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The 61-credit online degree program in turfgrass science is an excellent way for working adults everywhere to get a reputable degree conveniently, without having to leave work or home to attend classes on a campus.

To earn this associate degree, you must successfully complete:

  • 31 major course credits — this includes courses that count toward General Education
  • 21 General Education credits
  • 18 supporting credits

Some of the courses earned in the basic and advanced certificates will apply toward satisfying the 31 major course credits requirement in the associate degree, but it is not possible to earn either certificate completely within the associate degree.

Contact admissions to learn more.

For those wishing to continue their studies further, the 61 credits earned toward an associate degree can often be applied toward the requirements of a bachelor's degree at Penn State, or at another institution. However, some additional course work may be necessary. 

Course List - Associate in Science in Turfgrass Science and Management 

A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.

Requirements for the Major (61 credits)

This includes 15 credits in General Education courses: 6 credits in GN courses, 3 credits in GQ courses, 3 credits in GWS courses, and 3 credits of GH courses.

All the courses that comprise Penn State's associate of science degree program in turfgrass science and management can be completed around your own schedule — wherever and whenever it's most convenient for you. All core courses in the program are 1 semester in length (15 weeks for the fall and spring semesters and 12 weeks for the summer semester). The start and end dates for the core courses correspond to the University calendar.

Prescribed Courses (31 credits)
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
Introductory Biology I (GN) BIOL 011 An introduction to fundamental biological topics (including cells, energy transduction, genetics, evolution, organismal structure/function, ecology) for non-majors biology-related fields. 3 credits
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I CHEM 202 Introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on the properties of organic compounds of biochemical importance.

Prerequisite: CHEM 101 or CHEM 110 or CHEM 106		 3 credits
Rhetoric and Composition (GWS) ENGL 015 Instruction and practice in writing expository prose that shows sensitivity to audience and purpose.

Prerequisite: ENGL 004 or satisfactory performance on the English proficiency examination		 3 credits
Turfgrass Insect Pest Management ENT 317 Introduction to entomology and management of insect pests of cool- and warm-season turfgrass.

Prerequisite: TURF 235, CHEM 101, or CHEM 110		 3 credits
College Algebra I MATH 021 Quadratic equations; equations in quadratic form; word problems; graphing; algebraic fractions; negative and rational exponents; radicals.

Prerequisite: MATH 004 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics FTCAP examination		 3 credits
Introduction to Ethics (GH) PHIL 103W Ethical theory about virtue, duty, autonomy, and life quality applied to moral problems, including character, violence, oppression, abortion, and suicide.

Prerequisites: ENGL 015 or ENGL 030		 3 credits
Introductory Soil Science (GN) SOILS 101 A study of soil properties and processes and relationships to land use, plant growth, environmental quality, and culture. 3 credits
Turfgrass Pesticides TURF 230 Course covers chemical toxicity, formulations, environmental fate, labels, MSDS, calibration, IPM, safety, handling, storage, and Pennsylvania certification and regulations. 1 credit
The Turfgrass TURF 235 Characterization of the primary plant species used for sports, lawn, and utility turf; includes turfgrass morphology, environmental adaptation, and cultural requirements. 3 credits
Turf and Ornamental Weed Control TURF 238 Students will be introduced to the development of integrated weed management strategies utilizing a variety of cultural and chemical methods. 3 credits
Internship TURF 295 Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction including field experience, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required. 3 credits
Additional Course (Select 3 credits from the following courses)
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
Introductory Chemistry (GN) CHEM 101 Selected principles and applications of chemistry. Prior study of chemistry is not assumed.

Prerequisite: MATH 021 or satisfactory performance on the MATH FTCAP examination — i.e. placement beyond the level of MATH 021		 3 credits
Chemical Principles I (GN) CHEM 110 Basic concepts and quantitative relations. Students may take only one course for General Education credit from CHEM 110 or CHEM 101. 3 credits
Supporting Courses (18 credits)
Description Credits
Professional Agriculture 9 credits
Professional Management and Economics 9 credits
General Education (21-27 credits*)
Description Credits
Arts — GA 3 credits
Humanities — GH 3 credits
Natural Sciences — GN 3 credits
Social and Behavioral Sciences — GS 3 credits
Writing and Speaking — GWS 3 credits
Quantification — GQ 3 credits
Any General Education course, including Integrative Studies (Inter-domain or Linked courses) 3 credits
United States Cultures (US), or International Cultures (IL) or combined designation (US; IL) 3 credits*
Writing Across the Curriculum (W, M, X,Y) 3 credits*

*May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.

Note: 15 of these 21 credits are included in requirements for the major

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.