking TURF 230.
3

credits

Characterization of the primary plant species used for sports, lawn and utility turf; includes turfgrass morphology, environmental adaptation, and cultural requirements.

Additional Courses (select 11 credits)

3

credits

Introduction to entomology and management of insect pests of cold- and warm-season turfgrass.

Prerequisite Concurrent
TURF 235
3

credits

Introduction to biology of turfgrass pathogens and management of cool- and warm-season turfgrass.

Prerequisite
TURF 230
3

credits

Introduction to the development of integrated weed management strategies utilizing a variety of cultural and chemical methods.
3

credits

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.
3

credits

A study of turfgrass maintenance practices and how their interrelationships can be utilized to develop management systems.

Prerequisite
TURF 235

Recommended preparation
SOILS 101
3

credits

Characterization of soil's physical and chemical properties for the establishment and maintenance of sports turf; includes root zone construction.

Prerequisite
TURF 235 or equivalent, SOILS 101
4

credits

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
3

credits

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

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.

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