Horticulture Turfgrass Operations
Certificate
The Horticulture Turfgrass Operations program prepares students for entry-level employment in the turfgrass industry, or to pursue the Horticulture Turfgrass Management Associate in Applied Science degree.
24/7
support in the ICC Academic Support Center
Students in this certificate program will develop the technical knowledge of turfgrass management and apply their skills to entry-level employment in the green industry.
Admissions Office
The horticulture land lab and arboretum provide students access to a living landscape where they can hone their turfgrass installation and maintenance 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
Lawncare Technician, Irrigation Technician, Sports Turf Equipment Operator, Park Maintenance Operator, Golf Course Crew Member, Grounds Staff
COMPLETION TIME
12 Months
if Full Time
3 Semesters
28 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$4,340
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2023-24
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, 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 Operations Program?
If you want to take the first step to working in turfgrass management, then this certificate program might be 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 1 application for over 700 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 Operations Student?
- You will learn the fundamental concepts, knowledge, and hands-on techniques and skills of the turfgrass industry.
- Certificate earners will demonstrate specific skills related to soil fertility, turfgrass management, horticulture plant identification, and horticultural mechanics.
- Graduates of the program have gone on to entry-level positions with golf courses, lawncare maintenance firms, park districts, and college and university athletic facilities departments.
- Graduates of the program have gone on to earn the Horticulture Turfgrass Management Associate in Applied Science degree and then transferred to a bachelor’s degree program.
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.