University of Massachusetts Winter School for Turf Managers

Program Background

The UMass Winter School for Turf Managers is an intensive, 110+ hour certificate program designed to convey essential concepts for producing and maintaining well performing turf surfaces, with emphasis on environmental stewardship, input reduction, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility. This comprehensive, dynamic short course is geared to professionals such as those associated with the management of fine lawns and landscapes; golf courses; sports surfaces; parks; municipal, institutional, or private grounds; or sales and support to these industry segments.

Winter School is widely recognized and respected, and represents an excellent choice for turf managers who seek to expand their knowledge and practical skills.  The program is uniquely suited for professionals with some experience who are seeking career advancement, but lack formal education in turf science, and for whom a two- or four-year degree program is not the current best choice. For those who may aspire to a relevant degree in the future, Winter School is a great first step. The course is also often a good fit for motivated career changers who want to establish a solid foundation for entering the field of turf management.

A Distinguished History

The 'Massachusetts Agricultural College Winter Greenkeepers Class' circa 1930

Professor Lawrence S. Dickinson (back row, far left above) established the 'Winter School for Greenkeepers at Massachusetts Agricultural College' in 1927. The University of Massachusetts Winter School for Turf Managers, as the program is now known, was the first program of its kind and has run continuously with the exception of a three-year hiatus during World War II. While rooted in legacy, the modern program has evolved into a top source for turf industry professionals, and many among the thousands of UMass Winter School graduates hold positions of responsibility and prestige throughout the United States and Canada, as well as South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Current Course Format

Prior to the 2021 session, a typical Turf Winter School was a full-time, in-person program held on the UMass Amherst campus in Amherst, MA for 6 weeks in January and February. In response to changing trends and demands, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, Winter School was re-invented as a completely online program for the 2021 session.

The current iteration of Winter School is an entirely online, 110+ hour course taught by UMass Extension Specialists, UMass faculty, and distinguished guest instructors. Virtual instruction offers appealing benefits, including registration cost savings due to reduced overhead, savings on time and travel expenses, and opportunity for those who have previously been unable to attend due to other commitments, travel restrictions or distance the ability to participate from the convenience of their homes and offices.

Curriculum

Through a rigorous combination of virtual classroom, assessment, and discussion activities, students can expect to gain detailed understanding and working knowledge of the items described below for each topic module. Each topic module is led by an individual instructor who brings their own approach and style appropriate for the material. All students attend all topic modules and are responsible for completing all assignments and graded assessments in a timely fashion.

Core Modules:

• Fundamentals of Turf Management – Essential principles of responsible and effective turf management: basic growth and development of the turfgrass plant and its component parts; climatic and environmental adaptation; management & performance; turfgrass selection & use; establishment practices; nutrition & fertility; and cultural practices including mowing, irrigation, cultivation, & topdressing... as well as cultural tools including biostimulants, plant growth regulators, and wetting agents.
• Soil Science and Management - In-depth study of the nature and properties of soils as related to the culture and management of fine turf.
• Turf Pathology - Causes and identification of diseases, including how they begin and environmental conditions that lead to infection and turf damage; examination of cultural practices and management materials that reduce and prevent diseases.
• Turf Entomology - Discussion of turf damaging insects including: life cycles; identification; Integrated Pest Management strategies; biological & chemical management; and cultural methods for reducing injury.
• Weed Management - Principles of weed management: weed biology & life cycles; weed management strategies, including Integrated Pest Management strategies; techniques for effective weed control with reduced pesticide use.

Special Topics

• Advanced Topics in Turf – Turfgrass physiology and biological processes; environmental stress resistance and tolerance; competition in turfgrass communities.
• Irrigation and Equipment Management - Principles of hydraulics; precipitation rates; irrigation system components & system design; troubleshooting & retrofitting.
• Arboriculture - Special considerations for maintenance of trees and shrubs in conjunction with turf areas.

Core Faculty

• Michelle DaCosta, Ph.D., Professor - University of Massachusetts
• Deborah Henson, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer - University of Massachusetts
• Geunhwa Jung, Ph.D., Professor - University of Massachusetts
• Olga Kostromytska, Ph.D., Extension Assistant Professor - University of Massachusetts
• Jason Lanier, M.S., Extension Specialist & Group Leader, Commercial Horticulture - University of Massachusetts
• Angela Madeiras, Ph.D., Extension Educator & Diagnostician, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab - University of Massachusetts
• James Poro, M.S., Superintendent, Joseph Troll Turf Research Center - University of Massachusetts
• Randall Prostak, M.S., Extension Weed Specialist - University of Massachusetts

Program Fees & Options for Tuition Assistance

The program fee for the 2026 session is $3100 USD, all inclusive. This fee is due and payable upon acceptance in order to secure a seat.

The program fee includes all materials necessary to be successful in the course.  While there is a list of suggested textbooks, all textbooks are currently optional.  A book list will be provided upon acceptance.  For reference, the books on the current list total approximately $600 USD, but significant savings are possible with used books and/or older editions.

Cancellation policy: refunds (less a $100 USD processing fee) are available for cancellation requests received prior to midnight on the first scheduled class day. Cancellations submitted as early as possible are appreciated so that the seat may be offered to another prospective student.

Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Express Grant Program

For eligible Massachusetts employers, the UMass Turf Winter School program fee for employee training may be partially or almost fully reimbursed through the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Express Grant Program. Employers should submit an online application to the Express Grant Program at least 21 days in advance of the Winter School starting date. Note that this program only applies to Massachusetts-based employers with fewer than 100 employees, and that the maximum total reimbursement is $3000 per person and $20,000 per business, per calendar year. Visit their website find out if you qualify and to apply for benefits.

Other states may have similar programs. Check with your local or state workforce development agency.

The MassGolf Investment in the Game Award

For prospective students working in the golf industry in Massachusetts, your Turf Winter School tuition may be partially or entirely covered if you are a successful recipient of this award.  Visit their website for full details.

New Hampshire Golf Course Superintendents Association (NHGCSA) Scholarship

The NHGCSA awards scholarships annually to those enrolled in turf-related studies. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of NHGCSA Board members and officers. All decisions of the committee will be final.

Scholarships will be awarded in the range of $500 - $2,000.

For Turf Winter School applicants:

• Applicants must have a minimum of 2 consecutive years working experience in the turf industry.
• Past recipients are not eligible to apply
• Applicant must be a New Hampshire resident.
• The deadline for Winter School application is December 31st. No applications will be accepted after this date.

Visit their application form.

Student Loans

Several lenders offer loan programs designed for certificate programs like the UMass Winter School for Turf Managers.  At the following link, for your convenience, is the current UMass alternative educational loans list. Please note that UMass is not responsible for the availability of specific loans, content, or accuracy of materials on third party websites. Please contact providers to verify eligibility and carefully review final loan agreements, disclosures or promissory notes and understand their repayment terms and other obligations.  Please be aware also that Winter School is a non-credit, non-degree certificate program, and therefore will not usually qualify for loans that require college enrollment.

Application

How Does a Virtual Winter School for Turf Managers Work?

Mode of instruction: Instruction is currently 100% virtual, providing attendees with online lectures, activities, and resources via an online learning management system called Canvas Catalog. Most class sessions are delivered synchronously (live) via Zoom, although a smaller portion of content may be pre-recorded. All synchronous material is recorded for later on-demand (asynchronous) viewing. Handouts, polls, surveys, assigned readings and guided discussion/Q&A opportunities complement class instruction.

Schedule: The 2026 course period is scheduled for approximately 8 weeks, from 1/6/2026 to 3/2/2026. The main course schedule is built around a 4.5 hour block of time on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons during each course week, with scheduled class time from 1:00-3:00 and 3:30-5:30 on a typical class day. Most course weeks in 2026 also have an additional Friday afternoon session from 1:00-3:00.  

Successful applicants will be provided with a more detailed schedule of lectures and instructors prior to the start of the course.  Please note that the program reserves the right to make schedule and instructor changes when necessary.

Assessments & grading: Regular graded activities are assigned consistently throughout the course to assess mastery of material and to keep students progressing appropriately. Generally, each class/topic will have an associated quiz (most often) or alternative format assignment. For maximum flexibility, each assessment after it opens, can be completed within a multi-day window as opposed to a specific date and time. Generally, access to assessments opens by 8:00 PM on each class day and closes the following Monday night before the next class week begins.

Please note that appreciable time outside of class is necessary for study and completion of assignments. The specific amount of working time needed will vary by individual.

Geographic disclaimer: While attendees from far and wide are welcome to join us for this virtual course, please note that much of the information presented will have a geographic focus on Massachusetts and New England (and cool-season C3 grasses), and therefore will be most applicable to those locations. 

Scheduled class times are also optimized for U.S. Eastern Time, so may not be as convenient for students in other time zones. Please contact us if you wish to further discuss geographic considerations.

Online Course Requirements

• Access to a computer and peripherals - Regular, reliable access to a computer or other suitable device, as well as a strong internet connection, is a must (e.g., desktop or laptop computer, tablet, smartphone; these are listed in the order of preference/convenience for remote instruction).  Audio capability and a microphone are also necessary, and having a webcam is encouraged and will enhance the interactive experience. While a smartphone may be used in a pinch to access Canvas Catalog and attend lectures, it is not recommended as a standalone solution on account of small screen size.
• Access to a fast and reliable internet connection – broadband wired or wireless (cellular connections are slower/less reliable in many locations). Review detailed information that will help you to determine bandwidth requirements for Zoom.
• The ability to print, while not required, is recommended. Students are encouraged to make copies of lecture outlines to take notes on during each lecture.  Please note however that printing of resources can carry significant costs on the student side in the way of ink, paper, etc.
• Cursory familiarity with Zoom – If you are a new user of the Zoom web-conferencing platform, see their meeting guide and consider practicing with family or friends. There are also a variety of YouTube videos that can be helpful.
• Cursory Familiarity with Canvas Catalog – Canvas Catalog is the Learning Management System at UMass Amherst currently used for this course. If you are new to Canvas Catalog, see their FAQs. More details about getting set up with Canvas Catalog will be shared upon acceptance.
• Attendance at a virtual orientation session prior to the start of class – Orientation is typically scheduled in mid-December, and successful applicants will receive more information upon acceptance.

Certification & Professional Licensure

A hard copy Certificate of Completion is awarded to those who satisfactorily complete the prescribed Winter School program requirements. This certificate, held by individuals numbering in the thousands, carries weight in the industry and has the reputation of the University of Massachusetts and a century-long legacy behind it.

While Winter School is a college-level course, it is a non-credit, non-degree offering, meaning that no college credits are currently available for participation in the program. Certain degree or other certificate programs may recognize time spent at Winter School for satisfaction of certain requirements, but this is only applicable on a case-by case basis and at the discretion of the external program.

The UMass Winter School for Turf Managers offers pesticide recertification contact hours (credits) which meet continuing education requirements for pesticide applicators licensed in categories 37 (Turf) and 000 (Applicator’s License) by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Division of Crop & Pest Services: Pesticide Program. A reciprocity agreement certifies that contact hours approved by MDAR are valid for recertification in equivalent license categories in all New England states (MA, NH, VT, ME, CT, RI). This course may satisfy pesticide continuing education requirements for licensed applicators in other states outside of New England, but applicability is at the discretion of pesticide authorities in each respective state; contact your state authority for more information. Review contact information for pesticide regulatory agencies in New England, New York and New Jersey. 

This course may also satisfy or enhance study or continuing education requirements for various professional certification programs, but that has not been determined for all possible instances. Contact us (see information below) or the coordinator of your certification program of interest for more information.

Contact

Jason Lanier
Extension Turf Specialist & Academic Coordinator, UMass Winter School for Turf Managers
Group Leader, Commercial Horticulture, UMass Extension
jdl[at]umass[dot]edu
413-545-2965

Harmonie O’Loughlin
Stakeholder Relationship Coordinator, Commercial Horticulture, UMass Extension
harmonieolou[at]umass[dot]edu
413-545-2685