Turf Management Degree

The turf management program at Richland Community College primes students for groundskeeping and turf care at golf courses or sports fields, as well as management positions for field personnel. While focus is primarily on turfgrasses and groundcovering plants, the program also features management, production, and sales and service. Program courses include: plant sciences, genetics, use analysis, turf management, and related economics. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer turf management degrees.

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Richland Community College

468 N Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL

Richland Community College, located in Decatur, Illinois, was founded in 1972 when it was known as Decatur Community College. Originally operating out of a former bank building, the school quickly outgrew the location and at the same time had its service area expanded, resulting in a name change to Richland Community College and the start of construction of a new permanent home. The new campus was completed in 1988, though construction and expansion has continued in response to growing enrollment and community needs. The year following the turn of the century saw particularly large expansion through the addition of a health education center, technology center, an early childhood education academy among others.

Academics

Richland Community College offers a number of programs that result in certificates and associate degrees allowing students to pursue academic or career growth. Additionally, the school provides non-credit, adult education and continuing education courses to meet the needs of professionals and residents in their pursuit of personal or professional betterment.

Academic transfer programs allow students to fulfill lower division and general education requirements that are typically offered during the first two years of a four year education. Individuals will transfer their credits to a four year college or university upon completion of the program. Transfer to a public Illinois school will be facilitated through agreements, though students may choose to apply to private or out of state schools instead. Regardless of where the student chooses to apply, meeting with a counselor to outline a curriculum best suited for desired transfer locations is recommended.

Career programs prepare individuals with the skills and abilities necessary to operate in a given field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate. These programs provide career specific education, though degree programs will include general education courses. Graduates of these programs will be able to enter the workforce as professionals in their field of study and are able to immediately pursue entry level employment.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Dance
• Early Childhood Education

Admissions and Financial Aid

As an open enrollment institution, any individual meeting the minimum requirements for admission will be eligible for enrollment upon submission of an admissions application. Applicants must provide transcripts and test scores, and may be required to take a placement exam. Students should also participate in orientation and meet with a counselor prior to registration, which begins shortly before the start of each semester.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants. Students in need of financial aid must complete of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Financial aid must be applied for prior to the start of each academic year and students may be asked to provide additional information prior to the disbursement of funds to verify the FAFSA's accuracy due to recently implemented federal regulations.

Career Options for Graduates

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, first-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Description

Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops. Usually requires specific training and State or Federal certification.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.8% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).