COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES TURF PROGRAM

International Winter School for Turf Managers

The goal of the annual UMass Amherst International Winter School for Turf Managers is to convey concepts essential to maintaining high quality turf, with emphasis on environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility.

Winter School is internationally renowned and geographically diverse. Established in 1927 by Professor Lawrence S. Dickinson, this course was the first of its kind and remains to this day a top source for turf industry professionals. Many UMass Winter School graduates hold positions of responsibility at prestigious fine turf venues throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.

This comprehensive, dynamic program is especially suited for experienced professionals associated with the management of golf courses, athletic fields, parks, municipal and private grounds, fine lawns and landscapes. Who should attend? Professionals who need to expand their knowledge and practical skills, those who want to advance in their career, but cannot schedule a two- or four-year program, as well as career changers who want to enter the field of turf management.

Students are immersed in an intensive full-time program scheduled all day Monday through Friday for seven weeks. UMass Amherst faculty and distinguished guests lead a combination of classroom, laboratory, group project and discussion activities. Close-knit classes offer an opportunity to learn from the experiences of fellow students and to form relationships that will last a lifetime.

“I would 100% recommend this Turf program to anyone. The instructors were wonderful and the information I learned will be carried with me for the rest of my life.”

Program Details

Prerequisites: High school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Format: Classes meet Monday through Friday for seven weeks. Every student must attend all classes.

Schedule: Early January - Mid-February

Monday 10:10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Curriculum: Courses combine classroom, laboratory, group project and discussion activities. Subjects covered include:

Principles of Turf Management
Advanced Topics in Turf
Basic Soil Science
Turf Management Calculations
Irrigation
Turfgrass Diseases
Turfgrass Insects
Weed Management in Turf
Arboriculture: Trees and Shrubs
Golf Course Design and Construction
Personnel Supervision
Financial Management
Tuf Management and the Environment
Special Topics

A certificate and 23 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded to those who satisfactorily complete the course requirements.

How to apply: Enrollment is limited, and students must be accepted into the program by the director. To apply, you can fill out the Winter School for Turf Managers 2013 application form here and follow the mailing instructions included on the form. You may also contact 413-545-5202 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for curriculum questions contact Patricia Vittum 413-545-0268, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit: www.extension.umass.edu/turf. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and applicants will be advised of their status.