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Bachelor of Applied Science - Golf Course Management

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Length: Diploma + Two Years Delivery: Blended Program Intake: Fall Intake
CIP Code: CIP Code: 31.0504

A curriculum focused on business, applied science and advanced technical training, taught by industry professionals who have worked as superintendents, will prepare you for an exciting career in environmental and operational management.

Overview

Having completed the Turfgrass Management diploma, you’ll spend the next two years focused on honing your skills and techniques needed for managing a golf course’s complex ecosystem. A

Program Delivery: Hybrid full-time program. Fall intake begins online in November, with on-campus learning starting in January, during the work term or directed field study, all classes will be taught online. Classes are delivered synchronously.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a Bachelor of Applied Science in Golf Course Management from Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.

Work-Integrated Learning

As a fourth year student of the Bachelor of Applied Science - Golf Course Management program, you will be required to complete an eight-month Directed Field Study, where you will gain valuable hands-on experience in a mentored workplace setting.

Accreditation

Upon completion, graduates have the opportunity to earn Federal Pesticide Assistant Certification. Graduates are eligible for membership in the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA).

Admission Requirements

  • 2.5 GPA in the 60 credits from the Olds College Turfgrass Management Diploma, or an equivalent program, or a degree in a closely related area.

  • OR Certified Journeyperson Landscape Horticulturist with a Red Seal

  • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement 

Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.

  • Olds College has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements

  • Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. International Students in this program will require a Co-Op Permit, a Study Permit and a Social Insurance Number for this program. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.

Program Details

Tuition, Fees & Affordability

Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

Year Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Estimated Total
Year 3 $6,200.00 $1,500.00 $500.00 $8,200.00
Year 4 $5,300.00 $1,100.00 $0.00 $6,400.00
  • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
  • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
  • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
  • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

Tuition, Fees & Payments


Housing & Meal Plans

Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term. 

For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.

Course Details

For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

Academic Calendar: Bachelor of Applied Science - Golf Course Management

Term 1
  • Completed the following:
    • BHO3100 - Research Methods
    • BHO3300 - Project Management Principles
    • BHO3999 - Directed Field Study Preparation
Term 2
  • Completed the following:
    • TRF3000 - Creating an Agronomic Calendar
    • TRF3020 - Assessing Water Quality on Golf Courses
    • TRF3120 - Maintaining Golf Course Design Integrity
    • TRF3800 - Evaluating Master Planning Strategies
    • TRF4100 - Certified Environmental Professional
    • TRF4200 - Golf Operational Management
    • TRF3100 - Exploring Case Studies in Golf Course Management
Term 3
  • Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    • BHO4999 - Horticulture Directed Field Study
Term 4
  • Completed the following:
    • BHO4999 - Horticulture Directed Field Study

Funding & Awards

Scholarships & Student Awards

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.

For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards 

Student Funding

For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.

Entrance Awards Available!

Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.

Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.

Career Outcomes

Olds College of Agriculture & Technologyhas a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Superintendent at a small and large operation/property
  • Foreperson in a municipality
  • Foreperson in a Parks and Recreation operation/property
  • Golf course design
  • Golf course construction

Ready to start your career?

Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.

Admitted Students

Program Dates

Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.

Class Registration

You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Technology Recommendation

It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:

  • A laptop is preferred.

As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:

  • Go to portal.office.com
  • Enter your Olds College email address and password
  • Once logged in, there is a button on the right that says “Install Office Apps”

This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.

Materials & Supplies

Information on required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.

Other Important Information

  • Additional Skills: Basic computer skills are recommended for all and it is certainly beneficial to have some prior experience with computers before you arrive at college. A familiarity and comfort in the use of Google products, word processing, spreadsheet and e-mailing software will be a definite asset. Students have the ability to take notes directly into their devices as the class proceeds. You will be schooled in other systems once you arrive and as need dictates. For example, the learning management system ‘Moodle’ is commonly used in the School of Life Science & Business and you will be introduced to its use and application in your very first classes.

  • Student Clubs: The Horticulture and Turf Clubs are examples of groups that offer an additional dimension to your Olds College of Agriculture & Technology experience. There are also a number of college sports teams, some of which participate at the inter-collegiate level while others are purely recreational.

Program Highlights

Dustin Zdan

The program is structured differently so that students work through the entire golf season; this is a benefit to both the student and the golf courses. The students will now be working and learning in October when the courses are put to bed. We are happy to be student mentors. There is a shortage of skilled professionals in our industry and golf courses scramble to grab graduates from Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. The programs are filled with options and will definitely help propel a student’s career.

Dustin Zdan Bachelor of Applied Science - Golf Course Management

Superintendent, Connaught Golf Club

Grant Cantin

Turf Management is a science nowadays, and a lot more goes into it than people think. An education is the first stepping stone to becoming involved in a turf career. My Olds College experience was great, it got the ball rolling in my golf career and now has lead me to Wimbledon, the pinnacle for sports turf. Everyone knows what Wimbledon is and the rich history it holds. I never thought I would end up in tennis but Olds College and golf got me started.

Grant Cantin Turfgrass Management, Class of 2000

Head Groundsman, The All England Lawn Tennis Club

Admitted into the Olds College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2015

Megan Miller

Olds College provided me with the skill sets needed to find a job in the industry I wanted. Through the small class sizes and hands-on learning, I gained skill sets relevant to getting a career in the environmental field today. I made some of the most meaningful friendships with people who are as passionate about this industry as I am.

Megan Miller 2018 Graduate

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Talk to Recruitment!

Connect directly with the recruitment team at Olds College to get personalized support as you explore your pathway to post-secondary study. Whether you have questions about programs, admission requirements, campus life or next steps in your application journey, our recruitment specialists are here to help you make informed decisions and plan with confidence.

Talk to Recruitment

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Admission requires completion of a Turfgrass Management diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of at least 2.5, or a Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist certification.

  • Yes. The program includes an eight‑month Directed Field Study (work‑integrated learning) in the final year, giving hands‑on experience in real golf course environments.

  • Upon completion, students are eligible for membership in the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA), and may pursue federal pesticide assistant certification.

  • Career paths include Golf Course Superintendent, Turf Management Specialist, Municipal Parks or Recreation Grounds Manager, Landscape Operations Manager, Golf Course Design or Construction Manager.

  • It is delivered in a hybrid, full‑time format: fall term begins online, with on‑campus learning starting in January.

Apply now for 2026-27!

Applications for 2027-28 open Oct. 1, 2026, 9 a.m.

Get started — learn how to apply today!

Our easy online application process guides you through each step, making it simple to apply and get started. Start preparing now, and be ready to apply!