Plant and Soil Sciences

The master of science in plant and soil sciences degree is offered to students who wish to study agronomy, entomology, environmental microbiology, horticulture, plant pathology, or soil science. Thesis or non-thesis options are available. It provides students the opportunity to take courses and conduct original, master’s-level research in their areas of specialization. The educational experience obtained through courses and research is expected to provide students with the background and expertise to enter doctoral programs or professional careers as agronomists, entomologists, microbiologists, horticulturists, and plant pathologists or soil scientists. These disciplines are critical to maintaining agriculture and forest productivity, solving environmental problems, and promoting economic development in the state.

Admissions Requirements:

In order for a student to be admitted to the program, the following admission criteria will be considered. The applicant normally must:

University and College Level

• A regular graduate student is a degree-seeking student who meets all of the criteria for regular admission to a program of his/her choice.
• The student must possess a baccalaureate degree from a college or university, have at least a grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or an average of 3.0 or higher for the last 60 credit hours),
• The student must have an adequate academic aptitude at the graduate level as measured by the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
• The student must provide three letters of reference from persons acquainted with the applicant’s professional work, experience, or academic background.
• The student must submit a written statement of 500 words or more indicating the applicant’s goals and objectives relative to receiving a graduate degree.
• International students have the additional requirement to submit a minimum score of 550 on the paper TOEFL examination or 213 on the electronic TOEFL examination if their native language is not English.

Program Level

• The student must provide three letters of reference, at least two of which are required from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic performance.
• The student must provide a one to two-page letter of intent describing research and professional aspirations.
• The student must have completed the following courses at the undergraduate level:
• Entomological or Biological Sciences – 12 hours
• Chemistry – 12 hours
• College Algebra – 3 hours