Undergraduate Degree

Crop and Soil Sciences - Master of Science

Program:
Crop and Soil Sciences - Master of Science
Plan Code:
CRPSOSC_MS
Program Level:
Graduate
Award Type:
Master of Science
College:
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Department:
Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences


Excerpt from the official Academic Programs Catalog:

Listed below are the approved requirements for the program from the official Academic Programs Catalog.
Students must consult their advisors to learn which specific requirements apply to their degree programs.


College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Graduate Study
Crop and Soil Sciences - Master of Science

Crop and soil science graduate students may study in one or more emphasis areas, including plant breeding and genetics; crop physiology, ecology, and management; weed science;  turfgrass management; soil genesis and classification; soil microbiology and biochemistry; soil physics; soil chemistry; soil biophysics; soil fertility; and environmental and pollution aspects of soil science, including the study of waste disposal on land. Graduate programs of study are designed to reflect the individual needs and interests of students.

Master of Science

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission may be granted to students who have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, a 3.00 grade-point average, and appropriate training in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. Provisional admission may be granted to students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission. Students with deficiencies in their backgrounds will be required to complete collateral courses in addition to the courses that are required for the master's degree. Collateral course work does not count towards the degree requirements.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences

The student may elect either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30  credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B. The student's program of study is planned in consultation with the guidance committee, which includes the major professor.

Requirements for Plan A and Plan B
1. One of the following writing courses:
     CSS  880 Scientific Communication and Professional Development 1
       ENT  812 Graduate Seminar 1
       HRT  860 Scientific Writing: Workshop 1
2. Acquire experience in either (a) teaching, by serving as a teaching assistant in a course, or (b) extension through the development and delivery of outreach programs or materials, as approved by the guidance committee.
3. Complete the responsible conduct of research training.
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1. Complete 6 to 10 credits of CSS 899 Master's Thesis Research.
2. Complete a written thesis and present the results publicly at a departmental seminar prior to graduation.
3. Pass an oral examination before the guidance committee immediately after the public seminar at which the thesis results are presented.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1. Complete a project through enrollment of up to 6 credits in CSS 890 and present the results publicly at a departmental seminar prior to graduation.
2. Pass an oral examination before the guidance committee immediately after the public seminar at which the project results are presented.