GreenKeeper University
GreenKeeper University is an online educational program that offers courses in the field of turfgrass science. It is an educational option intended for people who want a more in-depth training than is traditionally offered by short courses or other non-degree options, but do not have the resources or need to achieve a university degree in turfgrass science. Unlike one-hour conference sessions or brief webinars, GreenKeeper University courses dive deeper into the information over the course of three to twelve weeks. The professors will have time to explain advanced topics and students will be able to interact with other learners and the instructors.
We created this program for turfgrass professionals who may have a job and/or a family and are unable to make the sacrifice that a university degree demands. We also considered those who may already have a degree, but want to increase their knowledge or switch careers. We hope GreenKeeper University allows people to begin or advance their careers. We do not intend for GreenKeeper University to compete with or replace the many outstanding options for associate’s and bachelor’s degrees at accredited universities.
Earn a Introductory Certificate or GKU Diploma
Complete the introductory or advanced program to earn a certificate or diploma.
Learn at your Own Pace
Take as many or as few courses as you like. No time limit exists for GKU Diploma completion.
Invest in Yourself
Increase your knowledge and advance your career.
GreenKeeper University Introductory Certificate
These comprehensive introductory 12-week online schools are taught by university turfgrass scientists and educators. This program first launched as the Great Lakes School of Turf Sciences and is now expanding beyond the Midwest. It provides participants with the science-based principles needed to effectively manage turf for recreation, sport, aesthetics and environmental protection.
Recommended for:
- Those new to the turfgrass industry
- Technical representatives from industry wanting to update their knowledge
- Those with experience in the industry wanting to review and update their practices
The registration deadline is December 31, 2022. Students will have access to the course and materials at their convenience during the period via a class management system. The fee for the course is $550, which includes supplemental materials and a certificate after successful completion of the program.
January 9-March 31, 2023
Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science: Cool-Season Golf
This comprehensive introductory online school is taught by 11 experts in the field. The 12-week school covers the principles of turfgrass science with a golf-turf focus, ranging from turf selection to soil fertility and pest management. This school has educated over 400 practitioners since 2014 and we are excited to be offering it on the GreenKeeper University platform.
January 9-March 31, 2023
Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science: Cool-Season Lawns/Grounds/Sports
Much like the Great Lakes Golf Edition, the Lawns/Grounds/Sports Edition is an introductory school for lawn care operators, grounds and parks managers, sports field managers, and anyone interested in maintaining turf in a professional, non-golf setting. Students will learn the principles of turfgrass science in this 12-week school taught by experts in the field. Practitioners of all ages have found value in this school and we are pleased to be offering via GreenKeeper University.
GreenKeeper University Advanced Courses
Led by university turfgrass scientists and educators, these comprehensive in-depth courses dive deeper into specific topics areas. Courses are 3-9 weeks depending on the number of credit hours earned. Each course will include recorded lectures and in-person discussions each week along with brief quizzes at the end of each section. Live sessions are also recorded for your convenience.
Recommended for:
- Those with experience in the industry wanting in-depth training on specific topic areas
- Technical representatives from industry wanting to gain expertise in the field
- Those that already have a college degree or formal training, but want a deeper understanding of the latest turfgrass research
Earn a GreenKeeper University Diploma in Turfgrass Management
Complete 18 credit hours of coursework to complete your GreenKeeper University Diploma in Turfgrass Management. Earn a GKU Badge for each course completed to mark your progress towards your diploma. Receive a Front Nine Badge after completing nine credits and obtain the Back Nine Badge and GKU Diploma after completion of 18 credit hours.
The registration deadline is one week prior to the class start date. The courses are designed to be self-paced with a combination of recorded lectures, live discussions, and weekly quizzes to reinforce understanding. Coursework needs to be completed two weeks after course end date to earn your badge. Students will have access to the course and materials at their convenience during the period via a class management system. The fee is $185 per credit hour and a diploma is earned after successful completion of 18 credit hours.
Programming Plant Growth Regulators
Dr. Bill Kreuser
This course is packed with information and dives deep into turfgrass PGRs. It covers the growth response from different PGRs, "ideal" re-application intervals, modeling PGR response across different application rates and cool- and warm-season species, PGR mixtures, over-regulation risk, collar decline, and the impact of PGR programs on turfgrass performance. View Course Content
1 Credit Hour
January 9-January 27, 2023
Understanding and Using Soil Testing
Dr. Doug Soldat
This course focus on measuring and managing soil chemical properties. Topics covered include soil pH, cation exchange capacity, soil sampling techniques, and different soil test extraction and quantification methods. Dr. Soldat will then cover different ways to interpret soil test results including SLAN, BCSR, and MLSN. View Course Content
1 Credit Hour
January 9-January 27, 2023
Weed Identification and Control
Dr. Aaron Patton
This course will provide a fundamental understanding of weed ecology, an extensive overview of all major cool- and warm-season weeds, and integrated pest management strategies for their control. Chemical management with a heavy emphasis on pesticide resistance and rotation will be covered in-depth and the latest findings from university led research will be covered. View Course Content
3 Credit Hours
January 9-March 10, 2023
Integrated Pest Management
Dr. Jim Kerns
Dr. Kerns leads this course which focuses on turfgrass integrated pest management, the diagnostic process in turfgrass systems, resistance management, disease epidemiology, principles of disease management and cultural control strategies. View Course Content
2 Credit Hours
January 9-February 17, 2023
Diseases of Cool-Season Turfgrasses
Dr. Paul Koch
Dr. Paul Koch teaches this course which provides a comprehensive introduction to the primary diseases of cool-season turfgrass. Students will learn how to identify diseases, receive the most up-to-date research related to integrated disease control strategies, and work to develop comprehensive disease control programs specific to their location. View Course Content
2 Credit Hours
January 30-March 10, 2023
Precision Turfgrass Management
Dr. Bill Kreuser
Dr. Michael Carlson
Precision turfgrass management uses observations, data, and models to improve management efficiency in turfgrass systems. This course will cover turfgrass growth potential, various turf and pest models, manipulation of growth with nitrogen and PGR programs, clipping volume, crop sensors, mapping date and construction of prescription maps for precision applications with variable rate sprayer systems. View Course Content
2 Credit Hours
January 30-March 10, 2023
Mastering Management & Communication
Michael D. Morris, CGCS
This six-week course will address management and communication science as it applies to leadership roles in golf and sports turf.
- The first two weeks will focus on the manager’s role as communicator and the brand, or message, the manager conveys staff and stakeholders.
- The second two weeks will focus on managing the message and making sure the right information has the intended effect.
- The final two weeks will focus on using management and communication skills to achieve optimal outcomes—in other words, leadership skills.
The in-person, online discussions not only will cover the content of the course, but also will allow participants to discuss and explore management challenges specific to their roles and responsibilities in the industry.
2 Credit Hours
January 9-February 17, 2023
Turfgrass Irrigation
Dr. Doug Soldat
Dr. Doug Soldat will discuss turfgrass irrigation strategies, technologies to measure water status and water more efficiently, the factors driving evapotranspiration and teach students how to create a water budget. View Course Content
1 Credit Hour
January 30-February 17, 2023
Turfgrass Drainage
Dr. Alec Kowalewski
It's been said that common sense and drainage are needed to grow turf. And, if short on the former, than add more of the latter. This course covers various aspects of turfgrass drainage including slope, soils, layers, root zone construction, drainage technologies and cultivation techniques to improve drainage. Syllabus coming soon.
1 Credit Hour
February 20-March 10, 2023
GreenKeeper University Courses Planned for 2024
The ABC’s of Putting Green Management
Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai
This three-week course weaves through the history of golf and maintenance practices that have led to our modern day maintenance practices. It is filled with easy to interpret turfgrass research that supports, or leads to questioning numerous cultural and mechanical practices and their impact on turfgrass agronomics. Topics covered include but are not limited to mowing, irrigation, fertilization, topdressing and rolling and proven method that can lead to economic savings with increased customer satisfaction. View Course Content
1 Credit Hour
TBD 2024
Insect Identification and Control
Dr. Ben McGraw
This course is taught by Dr. Ben McGraw. The class is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the basics of entomology, an extensive overview of the major cool- and warm-season turfgrass insect pests, and integrated pest management strategies for their control. A major emphasis of this class will be on identification and behavior of key turfgrass pests. Chemical management will be covered in-depth and the latest findings from university led research will be covered. View Course Content
3 Credit Hours
TBD 2024
Causes and Management of Turfgrass Stress
Dr. Bill Kreuser
Turfgrass plants need to adapt to changing weather conditions or they parish. This course will cover different forms of abiotic stress, how they impact plant health, and provide management strategies to over-come stress. Different topics include heat, cold, too little or too much light, drought, ice encasement, desiccation, and traffic damage. Multiple stresses, plant health, and plant health promoting products will also be discussed. View Course Content
2 Credit Hours
TBD 2024
Turfgrass Soil Management
Dr. Doug Soldat
Sound soil management is the building block of a healthy system. Dr. Doug Soldat leads this course focusing on the basics of soil science, management of soil physical properties including organic matter, different types of cultivation techniques, and the construction and management of different root zone systems. View Course Content
1 Credit Hour
TBD 2024
Responsible Pesticide Use
Dr. Paul Koch
Dr. Paul Koch leads this important course on responsible pesticide use in turfgrass systems. Topics will include pesticide toxicity, use BMPs, measuring pesticide risk, organic and pesticide alternatives. The course also focuses on disease models to time fungicide applications. Students will finish the course with awareness of IPM goals and ways to document progress achieving those goals. View Course Content
2 Credit Hours
TBD 2024
Diseases of Warm-Season Turfgrasses
Dr. Jim Kerns
Dr. Jim Kerns leads this course which provides a comprehensive introduction to the primary diseases of warm-season turfgrass. Students will learn how to identify diseases, receive the most up-to-date research related to integrated disease control strategies, and work to develop comprehensive disease control programs specific to their location. View Course Content
2 Credit Hours
TBD 2024
Turfgrass Fertilization
Dr. Doug Soldat
This course will cover various aspects of turfgrass fertilization including a thorough examination of nitrogen fertilizer, other secondary and micronutrients, cost-benefit of different fertilizer sources, nutrient demand & clipping volume, and the impact of fertilizer in the environment. At the end of the course, students will build a nutrient management plan for their facility. View Course Content
1 Credit Hour
TBD 2024
Understanding Weather and Forecasting Tools
Dr. Bill Kreuser
The ever-changing weather is constantly impacting turfgrass managers. This course will cover the fundamental processes driving weather at global and local scales, weather vs. climate and climate change, accessing and interpreting different sources of weather data, and use of high-resolution weather models to plan turfgrass management practices. View Course Content
1 Credit Hours
TBD 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I earn a GreenKeeper University Certificate or GKU Diploma?
You earn the the GreenKeeper University Introductory Certificate after successfully completing the 12-week school. You earn a diploma by completing 20 GreenKeeper University Advanced Courses credit hours with a passing grade.
The GreenKeeper University registration form asks about my experience. Is past turfgrass training or experience necessary?
No, however, we prefer that GreenKeeper University students have turfgrass experience prior to enrolling so they are aware of the basics and understand the common language of turfgrass science. If you do not have turfgrass experience or have not taken an introductory course, start with one of the GreenKeeper University Introductory courses in the Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Management before enrolling in the Advanced courses. The GreenKeeper University Advanced Courses are designed for students that want to go beyond the introductory material.
How long do I have to complete my certificate or GKU Diploma?
The GreenKeeper University Introductory Certificate must be completed during the 12-week school. The Advanced courses need to be completed two weeks after the end of each course to receive your Badge. No time limit exists for GreenKeeper University Diploma completion. Take as many or as few courses as you like to work around your schedule.
Can I take Advanced Courses without Trying to Obtain a GKU Diploma?
Yes. Anyone is welcome to take the GKU Advanced courses, even if you want to take a few of the courses.
Do I need to take all of the Advanced courses to earn a GKU Diploma?
No. Take as many or as few as you like. You will receive recognition for each course you complete, and a GreenKeeper University Advanced Diploma after 20 credit hours are completed.
Do you assign grades?
GreenKeeper University students will not receive traditional grades (A, B, C, etc.), but each student’s performance will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
Do I have to stay on track every week?
No, but staying up to date with course work is strongly encouraged. In our experience, students who fall behind rarely complete the course, and coursework needs to be completed within two weeks from the end of the course to receive you Badge. Students will have access to the course content through the rest of the calendar year.
Can I fail a course?
Yes. While these courses are not designed to be unnecessarily taxing, every class has weekly tasks that must be completed to demonstrate competence in the subject material. Course instructors will communicate the expectations for passing at the beginning of each course. If those expectations are met (i.e. 70% of of total course points are earned), then the student will pass the course. Students not passing the course can take the course again to achieve a passing grade that will count towards their Badge and Diploma.
How much time will each course take?
The amount of time a student puts into the course will vary depending on the student’s abilities and commitment level. However, GreenKeeper University courses are designed to take a typical student about three to four hours per week.
What computer requirements do I need?
You need a laptop or desktop computer and a high-speed internet connection. Tablets and smart phones won’t work as replacements for a laptop or desktop in GreenKeeper University courses. The courses are run through a courses management software package called Moodle. Moodle is used by many colleges and universities worldwide. Zoom is used for hosting synchronous meetings and discussions. The software can be downloaded and a free account can be created at ZOOM.
Is GreenKeeper University affiliated with a university?
While GreenKeeper University courses are taught by top turfgrass specialists with many years of experience teaching accredited university courses, the courses are not affiliated with an accredited university. Despite this, the courses are designed to be rigorous and useful to advancing the careers of turfgrass professionals.
I registered and paid my invoice, now what?
You will receive an email from your instructor before the start of the course with information on how to log-in and get started. There is also a GreenKeeper University Orientation Course on the Moodle site to help students succeed.
Is tuition refundable?
Tuition is non-refundable. In the circumstance GreenKeeper University cancels your course due to low enrollment, students will receive a credit for a future GreenKeeper course.
No, however, we prefer that GreenKeeper University students have turfgrass experience prior to enrolling so they are aware of the basics and understand the common language of turfgrass science. If you do not have turfgrass experience or have not taken an introductory course, start with one of the GreenKeeper University Introductory courses in the Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Management before enrolling in the Advanced courses. The GreenKeeper University Advanced Courses are designed for students that want to go beyond the introductory material.
How long do I have to complete my certificate or GKU Diploma?
The GreenKeeper University Introductory Certificate must be completed during the 12-week school. The Advanced courses need to be completed two weeks after the end of each course to receive your Badge. No time limit exists for GreenKeeper University Diploma completion. Take as many or as few courses as you like to work around your schedule.
Can I take Advanced Courses without Trying to Obtain a GKU Diploma?
Yes. Anyone is welcome to take the GKU Advanced courses, even if you want to take a few of the courses.
Do I need to take all of the Advanced courses to earn a GKU Diploma?
No. Take as many or as few as you like. You will receive recognition for each course you complete, and a GreenKeeper University Advanced Diploma after 20 credit hours are completed.
Do you assign grades?
GreenKeeper University students will not receive traditional grades (A, B, C, etc.), but each student’s performance will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
Do I have to stay on track every week?
No, but staying up to date with course work is strongly encouraged. In our experience, students who fall behind rarely complete the course, and coursework needs to be completed within two weeks from the end of the course to receive you Badge. Students will have access to the course content through the rest of the calendar year.
Can I fail a course?
Yes. While these courses are not designed to be unnecessarily taxing, every class has weekly tasks that must be completed to demonstrate competence in the subject material. Course instructors will communicate the expectations for passing at the beginning of each course. If those expectations are met (i.e. 70% of of total course points are earned), then the student will pass the course. Students not passing the course can take the course again to achieve a passing grade that will count towards their Badge and Diploma.
How much time will each course take?
The amount of time a student puts into the course will vary depending on the student’s abilities and commitment level. However, GreenKeeper University courses are designed to take a typical student about three to four hours per week.
What computer requirements do I need?
You need a laptop or desktop computer and a high-speed internet connection. Tablets and smart phones won’t work as replacements for a laptop or desktop in GreenKeeper University courses. The courses are run through a courses management software package called Moodle. Moodle is used by many colleges and universities worldwide. Zoom is used for hosting synchronous meetings and discussions. The software can be downloaded and a free account can be created at ZOOM.
Is GreenKeeper University affiliated with a university?
While GreenKeeper University courses are taught by top turfgrass specialists with many years of experience teaching accredited university courses, the courses are not affiliated with an accredited university. Despite this, the courses are designed to be rigorous and useful to advancing the careers of turfgrass professionals.
I registered and paid my invoice, now what?
You will receive an email from your instructor before the start of the course with information on how to log-in and get started. There is also a GreenKeeper University Orientation Course on the Moodle site to help students succeed.
Is tuition refundable?
Tuition is non-refundable. In the circumstance GreenKeeper University cancels your course due to low enrollment, students will receive a credit for a future GreenKeeper course.
Yes. Anyone is welcome to take the GKU Advanced courses, even if you want to take a few of the courses.
Do I need to take all of the Advanced courses to earn a GKU Diploma?
No. Take as many or as few as you like. You will receive recognition for each course you complete, and a GreenKeeper University Advanced Diploma after 20 credit hours are completed.
Do you assign grades?
GreenKeeper University students will not receive traditional grades (A, B, C, etc.), but each student’s performance will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
Do I have to stay on track every week?
No, but staying up to date with course work is strongly encouraged. In our experience, students who fall behind rarely complete the course, and coursework needs to be completed within two weeks from the end of the course to receive you Badge. Students will have access to the course content through the rest of the calendar year.
Can I fail a course?
Yes. While these courses are not designed to be unnecessarily taxing, every class has weekly tasks that must be completed to demonstrate competence in the subject material. Course instructors will communicate the expectations for passing at the beginning of each course. If those expectations are met (i.e. 70% of of total course points are earned), then the student will pass the course. Students not passing the course can take the course again to achieve a passing grade that will count towards their Badge and Diploma.
How much time will each course take?
The amount of time a student puts into the course will vary depending on the student’s abilities and commitment level. However, GreenKeeper University courses are designed to take a typical student about three to four hours per week.
What computer requirements do I need?
You need a laptop or desktop computer and a high-speed internet connection. Tablets and smart phones won’t work as replacements for a laptop or desktop in GreenKeeper University courses. The courses are run through a courses management software package called Moodle. Moodle is used by many colleges and universities worldwide. Zoom is used for hosting synchronous meetings and discussions. The software can be downloaded and a free account can be created at ZOOM.
Is GreenKeeper University affiliated with a university?
While GreenKeeper University courses are taught by top turfgrass specialists with many years of experience teaching accredited university courses, the courses are not affiliated with an accredited university. Despite this, the courses are designed to be rigorous and useful to advancing the careers of turfgrass professionals.
I registered and paid my invoice, now what?
You will receive an email from your instructor before the start of the course with information on how to log-in and get started. There is also a GreenKeeper University Orientation Course on the Moodle site to help students succeed.
Is tuition refundable?
Tuition is non-refundable. In the circumstance GreenKeeper University cancels your course due to low enrollment, students will receive a credit for a future GreenKeeper course.
GreenKeeper University students will not receive traditional grades (A, B, C, etc.), but each student’s performance will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
Do I have to stay on track every week?
No, but staying up to date with course work is strongly encouraged. In our experience, students who fall behind rarely complete the course, and coursework needs to be completed within two weeks from the end of the course to receive you Badge. Students will have access to the course content through the rest of the calendar year.
Can I fail a course?
Yes. While these courses are not designed to be unnecessarily taxing, every class has weekly tasks that must be completed to demonstrate competence in the subject material. Course instructors will communicate the expectations for passing at the beginning of each course. If those expectations are met (i.e. 70% of of total course points are earned), then the student will pass the course. Students not passing the course can take the course again to achieve a passing grade that will count towards their Badge and Diploma.
How much time will each course take?
The amount of time a student puts into the course will vary depending on the student’s abilities and commitment level. However, GreenKeeper University courses are designed to take a typical student about three to four hours per week.
What computer requirements do I need?
You need a laptop or desktop computer and a high-speed internet connection. Tablets and smart phones won’t work as replacements for a laptop or desktop in GreenKeeper University courses. The courses are run through a courses management software package called Moodle. Moodle is used by many colleges and universities worldwide. Zoom is used for hosting synchronous meetings and discussions. The software can be downloaded and a free account can be created at ZOOM.
Is GreenKeeper University affiliated with a university?
While GreenKeeper University courses are taught by top turfgrass specialists with many years of experience teaching accredited university courses, the courses are not affiliated with an accredited university. Despite this, the courses are designed to be rigorous and useful to advancing the careers of turfgrass professionals.
I registered and paid my invoice, now what?
You will receive an email from your instructor before the start of the course with information on how to log-in and get started. There is also a GreenKeeper University Orientation Course on the Moodle site to help students succeed.
Is tuition refundable?
Tuition is non-refundable. In the circumstance GreenKeeper University cancels your course due to low enrollment, students will receive a credit for a future GreenKeeper course.
Yes. While these courses are not designed to be unnecessarily taxing, every class has weekly tasks that must be completed to demonstrate competence in the subject material. Course instructors will communicate the expectations for passing at the beginning of each course. If those expectations are met (i.e. 70% of of total course points are earned), then the student will pass the course. Students not passing the course can take the course again to achieve a passing grade that will count towards their Badge and Diploma.
How much time will each course take?
The amount of time a student puts into the course will vary depending on the student’s abilities and commitment level. However, GreenKeeper University courses are designed to take a typical student about three to four hours per week.
What computer requirements do I need?
You need a laptop or desktop computer and a high-speed internet connection. Tablets and smart phones won’t work as replacements for a laptop or desktop in GreenKeeper University courses. The courses are run through a courses management software package called Moodle. Moodle is used by many colleges and universities worldwide. Zoom is used for hosting synchronous meetings and discussions. The software can be downloaded and a free account can be created at ZOOM.
Is GreenKeeper University affiliated with a university?
While GreenKeeper University courses are taught by top turfgrass specialists with many years of experience teaching accredited university courses, the courses are not affiliated with an accredited university. Despite this, the courses are designed to be rigorous and useful to advancing the careers of turfgrass professionals.
I registered and paid my invoice, now what?
You will receive an email from your instructor before the start of the course with information on how to log-in and get started. There is also a GreenKeeper University Orientation Course on the Moodle site to help students succeed.
Is tuition refundable?
Tuition is non-refundable. In the circumstance GreenKeeper University cancels your course due to low enrollment, students will receive a credit for a future GreenKeeper course.
You need a laptop or desktop computer and a high-speed internet connection. Tablets and smart phones won’t work as replacements for a laptop or desktop in GreenKeeper University courses. The courses are run through a courses management software package called Moodle. Moodle is used by many colleges and universities worldwide. Zoom is used for hosting synchronous meetings and discussions. The software can be downloaded and a free account can be created at ZOOM.
Is GreenKeeper University affiliated with a university?
While GreenKeeper University courses are taught by top turfgrass specialists with many years of experience teaching accredited university courses, the courses are not affiliated with an accredited university. Despite this, the courses are designed to be rigorous and useful to advancing the careers of turfgrass professionals.
I registered and paid my invoice, now what?
You will receive an email from your instructor before the start of the course with information on how to log-in and get started. There is also a GreenKeeper University Orientation Course on the Moodle site to help students succeed.
Is tuition refundable?
Tuition is non-refundable. In the circumstance GreenKeeper University cancels your course due to low enrollment, students will receive a credit for a future GreenKeeper course.
You will receive an email from your instructor before the start of the course with information on how to log-in and get started. There is also a GreenKeeper University Orientation Course on the Moodle site to help students succeed.
Is tuition refundable?
Tuition is non-refundable. In the circumstance GreenKeeper University cancels your course due to low enrollment, students will receive a credit for a future GreenKeeper course.
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