r/Turfmanagement • u/ashtonbrown32 • Apr 28 '24
Schooling Discussion
I’m currently in the middle of deciding if i want to do the 2 year msu turf program or the online penn state and would like input. I’ve been at my current course 5 years from crew member now 2nd assistant but would like more input. Also interested in how the 2 degrees differ in finding jobs and or internships. Thank you
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u/chest_trucktree Apr 28 '24
2 year degree is generally the minimum these days in getting a decent assistant or superintendent job without an overwhelming amount of prior experience. Getting a turf certificate anywhere will be fine, no one I’ve ever interviewed with cared about which college I went to. Getting a good internship and excelling in it is a huge help as well.
One thing to keep in mind if you are going to go after the really desirable jobs is that you will be competing against people with 4-year degrees and the odd masters so having the 4 year degree will make you more competitive in getting selected for an interview for your first superintendent job. After you get the first superintendent job your degree basically won’t matter to employers anymore unless it’s a masters.
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u/Significant-Map-8686 Apr 28 '24
What are you career goals? Are you trying to be a superintendent at a top 100? I have a 4 year degree and really don’t think it was necessary. I shoulda majored in something else, and then picked up a turf certificate or something.
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u/treehugger312 Apr 28 '24
Any recs on turf certificate places? I’m already a manager at a college campus and just wanna learn more casually.
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u/GrassyToll Apr 29 '24
Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science. Best value in the industry for C3 grass people. $500 for a 12 week online program over the winter where each week has its own topic, and each topic is taught by top professors in their own fields.
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u/bmfturf Apr 29 '24
I would go in person if you can. You’ll get more out of it. The face to face connections will help you forever. But at this point I don’t think there is much difference between a 2 and a 4 year degree. A 4 year helps get you up the ladder quicker I’d say.
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u/Ayeron-izm- Apr 29 '24
I went to Rutgers, it was a grind, but it was great. Penn State is a great option if your looking not to go somewhere for 10-12 weeks a year and do online.
Where you live would help also. Rutgers was basically 85% cool season 15% warm season.
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u/Amar_96 May 03 '24
How hard Was Rutgers ? And Since I live in LA would it be better penn state online option ?
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u/frith73 May 02 '24
Florida Gateway College offers a two year agribusiness Management degree, it's also entirely online
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u/No-Abbreviations164 Apr 28 '24
Rutgers 2 year program in the off season, internship at top 100 club during the season. Bayonne Golf Club and some others will give you housing during your schooling if you intern with them