Turfgrass Management (TURF)

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.cincinnatistate.edu.

Turfgrass Management (TURF)

Turfgrass Management associate's degree graduates commonly work for golf courses, athletic field complexes, or lawn care companies. Students complete foundation horticulture courses, and then take specialized turf management courses. Core business courses prepare students for leadership roles in local businesses and municipalities. 

Cooperative education employment for Turfgrass Management majors usually is completed at local golf courses, athletic facilities, or lawn care companies.

The Turfgrass Management program is accredited by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

For more information, please contact the Business Technologies Division at (513) 569-1620.

To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.

Turfgrass Management (TURF)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
LH 105Horticulture Occupations ( B) 111
LH 120Soil Science and Plant Nutrition ( T) 223
LH 125Turfgrass Management ( B) 223
LH 130Woody Plant Materials ( T) 153
LH 140Landscape Operations ( B) 233
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
Semester 2  
BUS 190Professional Practices ( B) 101
LH 151Landscape Design 1 ( T) 233
LH 110Applied Botany ( G) 233
ENG 10X English Composition Elective (G)  303
XXX XXX Computer Elective (T)  223
MAT 1XX Mathematics Elective (G)  303
Semester 3  
LH 135Herbaceous Plant Materials ( T) 233
LH 165Landscape Construction ( T) 233
LH X9X Cooperative Education Elective 1: Landscape Horticulture (T)  1402
Semester 4  
ACC 101Financial Accounting ( B) 223
LAW 101Business Law ( B) 303
LH 160Irrigation Design, Installation, and Management ( T) 233
XXX XXX Management/Marketing Elective (B)  303
Semester 5  
LH 210Turfgrass Pests and Controls ( T) 223
LH 240Landscape Management ( T) 233
LH 255Golf Course and Athletic Field Management ( T) 233
XXX XXX Arts/Humanities Elective or Social/Behavioral Science Elective (G)  303
Semester 6  
LH X9X Cooperative Education Elective 2: Landscape Horticulture (T)  1402
Total Credits:  5012067

Electives 

First Year Experience Elective
FYE 100College Success Strategies: Overview1
FYE 105College Success Strategies: Overview and Application2
FYE 110College Success Strategies: Practice and Application3
Computer Elective
LH 155Computer-Aided Landscape Design3
IM 111Computer Applications 3
IM 120Electronic Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel3
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3
ENG 105English Composition 2: Business Communication3
Management/Marketing Elective
MGT 101Principles of Management3
MGT 105Human Resource Management3
MGT 120Entrepreneurship3
MGT 130Project Management3
MKT 101Principles of Marketing3
MKT 105Marketing and Customer Relations3
MKT 130Principles of Sales3
Mathematics Elective
MAT 105Quantitative Reasoning3
MAT 111Business Mathematics3
MAT 125Algebra and Trigonometry4
Arts/Humanities Elective or Social/Behavioral Science Elective
Any Transfer Module course from ART, LIT, MUS, PHI, REL, THE, or COMM 130
or, any Transfer Module course from ECO, GEO, HST, LBR, POL, PSY, SOC, or SPN 101
Cooperative Education Electives (4 credit hours required)
LH 191Part-Time Cooperative Education 1: Landscape Horticulture1
LH 192Part-Time Cooperative Education 2: Landscape Horticulture1
LH 193Part-Time Cooperative Education 3: Landscape Horticulture1
LH 194Part-Time Cooperative Education 4: Landscape Horticulture1
LH 291Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Landscape Horticulture2
LH 292Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Landscape Horticulture2

Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.

  • This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
  • The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.

The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum. 

G = General Education course in this curriculum

B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum

T = Technical course in this curriculum

Turfgrass Management (TURF)

  • TURF graduates are prepared to enter the green industry workforce at the technician level or above.
  • TURF graduates evaluate soils for the suitability of given plants.
  • TURF graduates understand how plants grow and interact with the environment.
  • TURF graduates are prepared to analyze a property, prepare an estimate and price proposals for landscape management services.
  • TURF graduates have a broad-based knowledge of woody and herbaceous plants including identification, culture, and potential issues with common landscape plants.
  • TURF graduates can recognize, evaluate, and solve problems in landscapes.
  • TURF graduates can identify and safely operate a variety of equipment and tools commonly used in the green industry.
  • TURF graduates can identify potential plant pests, determine if controls are needed, evaluate potential controls, and apply the most effective control.
  • TURF graduates create landscape designs based on site properties, client needs, and functional analysis. 
  • TURF graduates can install, maintain, and manage irrigation systems.
  • TURF graduates have specialized knowledge in athletic field and golf course management.

LH Courses

LH 105 Horticulture Occupations
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 1 Lab Hour.

An introduction to horticulture occupations in the Cincinnati region. Topics include: job levels, working conditions, abilities needed, and benefits within the horticulture industries; resume preparation; interviewing; and business etiquette for the landscaping industry.
Prerequisites: None

LH 110 Applied Botany
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on plant classification, structures, physiology, and development, and the environmental conditions that affect plant growth.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A

LH 115 Floral Design and Marketing
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on concepts and techniques of floral design. Topics include: floral design styles, pricing, shop management, and specialized work such as weddings and funerals. Students must attend off-campus field trips.
Prerequisites: None

LH 120 Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Topics include: soil formation; soil conservation; and properties of soils that affect plant growth, development, and health.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A

LH 125 Turfgrass Management
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on principles and practices for management of turfgrass installations. Topics include: turfgrass identification, growth, uses, and establishment; and pest control. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: None

LH 130 Woody Plant Materials
3 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 5 Lab Hours.

A course on woody plants grown by nurseries and found in the landscape and in naturalized settings of Ohio. Topics include: identifying the features and landscape uses of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and vines. Students must attend weekly plant walk field trips.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A

LH 135 Herbaceous Plant Materials
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on annual, biennial, and non-woody plants commonly used in landscapes of the greater Cincinnati region. Topics include: identification, culture, and design uses of plants for landscapes.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A

LH 140 Landscape Operations
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on equipment used for landscape activities such as planting trees and shrubs and maintaining landscaped areas. Topics include: job safety; and operations of equipment such as loaders, backhoes, tractors, and commercial mowers. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: None

LH 145 Horticulture Mechanics
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

An introduction to the mechanical systems used in the landscape industry. Topics include small engine theory, operation, and repair; gasoline and diesel fuels; hydraulic power systems; and traditional and alternative electrical systems.
Prerequisites: None

LH 151 Landscape Design 1
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on landscape development for residential and small commercial sites. Topics include: the design process, proper design development, and graphics and lettering. Students must provide their own drawing tools and must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A

LH 155 Computer-Aided Landscape Design
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on techniques for using computers in landscape design and contracting to generate plot plans, planting plans, and presentation drawings.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A

LH 160 Irrigation Design, Installation, and Management
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on designing, installing, and managing residential and commercial irrigation systems. Students must participate in field work.
Prerequisites: LH 125 and LH 151 (minimum grade C for both)

LH 165 Landscape Construction
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on techniques and use of materials for constructing and installing landscape planting features and structures such as gardens, terraces, walls, mounds, ponds, irrigation, and outdoor lighting. Students must participate in field work.
Prerequisites: LH 151 (minimum grade C)

LH 170 From Field to Kitchen
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on edible plants, herbs, and spices and their use in culinary preparations.
Prerequisites: None

Instructor Consent Required

LH 175 Interior Plantscaping
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on the use of foliage and blooming plants to enhance interior areas of buildings. Topics include: classification, culture, and design applications.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A

LH 191 Part-Time Cooperative Education 1: Landscape Horticulture
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: BUS 190 (minimum grade C)

LH 192 Part-Time Cooperative Education 2: Landscape Horticulture
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: LH 191

LH 193 Part-Time Cooperative Education 3: Landscape Horticulture
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: LH 192

LH 194 Part-Time Cooperative Education 4: Landscape Horticulture
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fourth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: LH 194

LH 195 Part-Time Cooperative Education 5: Landscape Horticulture
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fifth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: LH 195

LH 196 Part-Time Cooperative Education 6: Landscape Horticulture
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their sixth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: LH 195

LH 205 Landscape Pests and Controls
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on identification, diagnosis, and control of common insect, disease, and weed pests in the landscape industry. Topics include: integrated pest management/plant health care principles, and Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial CORE and Category 6d exams.
Prerequisites: LH 110 and LH 130 and LH 135 (minimum grade C for all)

LH 210 Turfgrass Pests and Controls
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on identification, diagnosis, and control of common insect, disease, and weed pests of turfgrasses. Topics include: integrated pest management/plant health care principles, and Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial CORE and Category 8 exams. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 110 and LH 125 (minimum grade C for both)

LH 215 Arboriculture
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on principles and techniques of the commercial arboriculture business. Topics include: trees and the environment; protection, diagnosis, and treatment of tree health problems; techniques for pruning, removal, and climbing; and job safety. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 110 and LH 130 (minimum grade C in both)

LH 225 Greenhouse Management and Plant Production
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on principles and practices for greenhouse management and plant production. Topics include: greenhouse structures and maintenance, and managing environmental conditions vital to plant growth. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 110 and LH 135 (minimum grade C for both)

LH 230 Landscape Solutions to Stormwater Management
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on using landscaping to manage stormwater and water runoff. Topics include: the ecology, design, installation, and maintenance of water management and retention systems including bioswales, green roofs, and rain gardens. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 110 and LH 120 and LH 151 (minimum grade C for all)

LH 240 Landscape Management
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on principles and practices of management used in the landscape industry. Topics include: seasonal planning for landscape maintenance, contracts and specifications, cost estimating, business management, and personnel management. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 110 and LH 120 and LH 130 (minimum grade C for all), and MAT 093 or MAT 105A or appropriate Math placement

LH 245 Plants for Sustainable Landscapes
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on identification, culture, and uses of nursery-grown woody and herbaceous plants in Cincinnati-area sustainable landscapes. Topics include: using native species appropriately, and controlling invasive species. Students must attend weekly field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 130 and LH 135 and LH 151 (minimum grade C for all)

LH 252 Landscape Design 2
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on application of design theory to develop creative solutions to landscape problems. Topics include: graphic skills such as section, elevation, isometric and perspective techniques; construction plans; interaction with clients; and sales presentations. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 130 and LH 140 and LH 151 (minimum grade C for all)

LH 255 Golf Course and Athletic Field Management
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on techniques for golf course and athletic field management. Topics include: layout and construction, course/field management systems, maintenance, budgeting, record-keeping, golf-specific turf care, turfgrass selection and enhancement, practices for playability enhancement, field set-up, and renovation of existing fields. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 125 (minimum grade C)

LH 265 Landscape Grading, Drainage, and Surveying
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on landscape site preparation. Topics include: site assessment, establishing grades, soil conservation and improvement, surface and sub-surface drain systems, cut-and-fill calculations, and safe operation of equipment. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 151 (minimum grade C) and MAT 093 or appropriate placement

LH 290 Sustainable Landscape Design Capstone
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

Students complete a project while examining the landscape designer's role in restoring and protecting habitats. Topics include: site choice, stormwater controls, xeriscaping, criteria for LEED and other certifications, and techniques for landscape features such as green roofs and rain gardens. Students must attend field trips.
Prerequisites: LH 151 and LH 155 and LH 230 and LH 245 (minimum grade C for all)

LH 291 Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Landscape Horticulture
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: BUS 190 (minimum grade C)

LH 292 Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Landscape Horticulture
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: LH 291

LH 293 Full-Time Cooperative Education 3: Landscape Horticulture
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: LH 292

MGT Courses

MGT 101 Principles of Management
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on the history and fundamental concepts of modern management. Topics include: planning, leading, organizing, and controlling; global and domestic environments for management; change management; quality management; team management; and communication skills for managers.
Prerequisites: FYE 120 or placement into ENG 101

Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

MGT 105 Human Resource Management
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on the role of the human resource department and the supervisor's role in various human resource functions. Topics include: recruiting, choosing, and training employees; compensation and benefits; performance evaluation; disciplinary actions; and workplace rights and responsibilities.
Prerequisites: None

MGT 120 Entrepreneurship
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on starting and growing new businesses. Topics include: identifying new venture opportunities, evaluating the viability of a new venture, and understanding skills needed for successful business operations. Students prepare a business plan for potential investor review.
Prerequisites: ACC 101

MGT 125 Business Ethics
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on principles of business ethics and moral reasoning. Topics include: corporate disclosure, discrimination, whistle blowing, computer crime, and international ethics. This course is delivered through online instruction only.
Prerequisites: None

MGT 130 Project Management
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

An introduction to project management in various industries. Topics include: planning and prioritizing projects, obtaining project approvals, working with diverse teams, managing all elements of projects, evaluating project results, and using Microsoft Project software.
Prerequisites: None

MGT 131 Project Management Professional Certification Review
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on fundamentals of project management in various industries. Topics include: planning and prioritizing projects, obtaining project approvals, working with diverse teams, managing all elements of projects, evaluating project results, and using Microsoft Project software. This course satisfies the education requirement to sit for the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam.
Prerequisites: None

MGT 140 Quality Management
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on concepts and techniques of quality management and continuous improvement for manufacturing and service organizations. Topics include: establishing a customer driven organization, and using effective feedback and control systems.
Prerequisites: MGT 101

MGT 191 Part-Time Cooperative Education 1: Management
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: BUS 190 (minimum grade C)

MGT 192 Part-Time Cooperative Education 2: Management
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MGT 191

MGT 193 Part-Time Cooperative Education 3: Management
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MGT 192

MGT 194 Part-Time Cooperative Education 4: Management
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fourth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MGT 193

MGT 195 Part-Time Cooperative Education 5: Management
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their fifth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MGT 194

MGT 196 Part-Time Cooperative Education 6: Management
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 20 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their sixth part-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students are expected to register for academic courses during the same semester. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MGT 195

MGT 220 Leadership
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on the role of successful integrative leaders in organizations. Topics include: historical and contemporary approaches to leadership, leadership for change, team leadership, servant leadership, and communication skills for leaders.
Prerequisites: MGT 101

MGT 290 Business Management Capstone
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

Students examine the entire scope of management, including functional and decision making areas such as production, marketing, finance, and accounting.
Prerequisites: MGT 101 and MKT 101 and ACC 101

MGT 291 Full-Time Cooperative Education 1: Management
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their first full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: BUS 190 (minimum grade C)

MGT 292 Full-Time Cooperative Education 2: Management
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their second full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MGT 291

MGT 293 Full-Time Cooperative Education 3: Management
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in their third full-time field learning experience related to their degree. Students must follow cooperative education policies and procedures to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: MGT 292

Faculty

Program Chair

Samuel (Mark) Deacon, MS
mark.deacon@cincinnatistate.edu

Co-op Coordinator

Brian Hooten, MAOL
brian.hooten@cincinnatistate.edu

Business Division Advising

Call (513) 569-1620 or Text (513) 569-1600
BTDadvisors@cincinnatistate.edu