Certificate and Diploma Programs

Follow these links to find information on Certificate and Diploma Programs offered through the University of Guelph and Guelph Turfgrass Institute.

The Turf Managers' Short Course (TMSC)

4-week certificate in turfgrass management program

The TMSC is Canada's most successful certificate in turfgrass management.  This 4 week program has over 50 years of educating and preparing a broad range of students of all age groups, experience levels and industry sectors.  This certification is recognized by most major turf professional associations and has become world renowned for its quick but thorough educational curriculum.  If you are interested in the program, we suggest you inquire about registration ASAP as it tends to fill up quickly each year.

Questions about the TMSC?

Contact Open Learning and Educational Support
Phone: 519-767-5000
​Email: info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca


Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management

Two-year on campus diploma program

The Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management (ADTM) is Canada's premier turfgrass management program and features a focused curriculum that provides students with the skills to succeed in this competitive industry.

This two-year program utilizes the collaborative resources of the University of Guelph and the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, which includes greenhouses, labs, faculty and staff, and the grounds, workshop and laboratory facilities of the GTI. Practical and scientific study is combined with a required work placement to provide students with a wide range of experience and knowledge. The Diploma in Turfgrass Management prepares students for a variety of career opportunities including golf course management, lawn care, sports field management, parks management, sod production, and related supply and service businesses.

Students are required to complete a minimum 15-week industry co-op placement  between the end of the second semester (April) and the start of the third semester (September). In collaboration with their employer, students establish specific learning objectives and maintain a daily journal recording their on-the-job experiences and observations. The work experience is a key component of the third semester course Current Turf Practices, but is drawn upon extensively throughout the final year of the program. Historically, students have found exciting co-op positions at golf courses and other turfgrass based enterprises across Canada as well as in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Germany and the Caribbean. Graduates of the program are in high demand within the turfgrass industry across Canada and internationally.

Courses Include:

Semester 1 - Fall

  • DTM*1000 [0.50] The Turf Industry
  • DTM*1010 [0.50] Identification and Care of Landscape Plants and Trees
  • DTM*1100 [0.50] Plant Biology
  • DTM*1200 [0.50] Turf Equipment
  • DTM*1300 [0.50] Turf Soil Principles
  • DTM*1500 [0.50] Turf Communication Skills

Semester 2 - Winter

  • DTM*2000 [0.50] Turf Management 1
  • DTM*2010 [0.50] Identification and Care of Landscape Plants and Trees
  • DTM*2100 [0.50] Turf Irrigation and Drainage
  • DTM*2200 [0.50] Computers and Math for Turf
  • DTM*2400 [0.50] Landscape Design
  • DTM*2600 [0.50] Turf Environmental Management

Semester 3 - Fall

  • DTM*3000 [0.50] Turf Management II
  • DTM*3100 [0.50] Current Turf Practices
  • DTM*3200 [0.50] Turf Diseases
  • DTM*3300 [0.50] Turf Insects and Weeds
  • DTM*3400 [0.50] Landscape Construction
  • DTM*3800 [0.50] Special Study Project I

Semester 4 - Winter

  • DTM*4000 [0.50] Turf Management III
  • DTM*4200 [0.50]  Design and Construction of Golf Courses and Sports Fields
  • DTM*4300 [0.50] Turf Case Studies
  • DTM*4400 [0.50] Human Resources Management
  • DTM*4500 [0.50] Business and Finance for Turf
  • DTM*4600 [0.50] Computer Assisted Design
  • DTM*4800 [0.50] Special Study Project II

Questions about the DTM Program?

Contact Cameron Shaw
Manager, Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management Program

Contact Carie Devitt
DTM Program Counsellor

How to Apply

The application process is a two-stage process:

  • Follow the instructions on the Ontario Universities Application Centre website to select the Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management at the University of Guelph.
  • Submit the Background Information Form and a copy of your resume showing your previous work experience to the DTM Program Counsellor. This form gives you an opportunity to let us know your interest, experience and reason for wishing to enrol in the program.

Degree Programs

4-year on-campus degree programs

The B.Sc. (Agr.) degree program is an honours science program designed to provide a fundamental education in the science of agriculture and plant production. The degree offers two majors that may be of interest to those pursuing careers in turfgrass: Crop Science and Horticulture. The curriculum includes courses in agricultural, physical, biological, and social sciences.

For complete degree program information and regulations, see the Bachelor of Science in Crop Sciences or the Bachelor of Science in Horticulture.


Certificates in Horticulture, Landscape and Turf

OpenEd offers several online certificate programs including the Horticulture Certificate, Horticulture Diploma, Landscape Design Certificate, and Landscape Design Diploma. These programs feature the ability for you to customize your learning and specialize within a field. You can expect an engaging, practical online learning experience that will meet your professional and personal goals and interests. 

For more information about available courses, see Horticulture Studies.