U. Mass vs Rutgers

[Craig Sweet]

First let me say that I love this site and I'm very greatful to be allowed access.

I'm a vet. of 17 year's in the horticulture biz and I've recently begun working as a groundskeeper at my local course.

I'm looking to improve me knowledge of turf and turf releated issues and have been considering attending either the 2 year certificate program at Rutgers or the 7 week turf management winter session at U. Mass.

Does anyone here have any experience with either of these two programs or an opinion of either?

[TEPaul]

Craig:

Welcome to GOLFCLUBATLAS.com where every day is like a Friday night barroom brawl in Dodge City!

Why don't you just confuse yourelf a bit more and throw Penn State and Michigan State into the equation too? The only question to me between U of Mass and Rutgers is whether you prefer to live in the land of the liberal intellectual or the land of Tony Soprano?!

[Doug Braunsdorf]

Craig-

PM me off line-I'm an alumni of Rutgers so I'm pretty well qualified to give you one side of answers to your question.  

Doug

[Sean McCue]

Craig,

There are several things that you need to consider while choosing a school with a turf program.  These would be but are limited to; length of program (2 year vs. 4 year),  location of the school and does it specialize in the climate that you would like to work and live in (cool season vs. warm season), nationally recognized school vs. smaller regionally recognized school, the length of internship required by school. Just as a person builds a resume with highly recognizable golf clubs you should do the same with the school you choose.  

Sean

[Donnie Beck]

Craig,

I went to Umass winter school a few years back. It was over 10 years since I received my degree in turf management and wanted to brush up. They cover everything turf related that you would find in a 2 year degree in only 7 weeks.  Classes run from 7am-5pm and believe me it is a LONG DAY. It is an excellent program but if you have not been to turf school before you may find it a bit overwhelming. I had an intern from the Rutgers program a few years back and he spoke highly of their program. If you have the time I think you may get a little more out of the Rutgers program as they require an intership and classes are spaced out over a two year period which would alllow more time for the classes to sink in.

[Donnie Beck]

Tom,

I think he is interested in the Umass and Rutgers programs because they are certificate programs geared towards people working in the business that want to further their education without droping everything midlife to going back to school fulltime. Both programs offer the turf classes you would receive in a 2 year degree program without the english,math, exc. ... classes.

[Sean McCue]

Donnie,

If that is the case Penn State's world campus would be the best choice.

[Craig Sweet]

Yes, I'm looking for a program that I can "knock out" over the winter(s) while our course is under snow. I have a degree so I want to stay away from the enrolling in an associates or 4 year program.

My biggest concern is whether the 7 week winter session at U.Mass or the 2 year certificate program at Rutgers will be recognized, and valued, when I seek a better job.  Is the "industry" moving toward placing such a high value on 4 year turf degrees that these certificate programs are not what they use to be?  

[Steve Curry]

Craig,

UMASS, But I am biased

I can't speak to the other programs, but the one at UMASS is very highly regarded.  I think that while the trend is toward having the B.S. degree that one can still make a good go with the certificate if the work history is solid and the reputation is there.  I know lots of people who get hired more so by reputation than educational background.  I also know some with tremendous educational backgrounds that flounder.

Steve