Courses

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.

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.

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
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.

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

Prescribed Courses (31 credits)

3

credits

An introduction to fundamental biological topics (including cells, energy transduction, genetics, evolution, organismal structure/function, ecology) for non-majors biology-related fields.

GN
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.
3

credits

Introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on the properties of organic compounds of biochemical importance.

Prerequisite
CHEM 101 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 110 or CHEM 110H or CHEM 130
3

credits

An intensive, rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts.

Prerequisite
ENGL 4 or satisfactory performance on the English placement examination

GWS
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.
3

credits

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

Prerequisite Concurrent
TURF 235
3

credits

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.
3

credits

Ethical theory about virtue, duty, autonomy, and life quality applied to moral problems, including character, violence, oppression, abortion, and suicide.

Prerequisite
ENGL 15 or ENGL 30

GH
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Humanities (GH) requirement.
3

credits

A study of soil properties and processes and relationships to land use, plant growth, environmental quality, and culture.

GN
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.
1

credit

Covers chemical toxicity, formulations, environmental fate, labels, MSDS, calibration, IPM, safety, handling, storage, and Pennsylvania certification and regulations.
3

credits

Characterization of the primary plant species used for sports, lawn and utility turf; includes turfgrass morphology, environmental adaptation, and cultural requirements.
3

credits

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

credits

Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction including field experience, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required.

Prerequisite
Prior approval of proposed assignment by instructor.

Additional Courses (select 3 credits)

- 3
  
  credits
  
  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
- or:
  3
  
  credits
  
  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

Supporting Courses (18 credits)

Professional Agriculture — 9 credits

Professional Management and Economics — 9 credits

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.

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

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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