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Prerequisites for the Two-Year Certificate Program
Before you apply to the Two-Year Turf Certificate Program, please be sure you meet our prerequisites!
- A high school diploma/GED is required.
- Applicants must have 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.
How to Apply for the Two-Year Certificate Program
To apply for the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School’s Two-Year Certificate Program, you must complete the steps below. Only when ALL pieces of your application are received will it be reviewed by the Admissions Board.
Application Process
STEP 1: Complete the Two-Year Turf Online Application Form
Complete the online application form below. Fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are required.
STEP 2: Pay the $50 Application Fee
There are two options for paying the application fee.
- Pay your application fee online with a credit card (VISA, American Express, MasterCard, or Discover).
- Mail in a money order or certified check made payable to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Personal checks are not accepted.
STEP 3: Write a Letter of Intent
Your letter of intent should describe your education/work experience and why you are applying to this program. This letter should introduce you as a potential student, and it can be a few paragraphs or a few pages in length.
STEP 4: Gather Two Letters of Recommendation
You must obtain two (2) letters of recommendation from your current or past supervisors describing your duties, responsibilities, and potential for success in our program. *Please be sure the supervisor’s contact information, including email address, is listed in the letter.
STEP 4: Submit Your Resume or CV
A current resume or CV outlining your educational background, work history, and any relevant certifications, awards, achievements, etc. is required.
STEP 5: Submit Your Transcripts
A copy of your high school transcript or a copy of your GED certificate is required. If applicable, submit your college transcripts as well. PDF copies submitted via email are preferred.
Submitting Your Application Items
All letters should be directed to the Admissions Board.
You can submit each application item separately, or send them together as a complete package. The preferred method of submitting your application items is by emailing them as PDF attachments to Program Coordinator Suzanne Hills at 2yearturf@njaes.rutgers.edu.
If you are not able to send your application items via email, you can fax them to 732-932-8726 or mail them to:
The Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School
Admissions Board
102 Ryders Lane
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Questions About the Application Process?
If you have any questions or need more information about the application process, feel free to contact Program Coordinator Suzanne Hills via email (2yearturf@njaes.rutgers.edu) or phone (848-932-7234).
Wondering if Rutgers is Right for You? Alumni Explain How They Benefited from Our Two-Year Program
Brady Klein, 2010 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
, Sacconnesset Golf Club,
"I can't even count how many times something I learned at Rutgers has become applicable in my job. When I speak of Rutgers, I talk about what great turf education one receives there, what high quality instructors teach there, and how proud I am to be a graduate. It was such a complete and excellent learning experience."
Kurt Fisher, 2011 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
, Boyne Mountain Resort,
"I would not be where I am today without the Rutgers Two-Year Program. It has opened up many opportunities within the turf industry. The best part, in my opinion, is I am able to do what I love for a living, live where I love to live, and still enjoy a life outside of work!"
Ronald Cavaliere, 2019 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
, Sebonack Golf Club,
"I learned more than I ever imagined possible in such a short amount of time, and it [the Two-Year Program] helped me achieve one of my goals of becoming an Assistant Superintendent at Sebonack Golf Club. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for me and making the Rutgers family proud."
Timothy Mars, 2010 Two-Year Certificate Program Graduate
, The Orchards Golf Course,
"This program is second to none. It has turned me into a professional and a leader while giving me a tremendous amount of education. I believe attending this program was the best possible move I could have made for my future."