PCDR
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Turfgrass Management Co-op Information for Employers

Adding Value to Your Team

The Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management (DTM) program is designed to provide students with the skills to succeed in the turfgrass industry. Practical and scientific study is combined with a required summer co-op work term to provide students with a wide range of practical experiences, knowledge and networking opportunities. This program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities including golf course management, lawn care, sports field management, parks management, landscaping, sod production and related supply and service industry positions.

University of Guelph Advantage

The DTM program at the University of Guelph is the only program of its kind in Ontario and is one of only two such programs nationally. Turfgrass management is a dynamic sector with opportunities across Canada and throughout the world. DTM is a focused curriculum that will provide students with the skills to succeed in this competitive industry. The program utilizes the collaborative resources of the University of Guelph faculty and staff, industry professionals and the grounds, workshop and laboratory facilities of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. DTM students are typically passionate, hard-working, career-minded individuals who are interested in personal growth and advancement in the industry.

The co-op work term is scheduled after the second academic semester, providing a foundation on which to build the work experience.

Student Strengths

 Knowledge

Knowledge of various tools and equipment for maintaining turfgrass systems. Knowledge of agronomic principles in relation to soils, fertilizer and pest control products.

 Understanding

In-depth understanding of the turfgrass industry and its many disciplines. Solid understanding of player/stakeholder expectations and surface conditioning for various sports and recreational activities enjoyed on turfgrass.

 Problem Solving 

Strong capabilities in leadership, communication and problem solving.

Turfgrass Management Co-op Work Term Schedule

YEAR
 

FALL

 

WINTER

 

SUMMER

ONEAcademicAcademicWork
TWOAcademicAcademic 

Turfgrass Management Course Sequencing

Please see the current Associate Diploma Calendar for more information.

Fall

  • Introduction to Co-operative Education
  • The Turf Industry
  • The Identification and Care of Landscape Plants in Turf Environments I
  • Plant Biology
  • Turf Equipment
  • Turf Soil Principles
  • Turf Communication Skills

Winter

  • Turf Management I
  • The Identification and Care of Landscape Plants in Turf Environments II
  • Turf Irrigation and Drainage
  • Computers and Math for Turf
  • Landscape Design
  • Turf Environment Management

Summer

Work Term One

Fall

  • Turf Management II
  • Current Turf Practices
  • Turf Diseases
  • Turf Insects and Weeds
  • Landscape Construction
  • 1 elective

Winter

  • Turf Management III
  • Design and Construction of Golf Courses and Sports Fields
  • Turf Case Studies
  • Human Resources Management
  • Business and Finance for Turf
  • 1 elective