Plant and Environmental Science - Master of Science
This degree is designed to train students in sustainable crop production, plant breeding and genetics, soil science, and sustainability of diverse environmental systems. Students will be prepared for successful employment in commercial companies, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and private production enterprises that are engaged in agronomy, environmental science, soil science, water management, and natural resources management. 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 590 | Graduate Seminar (taken in 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 30 | 23-25 | |
| AGRO/HORT/ENVS 599 | Master's Thesis (taken in final year) | 4-6 |
| Complete a written thesis | ||
| Complete a final oral defense of the written thesis and a general examination of the student's field of study | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
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 590 | Graduate Seminar (taken in 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 30 | 29 | |
| Complete a written research report on an area of investigation conducted by the student. | ||
| Complete a final oral defense of the research report and a general examination of the student's field of study. | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
See the PES Graduate Handbook for additional details.