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Tee Up for Success in the Turf Industry:
Choose Rutgers
Program Options: At a Glance
Two-Year Certificate Program
Advance your turf career with in-depth training and real-world experience!
- Attend two 10-week sessions on the Rutgers campus in New Brunswick, NJ during Fall 2024/25 or Winter 2025/26
- Includes 200-hour paid internship completed between the 10-week sessions, field trips, and hands-on training
- Prerequisite: High school diploma/GED and at least one season of work experience on golf course or sports field
- $5,995 tuition fee for each 10-week session, plus application fee, books, and housing/travel expenses
- Payment plans, financial aid, and scholarships available
- Ideal for individuals with some turf experience who want to advance their careers, boost their salaries, and have the time and commitment for in-depth training
Three-Week Preparatory Course
Learn the essentials of turfgrass management from the comfort of home!
- Online course offered every January
- Flexible schedule combines live Zoom classes and prerecorded lectures
- All are invited to attend; no application process, no prerequisites
- $2,195 if you register by December 31, 2024 ($2,395 after). Save $200 on your tuition when you register early!
- Payment plans and financial aid available
- A great choice if you are new to turf management, looking for formal education to move up the ladder quickly, short on time, or tight on money
Why Rutgers?
The Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program is a world-class learning center that has trained thousands of successful greenskeepers in the art and science of golf course management. Whether you are seeking formal education to enhance your industry experience or you’re brand new to turf and looking for foundational knowledge, Rutgers is the place to grow your turf career.
Practical Content
Our programs will teach you the science behind turfgrass management, refine and develop your technical skills, and provide you with the expertise to keep your course at peak playability. A 200-hour internship, hands-on training, and field trips are included in the Two-Year Certificate Program to offer opportunities for real-world application of concepts learned in the classroom.
Expert Instructors
Our instructors represent the best of the best from both the academic community and turf industry. You will learn from distinguished Rutgers professors, established superintendents, expert plant diagnostic specialists, industry-leading irrigation contractors, and prominent
turf consultants, all of whom are both subject matter experts and dedicated teachers who are committed to student learning.
Career Advancement
With a certificate from the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program— which is known and recognized worldwide — doors will open for you. Our alumni work as golf course superintendents or assistant superintendents in almost all 50 states and throughout the world. They also serve as sports turf managers, building and grounds managers, owners and operators of landscape firms, and more.
Networking Opportunities
Our graduates lead the industry and work at top golf courses all around the world. By choosing Rutgers for your turf management education, you can join this prestigious worldwide network of alumni, which will serve as an invaluable resource throughout your career. Whether you are searching for a new job, looking to hire someone for your team, or have a technical question, the Rutgers Turf community can help.
Convenience
Our programs are designed to fit conveniently around your work/life commitments. The Two-Year Certificate Program consists of two 10-week sessions on the Rutgers campus with a paid internship of your choice in between, while the Three-Week Course is offered 100% online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction.
Student Support
Led by Program Coordinator Elizabeth Coogan, our administrative team is focused on your success and here to help you every step of the way. We would love to hear from you and are happy to discuss your opportunities here at Rutgers, as well as answer any questions you may have about our programs.
Rutgers Turf by the Numbers
4,800 +
730 +
600 +
*Source: 2023 GCSAA Compensation and Benefits Report. Learn more.
Meet Our Students
Robert Moinichen, 2022 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
, Fox Hollow Golf Club,
"Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management school played an integral role in my development and understanding of this complex career. The training and knowledge I received from the Two-Year Certificate Program has truly set me up to be successful as a turfgrass manager.
"The education is delivered by instructors who I honestly believe are second to none in their field. They are masters of their trade and enjoy sharing their experiences. The course can be difficult at times due to learning new and challenging material; so, do not be discouraged because the reward at the end is totally worth it! As a recent graduate, I would highly recommend the Rutgers program to anyone interested working in the turfgrass industry!"
Ned Lee, 2021 Three-Week Preparatory Course Student
,
"This program far exceeded my expectations! The teachers were high energy and knowledgeable about their fields. I enjoyed learning about the technical aspects of the industry, such as cutting, maintenance, math formulas for calibration, disease and insect identification, and course construction. It was a really great experience and will be a valuable resource as I explore new opportunities in the turfgrass industry."
Jasmine Morning, 2021 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
, Station Creek Golf Club,
"Despite all the challenges of completing an already rigorous program online during the pandemic, Rutgers remained a world class turf program. The entire faculty made an incredible effort to accommodate our work schedules and demonstrated their investment not only in our education, but in our personal growth as future turfgrass managers.
"I feel confident that the relationships we made at Rutgers will benefit us throughout our careers."
Joshua Tubbs, 2021 Three-Week Preparatory Course Student
, The Toro Company,
"I got more than I expected out of this class! My goal was to learn a little more about irrigation, but I got so much more than that. I now have a much better appreciation of everything a superintendent does, which will help me anticipate their needs."
Brogan Meyers, 2020 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
, Cherry Hills Country Club,
"The Rutgers Two-Year Professional Golf Turf Management School has definitely set me up for success. It has changed the way I see a golf course completely and has allowed me to be a confident decision maker out on the course.
"I've been able to make leaps and bounds in my career, all thanks to the great instruction and courses provided. The required internship pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I am so thankful for it as I have landed a position at a top 100 golf course and have learned that the sky is the limit."
Steven Nacewicz, 2021 Three-Week Preparatory Course Student
, Crestwood Golf Club,
"It was really great to hear from and gain a different perspective from so many different people in the [Rutgers 3-Week Online Preparatory Turf] class. The speakers are obviously the top in their field and are well-versed in their areas. I downloaded all the recordings and plan to watch them two or three more times before I start the season."