Why Choose Professional Golf Management?
Founded in 1975, Ferris' Professional Golf Management (PGM) program was the first university program sanctioned by the PGA in the nation, and remains one of the national leaders and premier programs of its kind. Among its competitors, this demanding program is one of the few that leads to a business degree (often combined with a Club Management certificate or minor), enabling our grads to pursue numerous career paths. Our students benefit from a highly skilled and knowledgeable staff, led by a PGA Professional, who combines industry accolades as a teacher, with first-hand experience in the management of golf as a business. During the program, students complete 3 internships (extending across 5 semesters) at the finest golf facilities in the world. By graduation, they will have satisfied all requirements for PGA membership.
About 50 percent of the overall study in the PGM program is in business, 30 percent in general studies and 20 percent in courses related to golf management. Ferris owns and operates an on-campus 18-hole golf course that is managed and staffed by four members of The PGA and used as a laboratory for PGM students.
Career Opportunities
The life of a golf professional requires more than a powerful drive and accurate putting. A career in this field requires knowledge of business operations, teaching, golf course maintenance, golf club repair and organization of golf events. A knowledge of business is particularly important to the golf professional who is expected to handle marketing, merchandising, accounting and management.
The Ferris PGM program, the first of its kind in the nation established in conjunction with the Professional Golfers' Association of America, trains and educates future golf professionals to meet the demands of the golf industry. Upon completion of all PGA of America requirements, students will obtain the PGA/PGM designation on their diploma and Class A membership into the PGA of America.
Today, the program has the largest network of successful alumni employed in all aspects of the golf industry, from Head Professionals, to Resort GM's, to Presidents of golf companies. Our unequalled network of industry connections, in conjunction with the knowledge, skill development and experience of our graduates, contributes to the program's enviable record of 100% job placement.
Admission Requirements
New Students: 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school, ACT composite score of 19 or combined Verbal and Math SAT score of 900 or higher, and USGA handicap of 8 or lower verified by PGA professional or high school coach.
The program has fall entry only. Because of the uniqueness of the program, prospective students are encouraged to visit campus and talk with an admission counselor and the program coordinator.
Transfer Students: Combined college or university GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended and verified USGA handicap of 8 or lower. GPA is based on completoin of 12 credit hours including the FSU equivalency of ENGL 150, MATH 115, and a social awareness or cultural enrichment course. Students must have completed NO MORE than 45 applicable credit hours at other institutions.
Exceptions: Applicants not meeting the above criteria (new or transfer students) for direct admission into the program, but still meet Ferris State University admission criteria, will be placed in the Pre-Professional Golf Management program until the admission criteria are met. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean's Office.
Graduation Requirements
The Professional Golf Management program at Ferris leads to a bachelor of science degree. Graduation requires a minimum 2.0 GPA in core classes, in the major and overall.