Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management
Exemplary Golf Facilities Make the Difference
Through classroom and extensive lab experiences, you'll learn design, installation, and maintenance of turf grass systems; understand cultural and chemical turf controls; install, design, and maintain irrigation systems; and operate and maintain turf equipment.
With a focus on computer literacy, team building, budgeting, club activities, and leadership responsibilities, you'll have the best hands-on opportunities turf grass education has to offer at our lab facilities.
Program Notice
The Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management program is now part of the Horticulture Science program.
Please contact the Agricultural Sciences department for more information.
Paying for your degree may be easier than you think with our financial aid and scholarships. Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year!
Graduates of the Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management program will be able to:
- Create a turfgrass management plan that includes cultural and chemical practices for a turfgrass facility.
- Apply basic biological principles to the maintenance of non-turfgrass plant species that are included in a turfgrass management area.
- Analyze how cultural characteristics of different grass species affect the appearance and durability of a turfgrass area.
- Design, install and maintain irrigation systems used to water turfgrass.
- Operate equipment used in the turfgrass industry in accordance with OSHA safety standards.
- Apply industry-related math skills to the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and related products on turfgrass.
- Use effective human relations and communications skills within the turfgrass industry.
- Evaluate how different turfgrass management practices affect the environment.
- Develop an appreciation for a diverse and dynamic workplace.
A one-hour program conference is required prior to acceptance to the program. You'll learn more about the program, specific admissions requirements, and have the opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty and staff.
Program Costs
Golf Course and Athletic Turf Management
Program Entry Semester: Fall 2021, Summer 2022
Year One
| TERM | FALL | SPRING | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 16 | 15 | 31 |
| Tuition: | $2,976 | $2,790 | $5,766 |
| Fees: | $95 | $180 | $175 |
| Books: | $285 | $230 | $515 |
Summer
| TERM | SUMMER | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 3 | 3 |
| Tuition: | $558 | $558 |
| Fees: | $50 | $50 |
Year Two
| TERM | FALL | SPRING | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 17 | 12 | 29 |
| Tuition: | $3,162 | $2,232 | $5,394 |
| Fees: | $95 | $180 | $275 |
| Books: | $520 | $190 | $710 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST | $13,443 |
|---|
Costs provided are estimated and based on in-state tuition rates. Book cost estimates are for new books. Individual expenses may vary. These costs also do not factor in potential financial aid benefits. For a complete view of your specific cost expectation, visit our Cost Estimator Tool.
Please note: Summer semester includes 192-hour employment internship.
Included fees: Technology Fee, Lab Course Fee, and Class Related Supplies
Current Tuition Rates per Credit Hour: $ 186 In-State; $ 249 Out-of-State; $ 372 International
Updated: 1/27/2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates with Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management degrees can obtain jobs in a variety of different career opportunities.
No! There are great jobs in Iowa and in the Cedar Rapids area. Keep in mind, however, that work in Iowa can be seasonal, so you may want to keep your options open. It may take time to work the career ladder locally.
Golf course and athletic field management are in high demand, which means the need for assistant and lead groundskeepers are needed for this industry.
People who like to work outside and who don’t mind putting in long hours. People who like variety, have strong work ethic, work well in teams, are good at problem-solving, and who are committed to learning and to maintaining our public and private recreation facilities.
Program Requirements
To get into the Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
Take A Closer Look
Explore Kirkwood's horticulture programs, including Golf Course and Athletic Turfgrass Management, Landscape Horticulture Studies, and Parks & Natural Resources.
“When I have a question or concern, I'm, amazed how my professors respond right away. It's awesome that they really care about my success.”
Ahmed Mohammed,
Iowa City, Iowa
Mission Statement
The mission of the Golf Course & Athletic Turfgrass Management program is to prepare students for employment in the turfgrass industry by creating an educational culture that promotes professionalism, integrity and honesty, and equips students with the basic knowledge, applied skills, and turfgrass culture demanded in today’s dynamic workplace.
Questions?
Agricultural Sciences
1000 Washington Hall
319-398-5609
agsciences@kirkwood.edu