Turfgrass Management Diploma
"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, Olds College Class of 2000, Head Groundsman, The All England Lawn Tennis Club
Need more information?
Olds College Admissions
403.556.8281
1.800.661.6537
golf@oldscollege.ca
What can you expect from our program?
Olds College offers a Turfgrass Management Diploma for students who have already completed the Turfgrass Management Certificate. Building on the concepts from the certificate you will get to experience hands on learning in our impressive facilities. The unique Bank of Montreal Landscape Construction Pavilion will ensure you experience hands-on bunker or irrigation construction irrespective of the weather. The computer controlled greenhouses and living labs enable applied turfgrass research with the support of industry partners who supply the latest service equipment.
Once you complete the Turfgrass Management Diploma, you have the option to continue for two more years to earn the Bachelor of Applied Science - Golf Course Management.
What will you learn?
Students will be on campus from January to May and will be studying one subject at a time in a three week schedule that allows for a deeper integration of each subject. In May, students will go back into the industry where they will participate in a minimum six month field school/internship. This is where the program will really separate itself from traditional educational offerings. You will be paid employees in the industry, performing duties at the golf course while also completing courses. While enrolled in the field school/internship, you will work in collaborative groups with your fellow students and will draw on the experience and knowledge of many of the golf course superintendents to complete their course work.
Along with completing three field schools, you will learn about:
- Managing Agronomic Environments
- Procuring Pesticide Certification
- Implementing Environmental Systems for Golf Courses
- Evaluating Irrigation Environmental Efficiencies
- Applying Golf Course Construction Techniques
- Evaluating Professional Standards
- Managing Golf Course Soils
Your Future
Job opportunities include: superintendent at a smaller operation/property, second assistant at a larger operation/property and a foreman in a municipality or Parks and Recreation operation/property.
Visit Career Coach to find current wages, job postings and more!
Program at a glance
Length of Program:
Certificate +1 Year
Program Intake:
February (Winter Start)
Delivery:
Olds Campus
Applications Open:
February 1
Tuition & Fees:
$5,500*
Credential: Diploma
Length of Program: Certificate +1 Year
Method of Delivery: On-Campus Delivery
Directed Field Study/Work Term/Practicum: 3 Internships are completed at the end of the program.
Program Intakes: Winter Intake (January program start)
Applications Open: February 1 for the Winter Intake
Selection Process for Admission: First Qualified, First Accepted
Tuition, Mandatory Fees, Books, and Supplies: Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for details
- Tuition & Fees: $5,500 / Books & Supplies: $500
*These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. Please note that all fees are best estimates and are subject to change.
International Students will require a Co-Op Work Permit as well as a Study Permit for this program.
What do I need to apply?
Admission Requirements:
- Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (completed at minimum 3 years of formal education taught entirely in English or provide the results of a recognized English Language Proficiency exam)
Applicants to the Diploma must have:
- 2.0 GPA in the 30 credits from the Olds College Turfgrass Management certificate, or an equivalent program.
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from international applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency. Further information can be found on our website under International Students