Horticulture Turfgrass Management
Associate in Applied Science
It takes dedicated professionals to maintain the beautiful greens at golf courses and fields in athletic facilities. The Horticulture Turfgrass Management program at ICC will prepare you to find employment in this green industry, or to transfer to a bachelor's degree program.
24/7
support in the Academic Support Center
The horticulture land lab and arboretum at ICC provide students access to a living landscape and golf green where they can hone their turfgrass installation and maintenance skills. The associate degree also gives students valuable insight into business operations and develops their managerial skills.
Admissions Office
ICC helps place students with outstanding local companies in internships during their sophomore year to further develop their turfgrass management skills.
Opportunities for students include the Horticulture Club, National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), and ICC’s Landscape & Garden Day
Sports Turf Manager, Landscape Manager, Lawncare Manager, Turf Care Manager, Golf Course Assistant Superintendent, Athletic Field Manager, Turfgrass Specialist
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
5 Semesters62 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$9,920
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
10 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
Individuals who love working outdoors, working with people, love being creative, and taking care of the environment will feel right at home working in the green industry.
Corinne Brown, Associate Professor, Horticulture Program Coordinator
How Do I Get Into the Horticulture Turfgrass Management Program?
Make your love of the outdoors work for you. Talk to an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just one easy application for over hundreds of scholarships.
- High school courses in environmental science, biology, technical drawing, and agriculture are beneficial for this program.
- Working with your personal lawn or garden, or a community garden club, or working at a local garden center or nursery is good preparation for the program.
What Can I Expect As a Horticulture Turfgrass Management Student?
- You will learn the fundamental concepts, knowledge, and hands-on techniques and skills of the turfgrass management industry.
- Complete an internship in turfgrass management during your sophomore year.
- Graduates of the program have gone on to work for golf courses, park districts, outdoor sports arenas, and turf management firms.
- Graduates of the program have transferred to bachelor’s degree programs at Southern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Western Illinois University, and Iowa State University.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.