Horticulture - Master of Science

This degree emphasizes the creative use of plants by humans, and studies on the technical advancements in the husbandry of economic commodity groups of fruits, vegetables, or ornamentals, and turfgrass management. Emphasis may be in breeding and genetics of chile or onions, plant growth and development, nutrition, plant stress response, fruit and vegetable physiology, forestry, and turfgrass.  Students will be prepared for successful employment in diverse horticulture private industries, educational institutions, and government agencies.  Candidates for this degree must successfully conduct original research in one of the above areas and complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits based on a program of study approved by the student’s graduate committee.

The Master of Science degree can be obtained through either a thesis option (recommended) or a non-thesis option.  Prerequisite to major graduate work is completion of a curriculum essentially equivalent to that required by the department for the BS degree at New Mexico State University.  Qualifications for admission will be reviewed by the departmental graduate faculty.

Minimum Grade Point Average and Credit Hour Requirements: Your Master's degree requires a minimum of 30 completed degree hours and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all course work.

Degree residency requirement: 15 credits must be completed at NMSU.

Thesis Option

Prefix Title Credits
Departmental Requirements
Selection of courses should be based on consultation with the student's graduate committee
AGRO/HORT/SOIL 590Graduate Seminar (taken final semester)1
Complete sufficient credits numbered 450 or above, including at least 15 credits at the 500-level or above, to bring total graduate credits to 3023-25
AGRO/HORT/ENVS 599Master's Thesis (taken during final year)4-6
Complete a final oral defense of the written thesis and a general examination of the student's field of study
Total Credits30

See the PES Graduate Handbook for additional details.

Non-Thesis Option

Prefix Title Credits
Departmental Requirements
Selection of courses should be based on consultation with the student's graduate committee
AGRO/HORT/SOIL 590Graduate Seminar (taken final semester)1
Complete sufficient credits numbered 450 or above, including at least 15 credits at the 500-level or above, to bring total graduate credits to 3029
Complete a written research report on an area of investigation conducted by the student.
Complete a final oral defense of the written report and a general examination of the student's field of study
Total Credits30