University Catalog 2024-2025

Turfgrass (Minor)

The minor in Turf Grass Science is open to all undergraduate students at NC State University, with the exception of those enrolled in the Turfgrass Science major. It is designed for students majoring in Plant and Soil Sciences, Biological Sciences, Horticultural Science, Parks & Recreation and related disciplines but will be of interest to a wide variety of students desiring expertise in establishing and maintaining turfgrass areas. Students will gain an understanding of the techniques required to successfully establish and manage turfgrasses commonly grown throughout the United States. This knowledge will improve the student’s ability to provide high quality turfgrass cover for a variety of situations including home lawns, commercial grounds, parks and other areas.

Admission

Admission to the minor requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Application for admission to any University minor program is now available via MyPack Portal. Admission will be based upon the student’s academic record, and in most cases no longer requires departmental review. To apply to Add a Minor, go to: https://go.ncsu.edu/minor_coda. A minor advisor will be assigned to all students interested in completing the Turfgrass minor. Students enrolled in the minor must consult with their minor advisor during each registration period.

Certification

The minor should be declared as soon as the student makes the decision to pursue a minor. Minor coursework must be completed no later than the semester in which the student expects to graduate from his or her degree program.

Contact Person

Undergraduate Programs Office
Crop & Soil Sciences Department
2234 Williams Hall
Campus Box 7620
919-515-5820
cropsoil-undergraduate-office@ncsu.edu

SIS Code:  11TFGM

Plan Requirements

A minimum of 16 hours is required for the minor in Turfgrass.  Students are required to complete 11 credits of required courses and a minimum of 5 credits of restricted elective courses. A minimum grade of ‘C-‘ or better is required in each course selected. No courses for the minor may be taken using the S/U option.

Students majoring in Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (11ASFSBS), Crop and Soil Sciences (11CSSCBS), and Natural Resources - Soil, Water and Land Use (11NATRLBS) are not eligible to enroll in this minor. 

Required Courses
CS 200Introduction to Turfgrass Management4
CS 400Turf Cultural Systems3
SSC 200Soil Science3
SSC 201Soil Science Laboratory1
Elective Courses
Select five credits of the following:5
Weed Science
Turf Management Systems and Environmental Quality
Advanced Turfgrass Pest Management
General Entomology
Principles of Plant Pathology
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management
and Soil and Plant Nutrient Analysis
Total Hours16