Major in Environmental Horticulture, Turf Management Concentration

The Turf Management concentration trains students for management opportunities ranging from sod production to the establishment and maintenance of private and public grounds. Turfgrass managers are supervisors for golf courses, ski resorts, sports fields, and parks departments. Turfgrass professionals manage and train personnel, draw up work contracts, and allocate labor and financial resources efficiently. Graduates develop expertise in production and maintenance of ornamental and functional turfgrass areas with supplemental courses in nursery and landscape management, plant and soil science, business management, and irrigation design. An internship is required to ensure graduates have practical experience, furthering their learning opportunities.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, students will be able to:

1. Identify common turf species and develop an understanding of turfgrass species/cultivar selections and uses. 
2. Apply fundamental plant and soil science knowledge to develop soil, water, plant and fertility practices as they relate to turfgrass management.
3. Assess and develop proper management (including site construction, establishment, fertilization, mowing, aeration) practices for specific turf species and specific uses. 
4. Evaluate the impacts of climate factors, soil conditions, and cultural practices on turfgrass growth. 
5. Develop best management practices to enhance turfgrass stress tolerance, improve resource efficiency, and minimize environmental impact.
6. Apply fundamental business and management skills to provide feasible financial solutions.
7. Analyze data to interpret numeric and quantitative models.
8. Identify common turfgrass pests (insects, weeds, diseases), and know how to prevent, control, and manage turf pests.   

Effective Spring 2026

¹

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).