Degree Programs and Specializations

The Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered as follows: (1) Plant Science with specializations in crop physiology, crop production and management, molecular biology, plant breeding and cytology, plant biotechnology and tissue culture, plant nutrition, space biology, weed science, and bioinformatics and computational biology; (2) Soil Science with specializations in molecular biology (interdepartmental program), soil and water chemistry, soil biochemistry and ecology, soil conservation systems, soil fertility and plant nutrition, soil physics, soil-plant-water relations, soil taxonomy and genesis, and soils and irrigation; (3) Climate Sciences with specializations in climate dynamics, hydroclimate modeling, general and micro-meteorology, and turbulence; and (4) Ecology. A Master of Professional Studies in Horticulture (MPSH) is also offered. This program is available to out-of- state students at in-state tuition rates through WICHE-WRGP.

Course Requirements

Course requirements leading to MS or PhD degrees are developed jointly by the student and the student’s advisory committee. Course selections reflect areas of specialization. There are, however, specific departmental requirements regarding physical sciences, biological sciences, and mathematics courses, which differ depending on the area of specialization.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Specialization

Total course credits needed for the specialization: 16 credits

Required course credit hours: 12

Elective courses, take any four credits from the list

Students must take all five required courses (12 credits), and may select another four credits from the list of elective courses.