UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In 1929, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences offered one of the first turfgrass education programs in the nation. Since then, the university's turfgrass science graduates have gone on to occupy some of the most prestigious jobs in the turfgrass industry.

Turfgrass science provides students with many opportunities for internships and international travel. Ross Miller, a senior in the major, interned at the Double Eagle Club, a private golf course near Columbus, Ohio. "With this internship, I learned the manicuring and management strategies of maintaining a top 100 golf course," he says. "In addition, I got to meet some of the most recognized people in golf including Fred Couples, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Peter Jacobsen and Raymond Floyd."

Upon graduation, Penn State turfgrass science students often can choose from among several job opportunities. Miller has been offered a position at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia. The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is one of the top 10 golf courses in the world. "Students that I have met from other countries are in awe of the program," says Miller. "In their home countries, Penn State turfgrass science is synonymous with excellence."

Turfgrass science, a major offered by the department of crop and soil sciences, combines the study of grasses, soils, ornamentals and various pests affecting turf with business and management courses. The program provides students with the academic background they need for careers in the turfgrass and landscape industry. Turfgrass managers are involved with the production and maintenance of grass plants for recreational, esthetic and environmental uses.

For more information on turfgrass science, visit http://www.cas.psu.edu on the Web and click on the "Prospective Students" link.

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EDITORS: Contact Ross Miller by e-mail at rmm251@psu.edu.

Lori Connelly Office 814-863-0416 FAX 814-863-9877

Chuck Gill Office 814-863-2713 FAX 814-863-9877