College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Institute of Agricultural Technology

The certificate program in Turfgrass Management with a Golf Course emphasis prepares students for a rewarding career in the golf industry. Students in this program will be learning at Michigan State University, a university with an international reputation in turfgrass research and education.

The program consists of both on-campus learning and hand-on experiences through a professional internship.

With over 14,000 golf courses in the United States, there is a high demand for trained personnel to manage and service public and private golf courses. This program offers a solid background in plant science along with the specific expertise and skills needed for a career in golf course supervision and management.

Areas of study include:

• Soil and landscape science
• Turfgrass management
• Turfgrass irrigation
• Pest management
• Pesticide and fertilizer application
• Golf course design and construction
• Landscape management

Students can also get involved in a variety of clubs and organizations, including the MSU Turfgrass Club and MSU Agronomy Club, that help students grow personally and professionally.

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Career Opportunities

Following graduation, students earn an MSU IAT certificate preparing them for the job market. If interested, students can also transfer into Michigan State University to earn a bachelor degree in crop and soil sciences or another related major.

Michigan has over 800 public and private golf courses that are seeking skilled employees to meet the challenges in today’s golf industry. Graduates find careers in the turfgrass and golf course industries and operations based on their interests.

Some career paths include:

• Senior crew member
• Assistant superintendent or superintendent
• Professional groundskeeper
• Golf course manager
• Turf specialist
• Licensed irrigator
• Sales and marketing professional

Academics

The Turfgrass Management - Golf Course certificate program is based in East Lansing on the campus of Michigan State University.

Program requirements:

• 54 credits
• 4 semesters of classroom instruction
• 1 semester off-campus internship (primarily during the summer from April to August)

Learn more about the MSU requirements and courses in Turfgrass Management - Golf Course certificate program.

Some learning facilities include:

• Horticulture Teaching and Research Center
• Hancock Turfgrass Research Center
• Plant and Soil Sciences Building
• MSU Agronomy Farm

Internships

IAT coordinators help students find and secure organizations to mentor them as part of their required certificate program internship. Not only does this provide immediate on-the-job experience, but internships also help with networking and industry connections.

Some internship locations include:

• Baltimore Country Club
• National Golf Links of America
• Oakland Hills Country Club
• Olympia Fields Country Club
• Point O’Woods Country Club
• Sand Hills Golf Club
• Valhalla Golf Club

Program Coordinator

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact the Turfgrass Management - Golf Course program coordinator.