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UT Institute of Agriculture The University of Tennessee Institute of AgricultureThe University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

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CASNR » Careers » Degrees at Work » Turfgrass Science and Management


Turfgrass Science and Management . . .

 

Photos of students in Turfgrass Science program

 

What is Turfgrass Science and Management?

Turfgrass Science and Management, a concentration of study in the Department of Plant Sciences, is a diverse program that combines the study of grasses, soils, water and pests. Turfgrass managers are involved with the production and maintenance of grasses for recreational, aesthetic and environmental uses. This program is offered to those interested in careers in golf course, athletic field and commercial turf management. Students have the opportunity to develop a personalized program in turfgrass science by selecting classes offered in a wide variety of areas, including environmental horticulture, soil and water sciences, entomology and nematology, and plant pathology.

 

The Turfgrass Science and Management concentration

The curriculum builds upon the university-wide general education requirements with critical courses in plant physiology, entomology and plant pathology, weed science, soils and business. Turf students take numerous turfgrass classes involving construction for golf courses and athletic fields, environmental considerations, and general management and professionalism.

 

Where can I get a job with this background?

Turfgrass is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States and continues to grow at a record pace. Although often associated with golf courses and sports facilities, the industry also includes home and commercial lawns, parks, athletic fields, schools and industrial parks. Growth in all these areas creates a constant need for well-trained turfgrass managers. With more than 17,000 golf courses across the country and new courses continually being built, there is a steady demand for technically trained management personnel. Even if you don't like the idea of spending your day working on a beautiful golf course or at a finely manicured sports facility, there are many career options for professionals with training in turfgrass management.

 

What student activities are available to Turfgrass Science and Management students?

A variety of student activities is available on campus, ranging from intramural sports to student branches of professional turf societies, such as TennTurf, the student chapter of the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America. Our students have traveled across the country participating in contests, attending conferences and accepting awards. Students are trained to develop and deliver presentations through seminars, poster sessions and professional papers. Our low student-to-professor ratio means more individual time with professors for academic advising, assistance with course work, and career planning. Opportunities are provided to work with faculty doing cutting-edge research in a variety of areas.

 

 

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Contact Us. . .

Department of Food Science and Technology
2509 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4539
Phone: (865) 974-7331 or toll free at 1-800-974-8809
Fax: (865) 974-7332
Email: foodsci@utk.edu
Web: http://foodscience.utk.edu

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
2621 Morgan Circle
125 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-7303
Fax: (865) 974-9329
Email: casnr@utk.edu