Overview
The Turfgrass Systems Management Certificate prepares learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage and maintain healthy, sustainable turfgrass systems across a range of environments—including golf courses, sports fields, parks, and landscaped spaces.
Courses within the certificate provide learners with the opportunity to gain expertise in turfgrass and weed species identification, integrated pest and disease management, irrigation system design and troubleshooting, and the implementation of best practices in cultural turf maintenance.
Emphasizing ecological awareness, regulatory compliance, and site-specific decision-making, the certificate equips learners to assess complex turf systems and apply strategies that balance turf quality, performance, and sustainability.
This program is ideal for professionals working in turf management, groundskeeping, landscape construction, or municipal parks, as well as those seeking to enter the turfgrass industry with a strong foundational skill set.
Five (5) online asynchronous courses are required to complete the certificate. Each course is twelve (12) weeks long with thirty-six (36) hours of contact hours.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Identify and differentiate turfgrass species, weeds, and pests using biological characteristics, diagnostic tools, and field-based assessment methods relevant to turfgrass system management.
- Analyze and apply soil science, turfgrass establishment methods, and routine maintenance practices (e.g., mowing, fertilization, cultivation) to support healthy and functional turfgrass systems.
- Design and evaluate integrated weed, insect, and disease management programs using cultural, biological, and chemical control strategies.
- Integrate turf management decisions across biological, environmental, and technical domains to promote sustainable turfgrass systems in diverse landscapes and contexts.
Careers
- Lawn care and maintenance
- Turf management
- Groundskeeping
- Landscape construction
- Public or private golf course management
- Entry-level turfgrass employment
Details
The program requires the completion of five required courses. Courses may be taken in any order.
Non-degree
Enrolment is on a course-by-course basis and there is no application required. This program is intended for adult learners who are at least 18 years of age. Course availability changes each semester. It is recommended you submit notification requests for each course in the program to be informed when registration opens. Course registration closes six days after the start of the semester.
Complete five required courses. Request your parchment through the SCS Student Portal once all requirements are met.
You have a maximum 5 years to complete the required courses toward a particular certificate and/or diploma.
The price per course is currently $645. Course prices are subject to change and are not guaranteed. The total cost of the program may vary depending on available discounts* and the length of time to completion.
*There are early bird and alumni tuition discounts available for this program.
Additional Information
If you would like additional information about this program, please contact our Main Office.
Sponsoring Partner
Note: Maintaining Golf Course Certificate (MGCC) requirements have changed. Please refer to program transition page for more details.