Turf Management Program FAQs

We offer a unique and internationally acclaimed learning opportunity for motivated students who are serious about becoming golf course superintendents or working in other types of turf management roles. Our programs provide students with an education that puts their turf career on the fast track.

Many incoming students already have a foot in the turf industry as crew members or assistant golf course superintendents. However, our programs give them the technical knowledge, the leadership and management training, and the experience that they need to move up the career ladder to become golf course superintendents, sports field managers, or park superintendents.

Our students come from all across the United States and around the world. Our programs are ideal for a wide range of individuals with career aspirations in the greens industry, including:

• Golf course superintendents
• Assistant golf course superintendents
• Greenskeepers
• Foremen
• Irrigation technicians
• Mechanics
• Spray technicians
• Other golf professionals with turf management responsibilities (e.g. owners, general managers, and developers)
• Sports turf managers
• College graduates in related fields who want to quickly establish a new career path
• Veterans of the U.S. military

Please note that in order to be accepted to the Two-Year Certificate Program, applicants MUST have a high school dipolma/GED and at least one full season of work experience on the grounds staff at a golf course, sports field, or other type of turf facility.

There are no prerequisites for the Three-Week Preparatory Course. All are welcome to register and attend!

Our students come from all walks of life, but the best ones have these traits in common:

• hard working
• love golf, plants, and/or working outdoors
• serious about their career
• driven to succeed in life

Many of our students already work at a golf course but need to improve their agronomic or management skills in order to get promoted. For them, our program is the next natural step in the progression of their turf management career. Others are career changers who are ready to pursue a new career path.

Some students have 4-year college degrees, some have 2-year degrees, and others have no college experience. Some students are the first person in their family to ever attend college. No matter what their educational background, they all work very hard to succeed in the program and when they finish, they (and their families) are so proud – and we are proud of them too!

We focus exclusively on those subjects necessary to become successful in the golf turf or sports turf industries. We offer the latest turf research in our classrooms and show it on our turf research plots. Clearly, turf science is a rapidly expanding field and our curriculum is specifically designed around the critical learning needs of our students. As those needs evolve, so too does our curriculum.

Our instructional team is a rich mix of research and teaching faculty from the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science, experts from across turf and related industries who work every day on the world’s best golf courses, and several of New Jersey’s most experienced and successful superintendents. Many of our instructors like to say that here at Rutgers in addition to teaching and demonstrating how to do things, we spend an equal amount of time discussing why things are done the way they are.

This value-added blend of scientific, practical, and experiential expertise is what makes the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program stand out from the rest. Our formula for instructional excellence has worked for over 50 years now, and our alumni are happy to testify about the transformational benefits our programs have had on their careers.

Learn more about the curriculum for our Two-Year Turf Certificate Program and the curriculum for our Three-Week Turf Preparatory Course.

There are typically two types of schools that offer turf management training.

One kind of school offers training to become a (PGA) golf pro – the person at a golf course who gives lessons to players – which has nothing to do with actually maintaining a golf course or becoming a golf course superintendent.

The other types of schools offer two-year or four-year degrees in turfgrass science or plant science with a turf concentration. Our Two-Year Certificate Program is most similar to these schools but with a few key differences that benefit our students.

Our Two-Year program:

• Teaches content that is exactly what students need to become golf course superintendents. There is no fluff and no time wasted on classes in philosophy, psychology, or political science – just turfgrass management all the time.
• Provides maximum knowledge in minimum time. Class runs 9am-3pm Monday through Friday for 10 straight weeks. It’s intense, but in less than 3 months, our students are done with their first year and back on the golf course applying what they learned on the job. After their internship, they return for a second 10-week session to complete the program.
• Offers the most “bang for the buck.” Our students learn from industry leaders and leave with a top-quality education in a short window of time, reducing the students’ time away from their jobs and their families. The costs to attend, including tuition and housing, are also considerably less than a degree program.
• Offers students an internationally-recognized certificate and top earning potential. The average base salary of a golf course superintendent with a two-year certificate was $97,252 in 2021*. This is close to the average base salary for those who have earned 4-year degrees.
  *Source: 2021 GCSAA Compensation and Benefits Report. Learn more.

Many of our students do go on to become golf course superintendents. However, there are a wide variety of industry-related jobs – from sales to sports field management to consulting – that our students have been offered. Here are some examples of what our alumni are doing today:

• Grounds crew member at Yankees Stadium
• Manager of corporate grounds for Pfizer
• NASCAR infield turf manager
• Director of Parks for the City of Wilmington, Delaware
• Assistant Sports Turf Manager for Louisiana State University

Visit our Turf Management Careers page to learn more.

PLEASE NOTE: The information below pertains ONLY to the Two-Year Certificate Program. It does not apply to students participating in the online Three-Week Preparatory Course.

Please visit our policies page for the latest information.

Because the Two-Year Certificate Program and Three-Week Preparatory Course are non-credit programs, traditional aid like FAFSA is not available. However, there are other options to help fund your turf education at Rutgers, including:

• Student loans (such as SallieMae)
• 529 college savings plan funds
• Educational benefits through the GI Bill® VA Training Program
• Scholarships (Rutgers only offers scholarships to students attending the second 10-week session of the Two-Year Program, but there are many other scholarships offered by outside organizations.)
• Tuition service agreements

For more information, visit the Two-Year Certificate Attendance Costs and Financial Aid page, or the Three-Week Course Attendance Costs and Financial Aid page.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Classes for our Two-Year Certificate Program are held in New Brunswick, New Jersey in multiple buildings on the Rutgers campus. In addition, field visits are scheduled at various sites in central New Jersey.

Our Three-Week Preparatory Course is held online.

The Three-Week Preparatory Course is conducted 100% online.

The Two-Year Certificate Program is offered in person at the Rutgers campus in New Brunswick, NJ.

Yes. Rutgers University and the Professional Golf Turf Management Programs utilize the Canvas online learning platform. In order to participate in class activities, it is required that all students supply their own laptop computer, Chromebook, tablet, or similar device that meets the Canvas technical requirements and computer hardware specifications.  The Canvas site will be your resource for all information, policies, learning materials, power point slides, assignments, exams, grades, and program communications.

No. As a non-matriculated student, there is no health service plan while you attend classes through the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program.

No. The courses offered by the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program are non-credit programs. As a result, we do not provide 1098-T forms. However, our students may be eligible for the Lifetime Learning tax credit. This tax credit is subject to income and other limitations. For more details, consult IRS Publication 970, “Tax Benefits for Higher Education” or discuss with your tax advisor. Visit Visit https://www.irs.gov/publications/p970 for information.

To minimize your time away from work and home, our Two-Year Certificate Program consists of two full-time 10-week classroom sessions, sandwiched around a paid golf course internship. If you attend a Fall session, you will complete your first 1o-week session in mid-December, work until the following October, and then attend your second 10-week session from October – December. Likewise, if you participate in a Winter session, you will return for the following Winter offering.

You cannot attend a Winter session directly after attending a Fall session because you must complete a 200+ hour turf management internship before starting the second session.

For more information, visit the Two-Year Turf Certificate Schedule and Location page.

We offer our 10-week classroom sessions October through mid-December (Fall session) and every every January through mid-March (Winter session). Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm each day.

For more information, visit the Two-Year Turf Certificate Schedule and Location page.

Yes, the required 200+ hour internship is a paid job. You may complete this in-service field experience in your current place of employment, or we can assist you in locating an internship elsewhere. Dozens of golf courses from around the country send us job and internship opportunities, which we share with our students so they can pursue the placement that best fits their personal goals.

For more information, visit the Two-Year Turf Certificate Internship page.

Yes, applicants must have a high school diploma/GED and at least one full season of work experience on the grounds staff at a golf course, sports facility, or other type of turf facility. This ensures that applicants are fully aware of, and committed to, the amount and pace of work expected in the turf management industry.

Our Three-Week Preparatory Course is a great option for those who do not meet these prerequisites.

We accept applications year round. For planning purposes and to reserve a seat in the session of your choice, it is best to apply as early as possible. Visit our application page for more information.

To apply for our Two-Year Certificate Program, you must:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Submit a letter of intent.
3. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation from current or past supervisors.
4. Submit a current resume or CV.
5. Submit a copy of your high school transcript or GED certificate. If applicable, submit your college transcripts as well.
6. Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.

Only when ALL pieces of your application are received will it be reviewed by the Admissions Board. Visit our application page for more information.

Please note that housing is not included in your tuition. In addition, Rutgers is not responsible for your housing arrangements. You must make your own arrangements at your own additional cost. However, we are happy to help!

The most successful current trend for students looking for housing is using websites like Airbnb and Vrbo. In addition, we have contacted local hotels and short term housing facilities to help identify housing options and negotiate for discounted rates. There are also countless other housing accommodations near campus that you are free to research and choose from. On-campus (dorm) housing is not available.

For more information, visit our Travel and Housing page.

You do not need a car, but it is strongly recommended. If you do not have a car to get to and from class each day, you can rent one, carpool with other students, stay in one of the facilities that offers a shuttle service, or make other arrangements for daily transportation. Please note that classes are held in multiple locations and public transportation is not available.

For more information, visit our Travel and Housing page.

Since 1961, the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program has been one of the most respected certificate programs in the country. Learn more about us.

For information about undergraduate and graduate turfgrass degree options at Rutgers, visit the Center for Turfgrass Science website.

Our alumni 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 you 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.

The average base salary of a golf course superintendent with a two-year certificate was $97,252 in 2021*. This is close to the average base salary for those who have earned 4-year degrees.

*Source: 2021 GCSAA Compensation and Benefits Report. Learn more.

Rutgers graduates manage some of the top golf courses in the country and enjoy a wide variety of exciting turf career options. They also serve as building and grounds managers, turf consultants, irrigation technicians, and owners and operators of landscape firms. Others have secured sales positions with seed, irrigation, and equipment companies. Some have even landed “dream” jobs with major corporations, Major League Baseball stadiums, and NASCAR. Rutgers shares turf management job opportunities with its students and alumni. Resume writing assistance is also part of the turf program in order to help you put your best foot forward when applying for jobs.

Yes, we do. We maintain an online resource for students, which contains job offers from alumni and many other organizations who know about our programs.

The Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program offers the Three-Week Preparatory Course just once a year, every January. Visit the Three-Week Turf Course page for more information on the next offering.

No. There are no prerequisites, and there is no application process for this course. Simply register, pay, and attend!

Registration is now open for the 2025 Three-Week Turf Class! Sign up by December 31, 2024 to save $200.

To register, complete and submit the online registration form or mail/email the print registration form. Visit the Three-Week Turf Course page for more information

Our intense Three-Week Turf Course will give you a solid foundation in the science and management skills necessary to advance your turfgrass management career. You will leave with a widely respected credential from a top-rated university on your resume. Plus, you can actively connect with your classmates, instructors, and other Rutgers alumni for invaluable networking.

Please contact Program Coordinator Elizabeth Coogan at 848-932-7643 or 2yearturf@njaes.rutgers.edu to request your transcript.

If you are an alumnus who has lost the certificate we provided to you upon completion of the 2-Year or 3-Week program, you may request a replacement certificate. A $15 fee will assessed. Please reach out to Program Coordinator Elizabeth Coogan at 848-932-7643 or 2yearturf@njaes.rutgers.edu to request a replacement.

The Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management Program maintains a comprehensive nationwide list of turf management jobs and internships in partnership with the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science: https://turf.rutgers.edu/jobs

If you have a job or internship that you would like to post with us, please send it to Program Coordinator Elizabeth Coogan at 2yearturf@njaes.rutgers.edu. The listing should be sent in a .pdf format that provides the position details, including, but not limited to, tasks, benefits, course information, and instructions on how to apply. 

If you are looking for a new job or internship in turf maintenance, we maintain a comprehensive list of jobs and internships in partnership with the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science: https://turf.rutgers.edu/jobs. This valuable resource is updated regularly, so we encourage you to bookmark the page and check back often for new and exciting career opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in supporting our students through the scholarship donation program. Your support can give our students the financial assistance they need to accomplish their educational goals.

You can choose to give any amount and 100% of your donation will be put toward student tuition costs. Scholarships are given in $500 increments to second year students based on their academics and financial need. For every 10 alumni who provide a $50 gift, we can award one more student scholarship.

Make your tax-deductible donation online.

Congratulations! We love receiving updates from our alumni! Please fill out the Alumni Update form to share your new employment information with us.

Thank you for your interest in joining our email list! It’s a great way to stay connected to the Rutgers Turf community. Just fill out the Alumni Update form with your current email address, and be sure to answer ‘Yes’ to the question about receiving emails from us.