Students interested in applying to the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program on the Penn State campus can start here.
Submit your application online in just a few minutes
Applications for the fall semester may be submitted up to 12 months in advance. Applications are reviewed for the current academic year until all positions are filled.
Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2025 Term.
Requirements for Acceptance
Offers are based on the applicant's scholastic achievements, work experience, personal goals, letters of recommendation, and other factors related to academic and professional potential.
Although the usual entrance examinations and scholastic aptitude tests are not required, they are recommended, as is a background in science. Each applicant must have at least one season of work experience on a golf course or in a related field of turfgrass management, as well as letters of recommendation from his or her supervisor and past employers (requested directly, upon receipt of your application).
Don't have experience on a golf course yet? This is a common occurrence and we will work hard to arrange a "pre-internship" at a golf course where you can gain the experience needed to qualify for admission in the fall.
While Penn State's Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program admits professionals within the turfgrass program on a competitive basis, one of the program's goals is to assist those interested in the field of golf course management to reach their goals.
Not Qualified Yet? Here's What You Can Do.
For individuals not accepted for the current term, the Admissions Committee and Director will provide personalized recommendations for each applicant on ways that they may improve their chances of being accepted into the program. For some, this means working an additional season on a golf course. For others, the program may suggest that the student enroll in a local or online class to ensure that they will be prepared for the classes in the program.
In other words, even if you don't make it into the program, we make every effort to assist you in reaching your career goals.
Applications can be submitted throughout the year, but early application is suggested due to the limited number of spots available each year. Admitted students start in the fall term only.
The Golf Course Turfgrass Management application is in Adobe PDF format. To view and print PDF files, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Visit the Adobe website to download a free copy.
