Academic Programs Catalog

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Wei  Zhang, Chairperson


Undergraduate Programs

The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop and Soil Sciences, with three concentrations:  agronomic sciences, turfgrass management, and advanced studies.  The undergraduate curriculum is designed to prepare students to apply scientific principles of crop and soil management for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, turfgrass management, government agencies, and related areas.

Students in agronomic science study the close relationship between crop science and soil science. The goal of the crop scientist is to increase plant production, grain quality, and profit by utilizing genetics, breeding, physiology, and pest management. The goal of the soil scientist is to improve soil fertility and the chemical, physical, and microbial characteristics of the soil. These two subjects are combined in agronomic sciences to develop an integrated approach to the management of crops and soils. Demands for new applications are constantly emerging. There are many complex interactions in plant growth and genetics; the physical, chemical, and biological factors involved in improving crop yields; and the soil-plant-animal relationships that determine the sustainability of cropping systems. Department faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for excellence in both the basic and applied plant and soil sciences and work as partners with agricultural industries to serve agriculture, the citizens of Michigan, the nation, and the world.  Students are well prepared for employment in various positions within the food production industry to help feed a burgeoning human population, while understanding the importance of agricultural sustainability.  They are highly sought by agribusinesses and governmental agencies to help address food production issues for the future.

The Turfgrass Management concentration encompasses many of the same agronomic principles and applies them to the management of grasses for use on golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns, and recreational areas. Turfgrass adds beauty to the landscape, minimizes sound and air pollution, stabilizes the soil, and reduces the heat load on homes through transpirational cooling.

Students in the advanced studies concentration are fully prepared to accept employment upon graduation, but take additional courses to prepare them for graduate study. These include additional mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, and statistics courses.

The department also offers minors in agronomy, applied development in international agriculture and natural resources, environmental soil science, sustainable agriculture and food systems, and in turfgrass management.


Crop and Soil Sciences

The Crop and Soil Sciences major is based upon the continuously expanding knowledge base of the biological and physical sciences and the utilization of those sciences to produce food and fiber of high quality on a competitive basis to promote sustainability, and to obtain increased nutrient–use efficiency, proper land use, increased plant adaptation to environmental and other stresses, decreased soil erosion, and decreased environmental pollution. Crop and soil scientists utilize the principles of genetics, plant breeding, crop physiology, weed science, turfgrass science, soil physics, soil fertility, soil genesis and classification, and soil chemistry.

Majors complete a common core of courses and one concentration: Agronomic Sciences, Turfgrass Management or Advanced Study.

  1. Agronomic Sciences is designed to prepare students to work as agronomists. These scientists have career opportunities in agricultural business and in government agencies such as departments of agriculture and/or natural resources, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Extension Service. They also work and consult pest management specialists and managers of grower organizations and with land appraisal firms, agencies involved with environmental issues, and in international agriculture.
  2. Turfgrass Management is designed to prepare students for the rapidly expanding area of urban agriculture. Graduates have career opportunities in the industries involved with management of golf courses, athletic fields, lawns and park and grounds management.
  3. Advanced Study is specifically designed for those students who plan to pursue graduate studies. Although students who complete the other concentrations may pursue graduate study, this concentration requires the completion of advanced levels of mathematics and advanced courses in the basic science.

Students may qualify to teach agriscience in high school under a plan of study cooperatively developed by the student’s faculty advisor and the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies.

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

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Crop and Soil Sciences.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Crop and Soil Sciences major is met by completing two courses as specified below:

    Agronomic Sciences:  Both of the following courses:  Crop and Soil Sciences 313 and 492.  Those courses are referenced in items 3. a., and 3. b. below.

    Turfgrass Management:  Both of the following courses:  Crop and Soil Sciences 313 and 492.  Those courses are referenced in items 3. a., and 3. b. below.

    Advanced Study:  Both of the following courses:  Crop and Soil Sciences 313 and 492.  Those courses are referenced in items 3. a., and 3. b. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the Agronomic Sciences or Turfgrass Management concentrations of the Crop and Soil Sciences major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses:  Plant Biology 105 and 106 and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161.  The completion of Plant Biology 106 and Chemistry 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement.  Plant Biology 105 and 106 and Chemistry 141, 143, and 161 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 3. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the Advanced Study concentration of the Crop and Soil Sciences major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses: Plant Biology 105 and Chemistry 151, 152, and 161. The completion of Chemistry 161 satisfies the laboratory requirement. Plant Biology 105  and Chemistry 151, 152, and 161 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 3. below.

    The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
  2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.
    Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.  For students who select the Advanced Study concentration, the completion of Mathematics 124 and 126 satisfies the College's mathematics requirement.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (9 credits):
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CSS 110 Computer Applications in Agronomy 2
    CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
    CSS 313 Data Interpretation and Writing in the Agronomic Sciences (W) 2
    CSS 492 Professional Development Seminar II 1
    b. One of the following three concentrations (67 to 70 credits):
    Agronomic Sciences (63 or 64 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (55 credits):
    CEM 141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM 143 Survey of Organic Chemistry 4
    CSS 101 Introduction to Crop Science 3
    CSS 101L Introduction to Crop Science Laboratory 1
    CSS 192 Professional Development Seminar I 1
    CSS 226L Weed Science Laboratory 1
    CSS 326 Weed Science 2
    CSS 330 Soil Chemistry 2
    CSS 340 Applied Soil Physics 2
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    CSS 360 Soil Biology 3
    CSS 470 Soil Resources 3
    CSS 480 Soil Fertility and Management 3
    CSS 488 Agricultural Cropping Systems: Integration and Problem Solving 3
    CSS 493 Professional Internship in Crop and Soil Sciences 3
    ENT 404 Fundamentals of Entomology 4
    MTH 116 College Algebra and Trigonometry 5
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory 1
    PLP 405 Plant Pathology 4
    (2) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    HRT 361 Applied Plant Physiology 3
    PLB 301 Introductory Plant Physiology 3
    (3) One of the following courses (2 or 3 credits):
    CSS 222 New Horizons in Biotechnology 2
    CSS 441 Plant Breeding and Biotechnology 3
    CSS 451 Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics 3
    (4) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics 3
    EC 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics 3
    (5) Two of the following courses (4 to 6 credits):
    CSS 135 Crop Scouting and Investigation 3
    CSS 151 Seed and Grain Quality 2
    CSS 201 Forage Crops 3
    CSS 212 Advanced Crop Production 2
    Turfgrass Management (67 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (64 credits):
    CEM 141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM 143 Survey of Organic Chemistry 4
    CSS 178 Turf Irrigation 3
    CSS 181 Pesticide and Fertilizer Application Technology 3
    CSS 226L Weed Science Laboratory 1
    CSS 232 Turfgrass Management 4
    CSS 262 Turfgrass Management Seminar 1
    CSS 267 Performance Turf Design and Construction 2
    CSS 269 Turfgrass Strategies: Integration and Synthesis 2
    CSS 272 Turfgrass Soil Fertility 2
    CSS 282 Turfgrass Physiology 2
    CSS 326 Weed Science 2
    CSS 330 Soil Chemistry 2
    CSS 340 Applied Soil Physics 2
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    CSS 360 Soil Biology 3
    CSS 470 Soil Resources 3
    CSS 493 Professional Internship in Crop and Soil Sciences 3
    EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics 3
    ENT 264 Turfgrass Entomology 3
    MTH 116 College Algebra and Trigonometry 5
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory 1
    PLP 266 Turf Pathology 3
    (2) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    HRT 361 Applied Plant Physiology 3
    PLB 301 Introductory Plant Physiology 3
    Advanced Study (74 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (62 credits):
    BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4
    CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry  3
    CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 252 Organic Chemistry II 3
    CSS 101 Introduction to Crop Science 3
    CSS 101L Introduction to Crop Science Laboratory 1
    CSS 192 Professional Development Seminar I 1
    CSS 226L Weed Science Laboratory 1
    CSS 326 Weed Science 2
    CSS 330 Soil Chemistry 2
    CSS 340 Applied Soil Physics 2
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    CSS 360 Soil Biology 3
    CSS 470 Soil Resources 3
    CSS 480 Soil Fertility and Management 3
    CSS 488 Agricultural Cropping Systems: Integration and Problem Solving 3
    CSS 499 Undergraduate Research 3
    ENT 404 Fundamentals of Entomology 4
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory 1
    PLP 405 Plant Pathology 4
    (2) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    HRT 361 Applied Plant Physiology 3
    PLB 301 Introductory Plant Physiology 3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    CSS 441 Plant Breeding and Biotechnology 3
    CSS 451 Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics 3
    (4) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics 3
    EC 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics 3
    (5) The following course:
    STT 421 Statistics I 3


Minor in Agronomy

The Minor in Agronomy, which is administered by the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is designed to serve students with majors in fields other than Crop and Soil Sciences who are interested in agronomy and who plan to pursue careers in agriculture for which a basic familiarity with the science of cropping systems is important. The minor will provide an opportunity for students to gain a fundamental understanding of the science of food production, including crop management, soil management, and plant breeding and biotechnology.

This minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Science Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences or the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Soil Science. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and have their program of study approved in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Minor in Agronomy

Complete a minimum of 16 credits from the following:

1. All of the following courses (10 credits):
CSS 101 Introduction to Crop Science 3
CSS 101L Introduction to Crop Science Laboratory 1
CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
CSS 488 Agricultural Cropping Systems: Integration and Problem Solving 3
2. Complete 6 credits from the following:
CSS 135 Crop Scouting and Investigation 3
CSS 151 Seed and Grain Quality 2
CSS 201 Forage Crops 3
CSS 212 Advanced Crop Production 2
CSS 222 New Horizons in Biotechnology 2
CSS 251 Organic Farming Principles and Practices 3
CSS 326 Weed Science 2
and
CSS 226L Weed Science Laboratory 1
CSS 330 Soil Chemistry 2
CSS 340 Applied Soil Physics 2
CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
CSS 360 Soil Biology 3
CSS 420 Cover Crops Agroecosystems 3
CSS 441 Plant Breeding and Biotechnology 3
CSS 442 Agroecology Ecology 3
CSS 467 Bioenergy Feedstock Production 3
CSS 470 Soil Resources 3

Minor in Applied Development in International Agriculture and Natural Resources

This minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs and is designed for students who have an interest in applied development in international agriculture and natural resources. It seeks to increase student understanding of global agriculture, particular agriculture-related problems and issues in developing and developed nations, and issues related to sustainability and stewardship of the Earth. Students who complete this minor will gain knowledge and experience relevant for careers in international agriculture, international development, and related fields.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and James Madison College in cooperation with the Departments of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Animal Science, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, and Fisheries and Wildlife, and the College of Social Science in cooperation with the Department of Geography participate in the Minor in Applied Development in International Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences is the primary administrative unit.

The student’s program of study for the minor must be approved by the advisor of the Minor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences  or James Madison College in advance and in writing. With the approval of the department that administers the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Requirements for the Minor in Applied Development in International Agriculture and Natural Resources

The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1. Both of the following courses (5 credits):
CSS 294 Issues in International Agriculture 1
MC 430 Applied International Development 4
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ANS 480 Animal Systems in International Development 3
CSS 431 International Agricultural Systems 3
FW 481 Global Issues in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
ANS 480 may not be used to fulfill both this requirement and the Education Abroad requirement below.
3. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
ABM 427 Global Agri-Food Industries and Markets 3
EEM 260 World Food, Population and Poverty 3
FW 445 Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Practice 3
GEO 410 Geography of Food and Agriculture 3
HNF 406 Global Foods and Culture 3
MC 320 Politics, Society, and Economy in the Third World 4
MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3
4. Complete 3 credits in an Education Abroad, International Internship, or International Research Experience with approval by the advisor for the minor.
5. Complete 3 or 4 credits in a foreign language, an additional Education Abroad, International Internship or International Research Experience, or additional elective course from items 2. and 3. above with approval by the advisor for the minor.


Minor in Environmental Soil Science

The Minor in Environmental Soil Science is intended to serve students and professionals who plan to pursue careers in soil science, soil health, or related agricultural, natural resource, and environmental sciences with a focus on the sustainable management of soils to produce food, fiber, and other products while conserving or regenerating natural and managed ecosystems.
 
The requirements meet the soil science course work requirements for Federal and state employment as soil scientists, as well as the course work requirements necessary to become a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS).
 
At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student's program.
 
With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, 6 credits of course work that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree.
 
Students who are interested in enrolling should contact an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.
 
Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Soil Science

Complete all of the following courses (15 credits):

1.      The following course (3 credits):
CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
2.      Complete 12 credits from the following, with a minimum of 6 credits from the Soil Science category:
Soil Science
CSS 203 World of Soils 2
CSS 330 Soil Chemistry 2
CSS 340 Applied Soil Physics 2
CSS 360 Soil Biology 2
CSS 470 Soil Resources 3
CSS 480 Soil Fertility and Management 3
Approved Electives
ANS 418 Animal Agriculture and the Environment           3
CSS    411 Fire and Environmental Quality                         3
CSS    420 Cover Crops in Agroecosystems                      3
CSS    442 Agricultural Ecology                                          3
CSS    460 Plant-Microbe Interactions                                3
CSS    488 Agricultural Cropping Systems: Integration and Problem Solving 3
CSUS  354 Water Resources Management                       3
CSUS  453 Watershed Planning and Management            3
FOR    340 Forest Ecology                                                 3
FOR    406 Applied Forest Ecology: Silviculture                 3
FOR    413 Wildland Fire Ecology and Management         3
FW      410 Upland Ecology and Management                     3
FW      416 Marine Ecology and Management                      3
FW      417 Wetland Ecology and Management                  3
FW      472 Limnology                                                         3
GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
GEO    306 Environmental Geomorphology                       3
GEO    324 Remote Sensing of the Environment                  4
GEO    325 Geographic Information Systems                    3
GEO 402 Agricultural Climatology 3
GLG    411 Hydrogeology                                                   3
GLG 412 Glacial Geology and the Record of Climate Change 4
GLG    431 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy                      4
GLG 446 Ecosystems Modeling, Water and Food Security 3
HRT    332 Tree Fruit Production and Management          3
HRT    336 Viticulture and Berry Production                       2
HRT    341 Vegetable Production and Management          3
PLB     402 Biology of Fungi                                               4
PLB     415 Plant Physiology                                              3
PLB     418 Plant Systematics                                            3
PLB     441 Plant Ecology                                                  3

Minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The Minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems is designed to foster active learning about agriculture and food systems for undergraduate students from different disciplinary backgrounds. Contemporary agriculture and food systems issues will be considered in biological, ecological, social, and economic contexts.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The student must complete 15 credits from the following:

1. All of the following courses (6 credits):  
  CSS 124 Introduction Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems 2
  CSS 224 Sustainable Farm and Food Systems 1
  CSS 424 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Integration and Synthesis 3
2. One or two of the following courses (3 to 6 credits):  
  Agricultural Sciences  
  CSS 101 Introduction to Crop Science 3
  CSS 360 Soil Biology 3
  CSS 431 International Agricultural Systems 3
  CSS 442 Agricultural Ecology 3
  ENT 479 Organic Pest Management (W) 3
  HNF 150 Introduction to Human Nutrition 3
  HRT 203 Principles of Horticulture 3
  HRT 251 Organic Farming Principles and Practices 3
  HRT 341 Vegetable Production and Management 3
  HRT 486 Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical Issues 3
3. One or two of the following courses (3 to 6 credits):  
  Social Sciences          
  ABM 400 Public Policy Issues in the Agrifood System 3
  CSUS 343 Community Food and Agricultural Systems 3
  EEP 255 Ecological Economics 3
  EEP 260 World Food, Population and Poverty 3
  GEO 410 Geography of Food and Agriculture 3
  HNF 406 Global Foods and Culture 3
  RCAH 292B Engagement and Reflection 3

 

 


Minor in Turfgrass Management

The Minor in Turfgrass Management, administered by the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, is designed to serve students that plan to work in the landscape, recreational, or the sports management industry. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of maintaining a turfgrass-playing surface or the turfgrass within a lawn or landscape.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences to have their program of study approved in advance.

Requirements for the Minor in Turfgrass Management

Complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following: 

1. All of the following courses (8 credits):
CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
CSS 232 Turfgrass Management 4
CSS 262 Turfgrass Management Seminar 1
2. One course from each of the following areas (a minimum of 7 credits):
Management of Turfgrass Cultural Practices
CSS 178 Turfgrass Irrigation 3
CSS 267 Performance Turf Design and Construction 2
CSS 272 Turfgrass Soil Fertility 2
CSS 282 Turfgrass Physiology 2
Management of Turfgrass Pests
CSS 181 Pesticide and Fertilizer Application Technology 3
CSS 326 Weed Science 2
and
CSS 226L Weed Science Laboratory 1
ENT 264 Turfgrass Entomology 3
PLP 266 Turf Pathology 3
General Turfgrass Management
CSS 171 Operations Budgeting for Golf Course Managers 2
CSS 202 World of Turf 2
HRT 214 Landscape and Turfgrass Business Operations 2


 

Graduate Study

The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences offers programs leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in crop and soil sciences, plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology—crop and soil sciences, and in plant pathology. The department also offers a Master of Science degree in Global Plant Breeding.

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy degree program may elect a Specialization in Biotechnology. For additional information, refer to the statement on the specialization.


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.

Crop and Soil Sciences- Doctor of Philosophy

Students are encouraged to take courses that provide a broad background in biological and physical sciences in addition to training in specialized areas. The doctoral program aims to provide a high quality crop and soil science experience to equip students with the skills necessary for research, teaching, and extension, or other agriculture-related positions that require the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

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 master's degree or its equivalent, a 3.00 grade-point average, and appropriate training in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. Outstanding students without a master's degree may be accepted. 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 Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences

All doctoral students must plan their degree program in consultation with the guidance committee and their major professor and must meet the requirements specified below:

1. Complete at least 24 credits including 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.
4. Complete 24 credits of CSS 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
5. Complete a written dissertation proposal and present its results publicly at a departmental seminar prior to graduation.
6. Presentation of at least one oral seminar on the dissertation research at a professional meeting.
7. Complete oral and written comprehensive examinations.
8. Pass a final oral examination in defense of the dissertation before the guidance committee immediately after the public seminar at which the dissertation results are presented.

Global Plant Breeding - Master of Science

This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but it is not currently eligible for federal student loans.

The Master of Science Degree in Global Plant Breeding provides opportunities for working professionals to obtain new knowledge in laws and regulations, design thinking and leadership, and global seed systems.
 
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
 
The student must:

  1. have earned a bachelor’s degree with a grade-point average of 3.0;
  2. provide all undergraduate transcripts;
  3. provide three letters of recommendation;
  4. provide a personal statement describing the applicants interest and experience in plant breeding and their personal career goals;
  5. provide a resume or test scores from a standardized graduate or professional school test such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, DAT, or LSAT, which may be waived if the applicant has a previously conferred graduate or professional degree;
  6. provide test scores from an English proficiency examination if from non-English speaking country;
  7. have completed at least one college level introductory course in Advanced Mathematics, Biology, and Genetics;
  8. have completed 15 undergraduate credit hours in plant science course work.
Guidance Committee
 
The Global Plant Breeding Committee is composed of the director of the Global Plant Breeding program and two additional regular MSU faculty members.
 
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Global Plant Breeding
 
A minimum of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan B (without thesis). The program is available only online.
1.          Complete all of the following courses (24 credits):
CSS 441 Plant Breeding and Biotechnology 3
CSS 451 Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics 3
CSS 815 Statistics for Plant Breeders 3
CSS 816 R Modules for Plant Breeders 2
CSS 817 Global Plant Breeding Regulations 2
CSS 818 Design Thinking and Leadership for Plant Breeders 2
CSS 830 Breeding for Quantitative Traits 3
CSS 831 Breeding for Biotic and Abiotic Stresses 3
CSS 832 Global Seed Systems 3
2.          Complete both of the following courses (6 credits):
CSS 870 Capstone in Global Plant Breeding 3
CSS 890 Independent Study 3
3.          Complete training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
4.          Successfully pass a final oral evaluation in defense of a final professional breeding project.

 

Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology - Crop and Soil Sciences

The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology–crop and soil sciences. The requirements for admission and the requirements for the degree are specified in the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Programs in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology.


Plant Pathology - Master of Science

Plant pathology graduate students may study in one or more emphasis areas, including phytobacteriology, mycology, virology, epidemiology, host parasite interactions, soil microbiology, disease management and molecular biology. Commodity-oriented strategic research areas in which the above emphasis areas may be studied include vegetable crops, fruit crops, nursery, landscape and ornamentals, field crops, turf crops, and forest and tree pathology. Students are encouraged to take courses which provide a broad background in biological and physical sciences in addition to training in specialized areas.

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

Admission

Regular admission may be granted to those 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 those 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 Plant Pathology
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. Both of the following courses (3 credits):
     PLP  894 Seminar in Plant Pathology 1
    PLP  805 Principles in Plant Pathology 2
2. Two of the following courses (7 or 8 credits):
     PLP  847 Advanced Mycology 4
    or
     PLB  402 Biology of Fungi 4
     PLP  884 Prokaryotic Diseases of Plants 3
     PLP  885 Plant Diseases in the Field 2
3. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    PLP  812 Epidemiology of Plant Diseases 3
     PLP  850 Physiological Plant Pathology 3
     PLP  881 Molecular and Biochemical Plant Pathology 3
4. 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.
5. Other courses and/or reading knowledge of a foreign language as specified by the guidance committee.
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1. Complete 4 credits of PLP 899 Master's Thesis Research.
2. Complete a written thesis and present the result publicly at a departmental seminar prior to graduation.
3. Pass a final oral examination in defense of the thesis before the guidance committee which occurs immediately after the public seminar at which the thesis results are presented.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1. Complete a project and present the result publicly at a departmental seminar prior to graduation.
2. Pass a final oral examination before the guidance committee which occurs immediately after the public seminar at which the project results are presented.

Plant Pathology - Doctor of Philosophy

The objective of this program is to provide a high quality plant pathology graduate experience to equip students with the skills necessary for research, teaching and extension, or other agriculture-related positions that require the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

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

Admission

Regular admission may be granted to those students having a master’s degree or its equivalent, a 3.00 grade point average, and appropriate training in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. Outstanding students without a master’s degree may be accepted.

Provisional admission may be granted to those students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Plant Pathology

All doctoral students in plant pathology must meet the requirements specified below:

1. Pass a preliminary examination.
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 all of the following courses:
PLP  805 Principles of Plant Diseases 3
PLP  812 Epidemiology of Plant Diseases 3
PLP  847 Advanced Mycology 4
or
PLB  402 Biology of Fungi 4
PLP  850 Physiological Plant Pathology 3
PLP  881 Molecular and Biochemical Plant Pathology 3
PLP  884 Prokaryotic Diseases of Plants 3
PLP  885 Plant Diseases in the Field 2
PLP  894 Seminar in Plant Pathology 3
PLP  999 Doctoral Dissertation Research 24
Students who completed 2 credits of PLP 894 at MSU as a master's student must complete 3 additional credits of PLP 894.
4. Other courses and/or reading knowledge of a foreign language as specified by the guidance committee.
5. Complete oral and written comprehensive examinations.
6. Complete a written thesis and present the result publicly at a departmental seminar prior to graduation.
7. Pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis before the guidance committee which occurs immediately after the public seminar at which the thesis results are presented.

Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems is designed to foster an understanding of biogeochemical, socioeconomic, and policy concepts using experiential learning within the individual’s program of study as a venue for multidisciplinary work. For global perspectives, students are encouraged to participate in either a study abroad course with ecological food and farming systems content, or in a course with international focus.

The specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s or doctoral degree. The students program of study must be approved by the advisor for the specialization in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The student must complete 9 credits from the following:

1. Both of the following courses (3 credits):
CSS 824 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Field Practicum 2
CSS 826 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Capstone Seminar 1
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
CSS 424 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Integration and Synthesis 3
CSS 431 International Agricultural Systems 3
CSS 442 Agricultural Ecology 3
CSS 893 Special Topics 3
ENT 479 Organic Pest Management (W) 3
ENT 848 Biological Control of Insects and Weeds 3
HRT 486 Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical Issues 3
3. One of the following courses (3 credits):
AFRE 300 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
AFRE 861 Agriculture in Economic Development 3
CSUS 463 Food Fight: Politics of Food 3
CSUS 811 Community, Food and Agriculture: A Survey 3
CSUS 838 Participatory Modes of Inquiry 3
CSUS 848 Community Based Natural Resource Management in International Development
CSUS 855 Political Ecology of Food
CSUS 858 Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change: Issues and Concepts 3
GEO 410 Geography of Food and Agriculture 3
HNF 406 Global Foods and Culture 3