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.

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.

Note: Due to the requirements of internship providers to adhere to CDC guidelines concerning COVID-19 and Penn State's policy to grant permission to complete on-site internships, the TURF program requests that students register for TURF 295/495 for FA20 by August 7. This will allow enough time for students to complete the necessary forms and for permission to be granted by Penn State for students to complete internships for credit.

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 106 or CHEM 110 or CHEM 110H or CHEM 130	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. effective spring 21: Prerequisite: Concurrent: TURF 235	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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: Prior approval of proposed assignment by instructor.	3 credits

Additional Course (3 credits)
Title	Abbreviation	Description	Credits
Chemical Principles I or Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry	CHEM 110 or CHEM 130	CHEM 110 is the first semester of a two-semester, comprehensive general chemistry course which 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 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.	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

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