What advantages does our program have?

• Golf represents $2.4 billion to the state's economy; Minnesota with its 508 golf courses ranks 11th in the U.S. providing numerous opportunities for internships and jobs.
• Raising funds to construct a unique 3-acre natural grass, 18-hold putting course for teaching, research, and recreation.
• Faculty research interests include sustainable turfgrass systems, endophytic turfgrass, turfgrass fertility, improving water quality, ornamental & natural grasses for low maintenance areas.
• The University of Minnesota, Crookston also offers degree programs in Horticulture and Natural Resources--Park Management allows our students even more options to specialize in an area of interest.
• Students also have the opportunity to join the Turf Club.

Priority Skills

Golf clubs rely on memberships and fees to survive, and their customers expect beautiful facilities and quality services. To be successful, managers of these facilities need the whole package: people skills, business savvy, and technical ability. Students enrolled in UMC's Golf and Turf Management program can expect to develop their interpersonal, relational, and managerial skills while gaining the depth of technical knowledge required of this highly specialized horticultural field.

General Skills

• Communication and public relations
• Problem solving
• Leadership and teamwork
• Management and supervision

Specialized, Technical Knowledge Skills

• develop interpersonal and business management skills while gaining specialized technical knowledge in turfgrass systems
• apply principles of plant science and nutrition and soils
• establish, renovate, and maintain turfgrass systems
• develop horticultural and landscaping skills
• understand the design, operation, and maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems
• apply integrated management practices in disease, pest, and weed control
• appropriately manage agricultural chemical applications
• be familiar with specialized laboratory, industry, and field equipment
• solve problems, make sound decisions, and work well in teams
• utilize excellent communication and public relations skills
• supervise staff effectively and manage facilities efficiently

What is the UMC Advantage?

Small Campus. Big Degree.
Earn a prestigious University of Minnesota degree in an affordable, close-knit campus setting. The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most esteemed.  As a coordinate campus of the University of Minnesota system, the U of M, Crookston offers access to world-class teaching, learning and research resources, as well as enhanced internship and undergraduate research opportunities.  As a graduate, your diploma features one of the most respected names in higher education.

Individual Attention and Mentorship
You expect an education that not only focuses on your needs but also allows your talent and interests to shine through.  The dedicated faculty and staff at the U of M, Crookston serve as true mentors, offering personalized attention through a student-faculty ratio of 16:1 and by working closely with students as mentors and advisors.  You’ll have opportunities to design and conduct research or work alongside faculty on projects that add real value to your educational experience. 

A Technological Edge
Gain a competitive technological edge.  As the original “Laptop U” with more than 15 years of leadership in technology integration, the U of M, Crookston will provide you with a powerful laptop computer and will help you develop the technology skills so essential in today’s information economy.  You’ll gain experience in a day-to-day environment richly immersed in technology and its related applications.  From the classrooms to the residence halls, you’ll have 24/7 access to the Web and class projects, assignments, and presentations.  You’ll make use of current as well as emerging technologies.  Employers consistently report that the U of M, Crookston graduates they hire are extremely well prepared for the demands of today’s technological workplace.

Global Perspectives
The U of M, Crookston has made it a priority to promote an understanding of diversity and global perspectives and to offer you the resources, programs and activities necessary for you to succeed in today’s global economy.  Our international recruitment efforts bring students from more than 20 countries, and our Study Abroad program offers more than 300 opportunities for you to study in 67 different countries.  There are also numerous cultural activities and clubs to participate in.  We offer many ways for you to expand your worldview, gain international experience, and make connections with people from across the globe. 

Applied Learning and Internships
Learn and do!  Gain first-hand exposure to your career field through the U of M, Crookston’s distinctive hands-on approach to learning.  Working with our professional faculty and staff, you’ll not only learn concepts, but apply them through projects, field trips, site visits and interactions with professionals in the field.  Our internship programs give you the chance to practice the principles and theories you’ve learned in the classroom and make contacts with potential employers.  The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) even allows you to design and conduct research as an undergraduate!

No Out-of-State Tuition and Transfer-Friendly
The U of M, Crookston is the affordable choice for anyone! Whether you live just across the border, across the country or on the other side of the ocean, you pay the same as those who live in Minnesota.  We offer an incredible value that’s also extremely transfer-friendly.  Our staff will work with you to make sure your credits count.  Our faculty advisors will personally talk with you about career goals, degree interests and review your records to develop a plan, and our transfer specialist will help make the process as smooth as possible.          

Excellent Job Placement
The Crookston campus has a reputation for a job placement rate of more than 93% for students in their field of study within six months of graduation. Some programs on our campus have even a higher rate of placement.