Summary of Requirements: M.S. and Ph.D.

Program Areas: Soil Science and Plant Science
Degrees: M.S. (thesis option), M.S. (non-thesis option), Ph.D.

Soil Science Areas of Specialization

1. Biology and Ecology of Soils
2. Bioremediation
3. Chemistry and Biochemistry
4. Fertility and Nutrient Management
5. Land Management and Conservation
6. Mineralogy
7. Pedology
8. Physics

Plant Science Areas of Specialization

1. Breeding and Genetic Engineering
2. Crop Management and Protection
3. Ecology and Environmental Physiology
4. Physiology and Molecular Biology

Admission Course Requirements for Full Admission Status

1. Master of Science
1. One semester calculus I
2. Sixteen credits of basic science courses in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics or Mathematics beyond calculus I
   (a. and b. are considered a basic science requirement package)
   (Provisional admit if lacking some of the requirements above. Deficiencies should be made up during the first year of study.)
2. Doctor of Philosophy
M.S. degree and NRSC M.S. requirements including the basic science package.
(Provisional admit if lacking some of the requirements above. Deficiencies should be made up during the first year of study. Must have a M.S. degree.)

Degree course requirements

1. Soil Science
M.S.
CORE requirements:
• Basic science requirement (see above)
• 12 credits of 400+ level soil science courses earned during B.S. or M.S. The 12 credits must be earned in any four of the following five areas: soil chemistry, soil physics, soil pedology, soil microbiology, soil fertility.
• 2 credits seminar (entrance and exit) (798)
• 12 credits 600+ level courses*
• 6 credits research* (799)
• 24 total credits for degree (minimum)* (Thesis option)
• Non-thesis option requires 6 additional credits of course work; 6 credits research are not required.



Ph.D.
M.S. degree and all NRSC M.S. requirements.

CORE requirements:
• One course of physical chemistry or biochemistry (400+ level)
• At least one additional course 400+ level in physical chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, engineering or computer science.
• 2 credits seminar (entrance and exit) (798)
• 12 credits research*(899)

Course selection must be made in consultation with student's advisory committee


2. Plant Science
M.S. CORE requirements:
• Basic science requirement (see above)
• One course each of 400+level biochemistry, plant physiology, and statistics
• 2 credits seminar (entrance and exit) (798)
• 12 credits 600+ level courses*
• 6 credits research* (799)
• 24 total credits for degree (minimum)* (Thesis option)
• Non-thesis option requires 6 additional credits of course work; 6 credits research are not required
Ph.D.
M.S. degree and all NRSL M.S. requirements
CORE requirements follow:
• 2 credits seminar (entrance and exit) (798)
• One additional course of 400+ level biochemistry or statistics
• 12 credits research* (899)

Course selection must be made in consultation with student's advisory committee

*Graduate school requirement