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Turf Management and Science

Purdue University in West Lafayette

A turfgrass manager oversees and implements management programs for the production, maintenance, and performance of a variety of turfgrass areas like golf courses, lawns, athletic fields, parks, and sod farms. Maintaining a high-quality, manicured turf that is subjected to intense use requires skill and experience.

The Turf Science curriculum is centered on basic scientific principles, technical agronomic information, business/management coursework, written/oral communication and problem solving skills to prepare students to handle a wide array of potential career paths.

Student Testimonial: Nick Oyler

portrait of Nick Oyler

I arrived at Purdue not knowing a soul. A week later, after Boiler Gold Rush, I had several great friends to go out and have fun with.   
 
My major had a smaller number of people, and my academic advisor coordinated a class in which all the freshmen got acquainted with one another. We took exciting trips and met industry leaders. The people in that class were my best friends at Purdue. 
 
I also joined the Turf Club. Every spring, we attended two conferences where we competed in a Turf Quiz Bowl against other universities.  We placed 2nd in 2020 and we won in both 2021 and 2022!

During my time at Purdue, I felt the department head and academic advisors were the glue that kept us together. It’s was great feeling when everyone succeeded and learned together, and I also felt we pushed one another to be better as a whole. 
 
My academic advisor/mentor reached out to a company and recommended me to work for them. In my extended work internship, I managed large scale, high-end golf course construction and renovation products. It was a great experience. I now work as an Assistant Superintendent at the Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Plan of Study

Turf Management and Science, BS
Turf Management and Science Webpage

Transfer to Turf Management and Science

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

Minimum GPA: 2.5


Contact Information

Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
(765) 494-1302
hlacareers@purdue.edu

College of Agriculture
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Careers in Turf Management and Science

The turfgrass industry nationwide is continuing to expand. The demand for college-educated personnel with a degree in turfgrass management is strong.

The industry continually needs well qualified, technically competent turf managers.

Career Opportunities 

  • Manage a stadium sports complex
  • Own and operate a landscaping business or sod farm
  • Direct turf operations at a golf course
  • Cultivate turf grass and other plants

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