College of Agriculture > Agronomy and Soils > Turf

Undergraduate and Graduate Studies in Turfgrass Management

The Turfgrass Management program is a specialty track in the Department of Agronomy & Soils at Auburn University. With an enrollment of over 50 students, the track is one of the largest in the Department. Students in the major take basic courses in chemistry, biology, plant physiology and soils, and also take special turf-related courses in weed science, plant pathology, entomology and irrigation technology. Another required part of the major is an Internship at a turf-related enterprise, typically met by working for a golf course, sod farm, landscape company or turfgrass maintenance firm. Our degree program is a science-based program with primary emphasis on (1) General turfgrass education, (2) Pest management, and (3) Soil science.

In our department we want students who are interested in more than just riding a mower. We want students who are interested in the science behind the management of turfgrass. The way turfgrass is managed affects lakes and streams, animals and non-target species, athletes and children who use the turf, and other parts of the environment. Upon graduating from Auburn, our students will understand and respect those potential negative effects.

(1) General Turfgrass Education - In our emphasis in general turfgrass education, we focus on a broad-based understanding turfgrass culture.

• Principles of Turfgrass Management
• Advanced Turfgrass Management
• Turfgrass Internship
• Turf Bowl Competitions: Sports Turf Managers Association of America and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

(2) Pest Management Education - Students receive extensive training in the primary turfgrass pest management areas- plant pathology, entomology, and weed science. These classes present general information, as well as specific instruction on their application to turfgrass management.

(3) Soil science - We pride ourselves on the rigor placed on students regarding soil science education- after all soil is the basis of turfgrass growth. The majority of turfgrass problems encountered are often a result of not taking account of basic agronomic soil science.

Graduate Studies in Turfgrass Management

Graduates in Turfgrass Management have a wide range of career options, although most of our graduates do pursue a career as a golf course superintendent. Other graduates manage sod farms, maintain athletic facilities or work for landscape maintenance companies. Graduates with good grade point averages often go on to graduate school or are employed as Technical Representatives by chemical or turf supply companies.

The Turfgrass Management Track in Agronomy & Soils shows no signs of slowing down - enrollment continues to increase, jobs are plentiful and starting salaries are competitive with those in other areas of Agriculture.

View the Turfgrass Management Curriculum

 

Last Updated: Feb. 24, 2011