Turfgrass Management Technology
The Turfgrass Management Technology Curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for various careers in high-end turfgrass management. Classroom instruction and practical laboratory applications of turfgrass management principles and practices are included in the program of study.
Course work includes turfgrass management, plant science, plant materials, propagation, soils, fertilizers, and pest management. Turfgrass Management Technology is a program that focuses on:
- The management and care of turfgrass, including golf courses, sports fields, and lawns.
- The management of technical and business operations connected with turfgrass services and businesses.
- The basic scientific principles are needed to understand plants and their management and care.
Also included are courses in turfgrass management, irrigation, ornamental horticulture, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, and courses in communications, computers, and the social sciences.
Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in turfgrass and landscape operations, golf courses, local, state, national parks, sports complexes, highway vegetation, turf maintenance companies, and private and public gardens. Graduates also should be prepared to take the following exams:
- The licensed pesticide applicators exam
For specific information about potential positions and wages in turfgrass management employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Turfgrass Management Technology (A15420)
Degree Awarded
The college awards the Associate in Applied Science in Turfgrass Management Technology upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent (available through Central Piedmont) is required.
- Central Piedmont placement tests are required in English and Mathematics. Developmental Studies Mathematics and English courses are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- Advising and orientation appointments follow placement testing.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
The Turfgrass Management Technology program is in the Education & Training Division. For more information, call the Program Chair at 704.330.4826.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Algebra/Trigonometry I | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| TRF 110 | Introduction Turfgrass Cultivation & Id And Identification | 4.0 |
| TRF 120 | Turfgrass Irrigation and Design | 4.0 |
| TRF 152 | Landscape Maintenance | 3.0 |
| HOR 166 | Soils and Fertilizers | 3.0 |
| TRF 210 | Turfgrass Eqmt Mgmt | 3.0 |
| TRF 230 | Turfgrass Mgmt Apps | 2.0 |
| TRF 240 | Turfgrass Pest Control | 3.0 |
| or HOR 164 | Horticultural Pest Management | |
| TRF 260 | Adv Turfgrass Mgmt | 4.0 |
| TRF 220 | Turfgrass Calculations | 2.0 |
| TRF 250 | Golf /Sport Field Const | 4.0 |
| HOR 160 | Plant Materials I | 3.0 |
| HOR 162 | Applied Plant Science | 3.0 |
| SPA 120 | Spanish for the Workplace | 3.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| BUS 139 | Entrepreneurship I | 3.0 |
| or BUS 230 | Small Business Management | |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 4 credits of the following: | 4.0 | |
| Landscape Design I | ||
| Landscape Construction | ||
| Landscape Management I | ||
| Equipment Operation and Maintenance | ||
| Plant Materials II | ||
| Horticultural Pest Management | ||
| Landscape Irrigation | ||
| Arboriculture Practices | ||
| Advanced Plant Materials | ||
| Horticultural Management & Marketing | ||
| Turfgrass Computer App | ||
| Native Flora ID | ||
| Advanced Turfgrass Equipment Management | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Total Credits | 65 | |
Turfgrass Management Technology Certificates (C15420)
Turfgrass Management Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Turfgrass Management (C15420-C1)
This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for basic entry-level positions in the area of Turfgrass Management Technology. Coursework includes turfgrass culture and identification, equipment, irrigation, pest management and soils and fertilizers.
| Major Requirements | ||
| HOR 166 | Soils and Fertilizers | 3.0 |
| HOR 253 | Horticulture Turfgrass | 3.0 |
| TRF 120 | Turfgrass Irrigation and Design | 4.0 |
| TRF 210 | Turfgrass Eqmt Mgmt | 3.0 |
| TRF 230 | Turfgrass Mgmt Apps | 2.0 |
| TRF 240 | Turfgrass Pest Control | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Turfgrass Management Technology Certificate Specialization in Turfgrass Equipment Maintenance (C15420-C2)
This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for mid entry-level positions in the area of Turfgrass Equipment Maintenance. Coursework includes turfgrass culture and identification, proper equipment operation, maintenance, and repair.
| Major Requirements | ||
| TRF 110 | Introduction Turfgrass Cultivation & Id And Identification | 4.0 |
| TRF 210 | Turfgrass Eqmt Mgmt | 3.0 |
| HOR 118 | Equipment Operation and Maintenance | 2.0 |
| HOR 218 | Advanced Equipment Operations and Maintenance | 3.0 |
| TRF 270 | Advanced Turfgrass Equipment Management | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2022-2023 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Courses
TRF 110. Introduction Turfgrass Cultivation & Id And Identification. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the principles of reproduction, growth development, species characteristics, establishment and maintenance of golf courses and sports fields, and lawns. Topics include principles of reproduction, growth development, species characteristics, establishment and maintenance of golf courses and sports fields, and lawn applications. Upon completion, students should be able to identify turfgrass species and develop an establishment and maintenance plan for high quality turf areas in accordance with sustainable practices.
TRF 120. Turfgrass Irrigation and Design. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-4.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the basic techniques involved in the design, layout, installation, and use of water-wise turfgrass irrigation systems. Topics include types of irrigation systems, components of the systems, materials available for use, and economic considerations. Upon completion, students should be able to complete a functional design for a turfgrass irrigation system according to sustainable practices.
TRF 125. Turfgrass Computer App. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces basic computer applications for the turfgrass industry. Emphasis is placed on computer software applications for irrigation design, management, and budget planning for turfgrass applications. Upon completion, students should be able to use appropriate software for various turfgrass management applications.
TRF 130. Native Flora ID. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers identification of selected native ground covers and woodland trees by summer and/or winter characteristics. Emphasis is placed on mature age, fall colors, site adaptability, and habit of growth for special turf-related areas. Upon completion, students should be able to identify native plants by size and leaf, bud, twig, and limb formation.
TRF 152. Landscape Maintenance. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the tasks of landscape maintenance. Emphasis is placed on lawns, shrubs, trees, flowers, and ground covers. Upon completion, students should be able to maintain a landscape area on a year-round schedule.
TRF 210. Turfgrass Eqmt Mgmt. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-4.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the operation and maintenance of specialized turfgrass management equipment. Topics include small engine use and repair; operation, maintenance, and repair of turfgrass management equipment; organization of shop areas; and safety considerations. Upon completion, students should be able to operate and maintain turfgrass management equipment.
TRF 220. Turfgrass Calculations. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the specific math concepts and calculations necessary in the turfgrass industry. Emphasis is placed on calibration of equipment used in the application of fertilizers and pesticides and calculation of solid materials used in construction. Upon completion, students should be able to correctly perform basic calculations and calibrations and estimate materials needed in specific professional turfgrass management situations.
TRF 230. Turfgrass Mgmt Apps. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces specific sports field design, installation, and maintenance. Topics include natural grass croquet courts and baseball, soccer, and football fields. Upon completion, students should be able to perform specific tasks in layout, field marking, and preparing for tournament play.
TRF 240. Turfgrass Pest Control. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers detection and identification of turfgrass pests with emphasis on methods of sustainable management. Topics include pest identification with an understanding of pesticides used, application procedures, and costs involved in sustainable management programs. Upon completion, students should be able to identify turfgrass pests, select the proper pesticide, develop pest management programs, and/or use integrated pest management.
TRF 250. Golf /Sport Field Const. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-4.0. Work-0.0
This course provides information for layout, materials, and construction of special recreational applications. Emphasis is placed on site selection, equipment, safety regulations, drainage, turfgrass species, and irrigation needs. Upon completion, students should be able to locate construction reference sites and develop drainage and irrigation plans from their own blueprints and topo map designs.
TRF 260. Adv Turfgrass Mgmt. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the principles and practices involved in turfgrass management. Topics include choosing the best management practice in mowing, pest control, fertilization, irrigation, traffic control, air control, budgeting, and materials procurement. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the principles covered and select and apply the best practices in turfgrass management.
TRF 270. Advanced Turfgrass Equipment Management. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-4.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the advanced repair and maintenance of turfgrass equipment. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis, repair and maintenance of power trains, electrical systems, hydraulics, small air-cooled engines, four-stroke engines, and compact diesel engines. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair commonly used turfgrass equipment and communicate information concerning the repairs and the necessary maintenance schedule in a professional manner.