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Why a Bachelor's Degree? Prospective employers want well-rounded employees who can deal equally well with the technical turf management aspect, with the trend toward computerization of records and automated systems, and with the human element.

In early 1998 UMC developed an industry survey and distributed it to members of the North Dakota Turfgrass Association and to members of the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents' Association. The data below is compiled from 148 returned surveys.

Moderate or rapid growth in demand for graduates is anticipated by 86% of survey respondents.

• For an entry level employee, a 4-year degree is deemed "very important" by 41% and "moderately important" by 54% of respondents.
• For advancement within the industry, a 4-year degree is deemed "very important" by 61% and "moderately important" by 34% of respondents.
• Hiring expectations: 70% indicated that their companies would hire 1-2 bachelor's degree qualified employees in the next 5 years, 11% said that 3 or more would be required.
• Internships: 85% of respondents indicated their company would hire or would possibly hire student interns (76% and 9%, respectively).

Career Options

It is important to mention that while golf course management tends to be the major career option, there are others. Other paths available to a graduate with a bachelor's degree in golf facilities and turf systems include managers of athletic fields, lawn and landscape maintenance, park and grounds managers, and technical sales positions within the turf industry, among others. The fact that UMC also offers degree programs in Plant Industries Management--Horticulture and Natural Resources--Park Management allows our students even more options to specialize in an area of interest.

Salary Outlook

"In 2003, the average base salary for golf course superintendents (m) rose to $63,065. The increase in base salary from 2000 to 2003 increased 10.5 percent, or 3.5 percent annually. The observed increase represents an 18.5 percent gain since 1998, or increase of $9,860 in 5 years. “

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