Master of Turfgrass Management at Pennsylvania State University

The Master of Professional Studies in Turfgrass Management is a terminal master's degree program that emphasizes a systems approach to turfgrass management. The program balances theory and practice. Courses taught in the program use web-based lessons, quizzes, exams, and team projects and exercises to provide a balance between individualized study and interactive learning. Individuals who currently work as managers of turfgrass facilities, including golf courses and professional sports complexes, would benefit from this program.

1. KNOW: Graduates will demonstrate a working knowledge of the core concepts and major scientific issues related to turfgrass science. Graduates will exhibit breadth and depth of understanding in their discipline via courses completed in the M.P.S. program and through their final project.
2. APPLY/CREATE: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply scientific concepts and significant research findings to real-world problems. They will be able to integrate research findings and practical knowledge of turfgrass science and design appropriate methodologies to address problems in the field. The demonstration of these skills will include frequent essay exams where newly acquired concepts must be applied to a unique set of circumstances. This set of skills will also be demonstrated in the student's final project which requires a broad analysis of a particular issue facing the industry.
3. COMMUNICATE: Graduates will able to inform the decision-making process by effectively communicating the application of particular scientific concepts, technical knowledge, and research findings. Graduates will be able to effectively convey this information to lay persons and peers in the discipline.
4. THINK: Graduates will be able to define, conceptualize, and critically analyze a turfgrass management problem and possible solutions considering the scientific, economic, and political circumstances using knowledge and practice gained in the program.
5. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Graduates of the program will demonstrate the ability to collaborate in a collegial manner and demonstrate high ethical standards, values, and best practices. This will be demonstrated through varying group projects and open discussions surrounding controversial issues in turfgrass science.