What You Will Learn
Are you curious about the behind-the-scenes construction, implementation, and management of large turf areas such as golf courses and athletic and recreational fields? The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Turf and Turfgrass Management program at CCM is ideal for those who seek a rewarding career with the industry of this increasingly popular man-made material.
Turfgrass physiology and morphology, soils management, installation techniques, and grounds management are all included in this degree program. Additionally, best management practices and problem-solving skills are also an integral component of this option.
Curriculum
The 40-credit turf and turfgrass management core includes a dozen courses ranging from Introduction to Turf Management Introduction to Horticulture, Horticultural Soils, Herbaceous Plants, Plant Pests Management and Landscape Plant Identification, to Irrigation Systems, Landscape Construction, and Landscape and Turf Installation, plus a cooperative experience during one of your semesters of study at CCM.
Careers in the Field
CCM graduates with an AAS degree in Turf and Turfgrass Management are industry-ready for a career in turf management. You may also choose to start your own firm.
Examples of job titles include:
- Arborist
- Landscape Designer
- Landscape Architect
- Garden Center Manager
- Golf Course Superintendent
- Horticultural Sales and Brokerage Associate
- Landscape Contractor and Maintenance Professional
- Nursery and Greenhouse Operator
- Public Garden Horticulturist
- Sports Field Manager
Why Study at CCM
The Landscape and Horticultural Technology program at CCM is a well-regarded program that prepares students to be industry ready or prepared to transfer to a four-year college or university. The features that make the program unique include:
- Classes are held in a state-of-the-art LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building that emphasizes the department’s commitment to sustainability.
- Small class sizes offer personal attention from faculty members.
- Full-time and adjunct faculty have significant experience in their respective disciplines.
- Courses are taught in both traditional and hybrid formats, day and night sections, to accommodate the busy working student.
- Hands-on learning
- Students work in three greenhouses on campus to grow and care for an array of plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs
- Students also learn how to operate landscape construction and maintenance equipment
Professional Affiliations
Landscape and Horticultural Technology at CCM promotes professional development and adheres to a set of standards with affiliation to the following organizations:
- National Association of Landscape Professionals
- New Jersey Nursery Landscape Association
- New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association
- New Jersey Turfgrass Association
- New Jersey Sports Field Managers Association.
Paying For Your Turf and Turfgrass Management Education
Earning an associate of applied science degree is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! There are a variety of scholarship opportunities geared directly toward those enrolled in the program.
Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Herbaceous Plant Materials
Teaches field identification techniques for herbaceous plants including annuals, biennials, and perennials. The installation, selection, and uses of herbaceous plants in a landscape, maintenance of herbaceous plants, and the selection of tools and equipment in the maintenance of herbaceous landscape plants are also included. This course is offered as a face-to-face course with an online supplement and also as a hybrid course.
Landscape Plant Identification Management and Use
This course focuses on field identification techniques applied to the study of woody plant material including trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and vines. Both conifer and deciduous plants are covered. The landscape uses of plants and the factors which should be used to guide plant selection are also discussed. Over 100 species of woody plant material are studied including trees, shrubs, vines, and groundcovers. The CCM campus, local garden centers and arboreta of the Morris County Park Commission are all used for field study. This course is offered as a traditional face-to-face course, as an online course or as a hybrid online course.
Horticultural Computer Software Applications
Improves technical literacy by familiarizing students with the most effective ways to use the computer as a tool for online research, landscape design, landscape imaging and digital presentation development. Computer-assisted drafting is a major focus, and students also are introduced to GPS and GIS technology applications in agriculture. Students are provided with the opportunity to achieve competence in the selection and use of horticultural computer software.
Your Turf & Turfgrass Management Faculty Advisor
Associate Professor, Chairperson
Assistant Professor
