Program: Plant Science (M.S.) - South Dakota State University

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Apr 07, 2025

Students working in a lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

David Wright, 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. The department 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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Non-Thesis	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

Thesis

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

Non-Thesis

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

Total Required Credits: 30 (Thesis), 32 (Non-Thesis)

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 .

Plant Science (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main CampusClose