Test of English as a Foreign Language(link is external) (TOEFL) - minimum score of 79 iBT (or 60 on the revised PBT with no section score lower than 15). Individual MyBest scores must also be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.
International English Language Testing System(link is external) (IELTS) - minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below a 6
Pearson PTE Academic(link is external) - minimum score of 60
Graduate English Language Endorsement(link is external) from the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL)
CEPT Full Academic test (link is external)- offered by our Center for English as a Second Language (CESL), minimum Total score of 110.
The Plant Science MS program provides training in the plant sciences through core and elective coursework and research opportunities in molecular, cellular, genetic, genomic, and physiological aspects of plants, including model organisms, crops, and wild relatives. New MS students have the opportunity to rotate through two labs, to gain experience with the scientific questions and techniques employed in each. Following the selection of a permanent lab and a Major Advisor, students deepen their expertise in that lab's research area through participation in all aspects of the lab activities. With guidance from the Major Advisor, students then develop and execute a novel research project and disseminate their results through a Master’s Thesis and potentially a scientific publication.
Core coursework is minimal and includes cross-training in plant microbiology, to ensure a solid foundation in major plant biotic interactions. Elective coursework, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisors, deepens expertise in areas related to the intended direction within plant science research.
The Plant Science MS prepares students for careers in agency, industry, and academic institutions that require a solid background in plant science and experience with research techniques and experimental design.
School of Plant Science
The School of Plant Sciences has an international reputation for basic and applied research on plant sciences, plant microbiology, and plant pathology. Our research responds to the urgent question of how to provide plant and microbial-based solutions to sustainably feed and clothe an anticipated ten billion humans by the year 2050. Outcomes of our vision include a broadly trained, job-ready workforce prepared to meet future challenges to agricultural and urban plant systems; robust research and extension programs that support plant improvements through genetics, breeding, and symbioses; novel strategies for mitigating plant disease and improving food safety; and innovative land management strategies to optimize plant growth.
We offer two distinct graduate programs: Plant Science (PhD, MS, and Minor) and Plant Pathology (PhD, MS, and Minor). The Plant Science graduate program prepares students for careers focused on all aspects of plants, including interactions with abiotic and biotic factors, whereas the Plant Pathology prepares students for careers focused on microbes, particularly fungi and plant-associated bacteria and viruses, both beneficial and pathogenic.
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Core Coursework Requirements
The following courses are required for the Plant Science MS (20 units):
PLS 560, Advanced Plant Biology, 4 units, minimum grade expected B
PLP 550, Principles of Plant Microbiology, 4 units, minimum grade expected B
PLS 592, Directed Research, 2 units (1 unit each for two 7.5-week laboratory rotations), minimum grade expected B
PLS 596A, School of Plant Sciences Seminar, 2 units (1 unit each for two semesters)
PLS 695A, School of Plant Sciences Journal Club, 2 units (1 unit each for two semesters)
PLS 910, Thesis, 6 units
Elective Coursework
Elective credits (minimum 10 units) may be selected from the following courses. Substitutions may be considered at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies. The minimum expected grade is B but exceptions may be made as long as the cumulative GPA is maintained at 3.2 (see “Satisfactory Progress” in our handbook). Research units do not contribute to the GPA.
BE 513 Applied Biostatistics (4units)
BE 587 Metagenomics (3 units)
BIOC 565 Proteins and Enzymes (3 units)
BIOC 585 Biological Structure I (4 units)
ECOL 553 Functional and Evolutionary Genomics (4 units)
ECOL 575 Freshwater and Marine Algae (4 units)
EVNS 502 Nutrient Dynamics in Soil (3 units)
MCB 546 Genetic and Molecular Networks (4 units)
MCB 573 Recombinant DNA Methods and Applications (4 units)
MCB 580 Introduction to Systems Biology (3 units)
MCB 572A Cell Systems (4 units)
MCB 577 Principles of Cell Biology (3 units)
PLS 583 Controlled Environment Systems (3 units)
PLS 572 Plant Systematics (4 units)
PLS 524R Plant Biotechnology (3 units)
PLS 529 Applied Cyberinfrastructure Concepts (3 units)
PLS 539 Methods in Cell Biology and Genomics (3 units)
PLS 540 Mechanisms in Plant Development (3 units)
PLS 548A Plant Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering (3 units)
PLS 549A Plant Genetics and Genomics (3 units)
PLS 575A Physiology of Plant Production under Controlled Environment (3 units)
PLS 579 Applied Instrumentation for Controlled Environment Agriculture (3 units)
PLS 580 Medicinal Plants (3 units)
STAT 571B Design of Experiments (3 units)
PLS 900 Research (variable units)
InsuranceFee: 1,999 USD
