Program Overview

Master of Professional Studies in Turfgrass Management

The Master of Professional Studies in Turfgrass Management is designed to help students refine their turfgrass technology, business, and project management skills. This program allows students to focus their electives on turfgrass science or business while learning how to manage the day-to-day challenges of running a turfgrass facility.

Program Overview

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.
• The application deadline is March 15 to start on May 18.
• The program consists of 30 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.

Program Requirements

• Students must complete four core courses, which include:
  • AGRO 596: Individual Studies in Agronomy
  • AEPS 851: Applied Plant Population Biology
  • TURF 850: Turfgrass Physiology
  • TURF 852: Turfgrass Health Management
• Students must also complete a capstone individual study in turfgrass management course.
• In addition to the required courses, students must take an additional 15 credits of elective coursework to focus on their particular interest within turfgrass facility management.

Elective Courses

• Turfgrass-specific courses:
  • PPEM 412: Turfgrass Disease Management
  • TURF 425: Turfgrass Cultural Systems
  • TURF 434: Turfgrass Edaphology
  • TURF 435: Turfgrass Nutrition
  • TURF 436: Case Studies in Turfgrass Management
• Business-related electives:
  • CAS 404: Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
  • HRER 501: Labor and Employment Law
  • HRER 505: Seminar in Human Resources
  • HRER 802: Human Behavior and Organizational Performance
  • MANGT 510: Project Management
  • MANGT 520: Planning and Resource Management
  • PSYCH 485: Leadership in Work Settings
  • SOC 404: Social Influence and Small Groups

Career Opportunities

• The program is designed for golf course and sports field professionals who want to extend their careers into facility management and operations.
• Potential job titles include:
  • Agricultural Research Technologist
  • Field Agronomist
  • Golf Course Manager
  • Golf Course Superintendent
  • Seed and Fertilizer Specialist
• Employment outlook:
  • Soil and Plant Scientists: 7.2% employment growth (10 years), 16,600 total employment
  • Agricultural Technicians: 5.9% employment growth (10 years), 14,340 total employment
  • Agricultural Inspectors: 3.9% employment growth (10 years), 12,090 total employment

Faculty

• Michael Fidanza: Professor of plant and soil sciences
• David Huff: Research scientist
• Max Schlossberg: Comprehensive instructional approach supports effective management of turfgrass

Admissions

• Application deadlines:
  • Summer: March 15
  • Fall: June 30
  • Spring: October 31
• Admission requirements:
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
  • GPA of 3.0
  • Minimum of two years of full-time work experience
• Application materials:
  • Official transcripts
  • English proficiency (if applicable)
  • References
  • Program-specific questions/materials (1- to 2-page letter of professional introduction)

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition: $1,037 per credit (2025-26 academic year)
• Financial aid and military benefits: available to eligible students
• Additional cost of attendance details: available on the Tuition Information site

Conclusion

The Master of Professional Studies in Turfgrass Management is a comprehensive program designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the turfgrass industry. With a focus on turfgrass science, business, and project management, this program provides students with the tools they need to manage the day-to-day challenges of running a turfgrass facility. Whether you're looking to advance your career or start a new one, this program can help you achieve your goals.