Turfgrass Science and Management is an applied science program that focuses on the production and maintenance of grassed areas, including home lawns, parks, golf courses and other athletic surfaces. This concentration integrates scientific theory with practical experience, and students in this concentration have the option of selecting a business management or a science focus.
A career in the turfgrass industry is very rewarding, and the demand is growing. Professional turfgrass managers blend the technical expertise of turfgrass culture and physiology with the challenges of managing insects, diseases, and weed populations to keep turf areas green and healthy. The field is very broad and includes seed and sod production, turfgrass establishment and maintenance for lawns, sports turf, parks, schools, and cemeteries, as well as golf courses. There are opportunities in municipal and state positions, private and public golf courses, lawn and landscape companies, as well as opportunities to establish your own business. Some turf management graduates work for suppliers of turf products in sales or as technical representatives, or work as private consultants. Additional career opportunities include golf course design, urban planning, marketing, and environmental land planning.
A full complement of opportunities exist at the Stockbridge School for training in Turfgrass Science & Management, ranging from a two-year Associate's Degree program, to a four-year Bachelor's Degree program, to graduate programs at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels.
For complete information, visit http://stockbridge.cns.umass.edu/associates/turfgrass-management or call 413-545-2222.
For information about internship programs and other career opportunities in turf management, be sure to visit the Stockbridge School Career-Net at http://stockbridge.cns.umass.edu/careers