M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.S. in Plant Science
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Plant Science is a 32-credit-hour program that typically takes two years (four semesters) to complete for full-time students. It emphasizes a blend of in-depth academic coursework and long-term research opportunities, allowing students to tailor their study plans to their specific professional and research interests under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The program culminates in a comprehensive examination and a master's thesis, demonstrating the student's ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the field. An accelerated master's option is also available for qualified Missouri State undergraduates in Agriculture, Biology, or Chemistry, allowing them to earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in a streamlined timeframe.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Plant Science program at Missouri State University is a STEM-designated program. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it typically allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation. The STEM OPT extension provides international graduates with more opportunities for practical work experience in their field, enhancing their post-graduation career flexibility and marketability in science and technology sectors.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide extensive knowledge in plant science, covering areas such as plant physiology, pathology, biotechnology, and breeding. While the exact course selection is individualized, students generally choose coursework in areas like economic botany, plant nutrition, soils, crop management systems, fruit production, viticulture, enology, and ornamental plants and landscaping. The program requires core coursework, electives chosen in consultation with the advisor, and dedicated research hours. This interdepartmental collaboration ensures a well-rounded understanding of plants from agricultural, biological, and chemical perspectives.
Research Focus: A cornerstone of the M.S. in Plant Science program is its strong emphasis on research. Students work directly with faculty on research projects, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of plant science. Missouri State University boasts facilities that support diverse research endeavors, including the examination of fruit production, soil nutrition, plant genetics, and botany. The program encourages students to pursue original research culminating in a master's thesis, providing them with valuable experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scholarly writing. Faculty research interests are broad, offering students opportunities to explore cutting-edge topics in plant science. The university also works closely with the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station at Mountain Grove, which conducts specialized research on grapes and other fruit crops.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Plant Science program at Missouri State University is highly geared towards preparing graduates for direct entry into a wide range of jobs related to plant production and economic uses. The practical, research-intensive nature of the program, coupled with strong faculty connections, provides students with skills directly applicable to industry needs. Employment opportunities are diverse, spanning areas such as crop, fruit, and vegetable production, biotechnology, nursery and seed production, landscape management, wine production, environmental preservation, and agribusiness. While formal mandatory internships may not be a universal program requirement, the emphasis on applied research and strong ties to the agricultural community facilitate valuable practical experience and networking opportunities.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Plant Science program at Missouri State University inherently fosters a global perspective through its focus on topics of universal importance like plant production, genetics, and their impact on global economies and ecosystems. Food security, sustainable agriculture, and plant biotechnology are global challenges that the program prepares students to address. Missouri State University actively supports a global outlook through partnerships, including dual Master of Science in Plant Science degrees with three universities in China (China Agricultural University, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, and Ningxia Forestry Institute, Ningxia University). These agreements allow international students to complete part of their coursework in their home country before transferring to Missouri State, fostering international collaboration and research, and ensuring a globalized learning experience.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Plant Science from Missouri State University prepares graduates for a wide array of roles that are critical to agriculture, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. The program's interdisciplinary nature, blending aspects of biology, chemistry, and agriculture, equips students with advanced research skills, deep plant knowledge, and practical expertise, making them highly valuable in a growing global industry.
Agronomist/Crop Scientist: These professionals specialize in optimizing crop production and soil management. They advise farmers on best practices for planting, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting to improve yields and sustainability. They can work for agricultural companies, cooperatives, or as independent consultants.
Plant Breeder/Geneticist: Focusing on improving plant characteristics, plant breeders develop new varieties of crops with enhanced traits like disease resistance, higher yield, or improved nutritional value. This often involves applying biotechnology and genetic engineering techniques in research and development settings.
Horticulturist/Horticultural Scientist: These roles involve the cultivation, management, and study of ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Graduates can work in nurseries, greenhouses, botanical gardens, landscape design firms, or in research to develop new plant varieties and sustainable growing practices.
Plant Pathologist: Plant pathologists study plant diseases, their causes, and methods of control. They work to diagnose plant illnesses, develop disease-resistant crops, and implement strategies to minimize crop losses due to pathogens, often for agricultural companies, universities, or government agencies.
Biotechnology Researcher: With a strong foundation in plant genetics and molecular biology, graduates can work in biotechnology firms developing novel plant-based products, biofuels, or pharmaceuticals. They conduct laboratory research to manipulate plant genes for specific applications.
Environmental Consultant/Restoration Ecologist: An M.S. in Plant Science is excellent for roles in environmental protection and ecological restoration. Graduates can work for consulting firms, government agencies, or non-profits to restore degraded ecosystems, manage invasive species, or advise on sustainable land use practices.
Extension Agent/Educator: Working for university extension services or agricultural organizations, these professionals translate scientific research into practical advice for farmers, growers, and the general public. They conduct workshops, demonstrations, and provide technical assistance on various plant-related topics.
Soil Scientist: Focusing on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, soil scientists analyze soil composition, manage soil fertility, and work on issues like erosion control and nutrient management. They are crucial for sustainable agriculture and land planning.
Research Technician/Associate: In academic, government, or private research laboratories, graduates can work as research technicians or associates, assisting lead scientists with experiments, data collection, sample analysis, and maintaining laboratory equipment.
Viticulturist/Enologist: For those interested in grape and wine production, an M.S. in Plant Science, particularly with a focus on viticulture (grape growing) and enology (wine making), can lead to careers in vineyards, wineries, or related research institutions like the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station. They manage grape cultivation and the winemaking process.
