Plant Science (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Students working in a lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

David Wright, Department Head
Brent Turnipseed, Assistant Department Head
Sunish Sehgal, Associate Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Raven Precision Agriculture Center 140
605-688-4600

Program Information

The Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Department is an integrated department that includes programs in crop production, entomology, horticulture, plant biotechnology, plant breeding, plant pathology, precision farming, soils, water management, and weed science. The primary goals of the department are to conduct research in these areas, to transmit the results to the public, and to help prepare students for an occupation in these disciplines and to become productive members of a community. Graduate training includes classroom instruction, teaching experience, seminars designed to refine oral and written skills, and meaningful experience in laboratory and field research techniques. Departmental diversity encourages collaborations among disciplines and research programs that support this graduate training.

Course Delivery Format

The program coursework is available on campus, in classroom and laboratory settings, as well as field-based settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and the ability to conduct scientific research.
Be knowledgeable of agricultural and/or biological systems at an appropriate level.
Demonstrated training in an area of focus or specialization, yet broad-based enough in knowledge to be marketable in other related disciplines.
Demonstrate a proficiency in technical methods necessary to conduct research in the Plant Sciences.
Demonstrated ability to think critically and solve problems.
Demonstrated professional development and competence to be able to succeed in industry or academia, and an understanding of the need to continue being a lifelong learner.
Demonstrate effective written and oral skills. Ability to relate at the professional and layman level.
Be able to relate with people of diverse backgrounds with integrity and professionalism.
Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics in research and conduct.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

M.S. students are required to have 2 credits of Graduate Seminar, one oral and one in poster format. All students are required to have teaching experience.

PS 781 - Plant Science Graduate Seminar Credits: 1 (2 credits required) (over two different semesters)
PS 792 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-6 (2 credits required) (Teaching Experience)

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

PS 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5-10 credits required)
Approved Electives Credits: 16-21

Option B - Research/Design Paper

PS 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-3 (3-4 credits required)
Approved Electives Credits: 24-25

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Recommended, but not required
TOEFL: Minimum requirement of 83 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: Minimum requirement of 8.5
IELTS: Minimum total score of 6.5
Duolingo: 110

Students must be accepted by an advisor before admission is granted.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .