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M.S. Degree in Plant ScienceEducation Grows For a Lifetime
Do you want the opportunity and facilities for advanced study and research skills and the competency necessary for a successful professional career in the physical and biological sciences?
M.S. Degree Plant Science The Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Plant Sciences program encompasses all aspects of plant life integrating concepts and information from the molecular to the ecosystem level. The principal objective of this program is to educate students in concepts and research methods in field/horticultural crops, soils and natural resources. This is achieved through course work and research that bridge a number of physical and biological sciences. The M.S. degree is designed to further the professional training of students through formal courses while at the same time teaching students how to conduct research and present pertinent results.
 Randolph Farm, the university’s 416 acre agricultural learning center, is home to a multitude of agricultural related research, demonstration, and instruction activities. In addition to producing row crops typically grown in the region, the farm is utilized for research and education in areas of new and niche crops, alternative cropping methods, horticultural crops, nutrient management, water quality, animal production, and aquaculture production.
The centerpiece of the farm is the Cooperative Extension Pavilion located on the north side of the property. The Pavilion houses faculty and staff offices and laboratories. It also contains meeting areas that are frequented by members of the agricultural community sharing research and educational information. Other farm amenities include approximately 130 acres of irrigated cropland as well as 18,500 square feet of greenhouses and high tunnels. This includes a new technologically advanced 4,000 square foot greenhouse complex with adjacent laboratory, preparation, and meeting areas.
Program Requirements The M.S. Degree in Plant Science will be conferred to candidates upon the completion of all academic requirements in effect at the time of their first registration, provided the students are continuously enrolled and the requirements are met within the specified time frame. All work towards the degree must be completed within six (6) years of the date of initial registration in the graduate program, excluding periods of military service. 1. Credit Requirements – Candidates for the Master of Science Degree must complete a minimum of 31 semester hours, which include 25 semester hours of course work plus a thesis of six (6) semester hours.
2. Grade Requirements – Degree applicants must maintain a grade point average of 3.00 (B) in the courses taken in their approved graduate program.
3. Transfer Credits – In the 31-hour program, nine (9) semester hours earned at another accredited graduate institution may be accepted toward the Master’s degree. Such transfer credits must be approved by the major advisor and must be of “B” quality or higher. Transfer of credit in the core courses is prohibited.
4. Continuous Enrollment – Students in the graduate degree program must meet the following conditions in order to maintain satisfactory progress toward the completion of the degree:
5. Major Professor and Committee – All students entering the program shall be advised by a major professor and an advisory committee of faculty members. This group shall provide assistance with course selection, advice concerning the M.S. program and direct research focus. The Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members, all of whom must be members of the VSU graduate faculty. Individuals who are not graduate faculty members, for example, from another institution or from industry, must apply to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach for temporary membership.
Curriculum
The curriculum requires a minimum of 31 credit hours, distributed as follows:
Core Courses
Elective Courses
Masters Research and Thesis
Admission Requirements Admission requirements for the M.S. degree in Plant Science are similar to other Masters’ programs at the University. The prospective student must present a competitive GRE score and a minimum of 20 semester hours in the sciences. The credits in the sciences may be either graduate or undergraduate courses in mathematics, general chemistry, botany, soils, microbiology, physics, or related disciplines. Students not fulfilling the science credits requirements may be admitted provisionally with the understanding that all conditions must be removed within one year of enrollment and none of the remedial science courses will count toward degree completion requirements.
Applicants will be considered once a complete application package has been submitted. Each complete package will be forwarded to the M.S. in Plant Science Committee for review and interview of qualified candidates. This committee will make recommendations to the Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture and Human Ecology. The Department Chairperson will then recommend the top candidates who meet all admission requirements to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach. The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach will notify the candidates of their admissions status.
To apply for admission or additional information: Call 804.524.5984 or email gradadmiss@vsu.edu or visit www.vsu.edu/pages/252.asp or write the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach, P.O. Box 9402, Petersburg, VA 23806.
Official Virginia State University graduate application forms may be obtained from the Graduate School Office. Follow the steps outlined in the Application Procedures and adhere to the following deadlines. Fall Semester: Submit completed Application Packet by May 1. Spring Semester: Submit completed Application Packet by November 1.
For a complete description of the M.S. Degree in Plant Science in PDF format click here.
Our goal is to eliminate any obstacles that may hinder you from receiving…“The Education of Your Life”
Glenn F. Chappell, II
Assistant Professor – Plant Science
Department of Agriculture & Human Ecology
Virginia State University
P.O. Box 9416
Petersburg, VA 23806
Phone 804.524.5848
Fax 804.524.5048
Email: gchappell@vsu.edu
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