Plant and Soil Sciences (MS)

Program Educational Goals:

Students will demonstrate a high level of knowledge in their respective subject area (i.e., plant science and/or soil science) and appropriate subdisciplines (e.g., biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, molecular plant biology, plant pathology, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil physics, etc.).
Students will have the ability to understand and utilize primary literature, demonstrating critical thinking skills through analyzing datasets, writing, and orally communicating (defending concepts and theories) to a diverse range of audiences.
Students will demonstrate a strong competency in performing scholarly activities such as:
- Conceptualization - the ability to apply the scientific method through hypothesis formulation and experimental design,
- Execution - through proper protocol adherence and experimentation, data analysis, synthesis of information, and
- Presentation - the ability to analyze and report their data through evaluation and interpretation of their findings.
Students will demonstrate a commitment to professional ethics through working independently and with others on a team, and will develop professional skills through networking, seminar presentation, and course work.
Students will develop an appreciation of interdisciplinary collaboration, within and outside of the University, through interdisciplinary events and professional meetings.
Students will participate in a teaching experience (e.g., teaching assistant, guest lecturer, course or curriculum design, development of teaching materials, instruction of peers, or extension/outreach education) to increase communication skills and improve marketability of graduates.

Requirements For The Degrees

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required for the Master of Science degree, to include 24 semester hours of approved course work and six hours of thesis PLSC 869 . All MS students must take a minimum of 12 hours in one of two research areas (plant biology or soil science), and they must register in PLSC 802 - Professional Development and PLSC 865 - Seminar . In addition to the University general requirements for advanced degrees, the awarding of the Master of Science degree is contingent upon an approved research proposal, the successful oral defense of research performed, and an acceptable thesis. A non-thesis Master’s degree is also offered. Students must complete 30 credits of coursework, present a seminar (PLSC 865 ) that is based on a required independent study project (PLSC 666 ), complete PLSC 802 , and pass an oral examination administered by the student’s graduate advisory committee at the end of the degree program. Advancement to PhD degree candidacy is contingent upon an approved research proposal and successful completion of written and oral qualifying examinations administered by the student’s advisory committee. There is no minimum number of course credits required, but candidates must register for nine credits of Dissertation (PLSC 969 ), must register for PLSC 802 - Professional Development , PLSC 865 - Seminar , and must present an acceptable dissertation.

An approved program of study is required for all degrees. The program is developed with close supervision and assistance of a faculty adviser and advisory committee and arranged according to the academic and professional needs of the student. The program is usually developed by the end of the first semester of study. There is no language requirement other than English proficiency for the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree.