Horticulture/Turf & Landscape Management

Program Description

golf ball on the green.

Almost every community in Southern California has at least one golf course. Keeping “greens” green and fairways “playable” takes as much skill as the golfers who play on them. These skills are particularly important given the challenging environmental conditions and state and federal laws governing these endeavors in Southern California. The Employment Concentration Certificates in Turf & Landscape Management is designed to prepare the student for entry into a variety of careers associated with golf course and turf management.

This program specifically provides students with the technical foundations in turf management, water usage, fertility, soils, horticulture, and human resource management for golf courses, recreational parks, sports fields, and general landscape areas. This program also prepares students to enter the job market as a golf course superintendent, field crew supervisor, irrigation technician, equipment manager, grounds person for parks, cities, and school districts, or field crew foreman for landscape contractors. The Employment Concentration Certificates in Turf & Landscape Management prepares students with the technical and analytical skills necessary for managing a golf course or turf/horticultural area. For individuals currently working within these fields, there may be potential for salary and/or career advancement.

Horticulture/Turf & Landscape Department Page

Transfer Preparation

MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.  

Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.  

Contact Information

San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Dean of Instruction, Career Education (951) 639-5352
careereducation@msjc.edu

Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Dean of Instruction, Career Education (951) 639-5352
careereducation@msjc.edu

  • Assemble and synthesize information regarding plant, soil, water, air, and organisms as they relate to maintenance of golf courses and other landscape projects.
  • Compare and contrast procedures used in soil test and plant selection and uses.
  • Compare and contrast the growth and development pattern of plants.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of soil profiles, soil nutrients, water sources and industry practices, i.e. soil testing to solve problems involving soil compaction, lack of proper nutrients, and improper watering practices.
  • Discover and employ basic botanical vocabulary and style to evaluate plant, soil, and water problems.
  • Inventory career and professional opportunities in the green industry.

Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests!  See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.

Career/Industries CA Annual Median Salary or Range Employment Demand or Opening CA
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Services, and Groundskeeping (C, A, B) $49,263 2,221
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $35,139 21,062

(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)