Golf Course Management Degrees: Online and Campus Programs

<p>In addition to in-person associate's and bachelor's degree programs offered by a few schools throughout the U.S., you can now earn a golf course management bachelor's degree fully online. If you've been wanting to go back to school but weren't able to because of your schedule, an online program may offer you the flexibility you need. However, these programs are often designed to only include the core portion of a curriculum - about half of the total credits necessary for degree completion. </p> <p>To be accepted into this type of online program, you'll need to have already earned a sufficient amount of transferable general education credits at another accredited institution. If you don't meet this criterion, consider attending an in-person program instead. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Online Programs</b> </td><td> May only offer half of the total credits necessary to complete a degree</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Requirements</b> </td><td> Usually no need for golf skills, but knowledge of the game necessary <br /> Other schools require United States Golf Association (PGA) handicap of 8 or lower</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Career Options</b> </td><td> Superintendent of a golf course, pro shop sales or management, turf management, equipment servicing, golf course maintenance, equipment representative</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Professional Memberships</b> </td><td> Possible to obtain Class A PGA during study</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 15% for Fitness Trainers and Instructors and 1% for Food Service Managers*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median annual Salary</b></td><td> $51,010 (May 2020) for groundskeeping supervisors*, $50,248for Head Golf Professionals (2021)**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <p><i>Source: **Payscale.com</i> </p> <h3 id="section---ShouldIKnowHowToGolf">Should I Know How to Golf?</h3> <p>Ultimately, the curriculum focus of most golf course management degrees is on the business of golf rather than game play itself, so expect to learn more about business principles than swing improvement. Having a thorough understanding of the game of golf is necessary, but for many programs, your ability to play isn't taken into consideration. In other programs, however, the school will expect you to have a United States Golf Association (USGA) handicap of 8 or lower, as verified by either a Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) professional or a high school coach. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do With This Degree?</h3> <p>Graduates of golf course management programs may go on to pursue a wide variety of professional golf-related positions after degree completion. After gaining relevant experience, some graduates may work towards becoming the superintendent of a golf course. Potential entry-level job titles could include: </p> <ul><li>Pro-shop sales </li><li>Turf management </li><li>Equipment servicing </li><li>Golf course maintenance </li><li>Pro-shop management </li><li>Equipment representative </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAboutProfessionalMemberships">What About Professional Memberships?</h3> <p>Certain golf course management bachelor's degree programs have partnered with the PGA; subsequently, PGA membership requirements have been incorporated into those programs. If you pursue a degree and successfully complete PGA requirements in addition to your educational requirements, you are eligible to obtain Class A membership in the PGA. Additionally, this designation will be included on your diploma.</p>