Turfgrass Management
Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture
University of Connnecticut

Introduction to Turfgrass Management

Turfgrass Management is offered from the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture as an option under the Turfgrass Management and Ornamental Horticulture major in the Department of Plant Science. This two-year, associate's of applied science degree program provides students an opportunity to study turfgrass management in conjunction with courses in soils, pest control, and ornamental horticulture. Adequate opportunities are provided for students to gain practical experiences from classes held at the Plant Science Teaching and Research Facility in addition to independent study and practicum projects. Internships are available and allow students an opportunity to work closely with professionals in the industry.

This program is designed to provide students an applied knowledge in turfgrass management. Students completing the program can apply their skills in the management of residential and commercial lawns, golf courses, athletic and recreational fields, parks and institutional grounds, roadsides, sod farms, inland and coastal erosion control sites, and other areas where grasses are utilized. Students completing the associate of applied science degree program of study also have the opportunity to apply the credits towards the Department of Plant Science baccalaureate degree program in Turfgrass and Soil Science with a concentration in Turfgrass Science.

Recommended Courses for Turfgrass Management Program:

SAPL 024: Turfgrass Management.
SAPL 019: Principles of Turfgrass Irrigation Systems.
SAPL 023: Turfgrass Pests and Control.
SAPL 020: Professional Development in the Turfgrass Industries.
SAPL 083: Golf Course Management.
SAPL 084: Golf Course Design.

SAPL 098: Athletic Field Construction and Drainage.
SAPL 022: Introduction to Soil Science.
SAPL 003: Introduction to Plant Science.
SAPL 042: Integrated Pest Management.
SAPL 086: Pesticide Safety and Management.
SAPL 045: Landscape Plant Maintenance.
SAPL 087: Internship.

Suggested Supportive and Elective Courses for Turfgrass Management Program:

SAPL 060: Nursery Maintenance.
SAPL 062: Plant Propagation.
SAPL 066: Plant Materials, Evergreen Plants.
SAPL 067: Plant Materials, Non-Evergreen Plants.
SAPL 069: Landscape and Planting Design.
SAPL 031: Herbaceous Ornamental Plants.
SARE 060: Agribusiness Management.
SAAG 001: Introduction to Computer Use.
SARE 050: Principles of Agricultural and Resourse Economics.
SAPL 099: Independent Study.

Internships and Practicum

Students will be provided opportunities to obtain practical experience through practicums, internships, and independent studies. Internships can be undertaken during the summer or during the fall semester. Internships may be arranged with landscape or lawn care businesses, golf courses, sports turf managers, municipal, state or federal agencies, or with other business operations associated the turf industry. Practicums and Independent studies, undertaken with a faculty member, are normally conducted during the fall or spring semesters.

Facilities

In addition to the normal lecture rooms and laboratories, the Department of Plant Science houses greenhouse ranges, a teaching nursery, and a 150-acre teaching and research field facility. At the latter site students have access to turf plots and both field and greenhouse space for classes and independent turfgrass projects. State-of-the-art, multi-mediated classrooms are utilized in the Turfgrass Management Program.

Scholarships

Students may receive financial support through a variety of sources: financial aid packages, work-study and student labor funds, and scholarships. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture annually awards over $250,000 in scholarships. Students apply for these scholarships on an annual basis.

Contact Information

The Turfgrass Management option is offered under the Associate of Applied Science Turfgrass Management and Ornamental Horticulture major of the Department of Plant Science in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. Interested individuals should contact Mr. Steven Rackliffe at

Department of Plant Science, Unit 4067
University of Connecticut
1376 Storrs Road
Storrs, CT 06269-4067 		Phone: (860) 486-1944
Fax: (860) 486-0682
Email: steven.rackliffe@uconn.edu

Last updated: 6 August 2003

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