Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences

The purpose of the graduate program in the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences is to provide students with a solid foundation in agricultural and natural resource sciences, theory and management. Goals of the department include developing new ideas through research, training graduate students in creativity and freedom of thought and preparing students for success in the face of a rapidly evolving economy.

There are three (3) Master of Science degree majors within the Department: Agriculture Science (AGSC), Environmental Systems Management (ENVS), and Plant & Soil Science (PLSS). Each of these majors has 3 M.S. track plan options (Plan I-thesis; Plan II-grad project; Plan III- coursework only). All Plan I thesis degrees require a total of 30 hours, with 18 hours in major; whereas Plan II and Plan III degree options require a total of 36 hours with 24 hours in the major subject area. 

For a M.S. in Agriculture Science (AGSC) 36 hour Graduate Program and Course Only options, a combination of 24 hours in major subject areas (AGRI, AGSC, AGBU, PLSS, ENVS). Any course within the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences will satisfy the required 24 major hours minimum expectation for a general AGSC degree towards the 36 hours program option. 

For the M.S. degree in Ranch Management, the following course subjects can be included in the major area for the degree (ANSC, WSCI, PLSS). 

Department Faculty

Abugho, Seth Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.Sc., University of the Philippines (Philippines); M.Sc., University of Arkansas; Ph.D., Texas A&M University.

Ancona-Contreras, Veronica Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S., Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (Mexico); M.S., Texas A&M University-Kingsville; Ph.D., Texas A&M University.

Anoruo, Ambrose Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; Higher National Diploma, Fed. College of Forest Technology (Nigeria); M.S., Southern Connecticut State University; M.S., Yale University; Doctor of Forestry, Yale University.

Chumbley, Steven Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; Bachelors, Texas A&M University; M.Ed., Texas A&M University-Kingsville; Ph.D., Texas Tech University.

Donato-Molina, Maria Research Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S., University of Caldas (Columbia); M.S, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Columbia); Ph.D., Texas A&M University.

Friend, Diane B Instructional Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S., California Polytechnic State University; M.S., California Polytechnic State University; Ph.D., Texas A&M University.

Hanagriff, Roger Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S., Sam Houston State University; M.Ag., Texas A&M University; Ph.D., Texas A&M University.

Kunta, Madhurababu Research Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S., Andra Pradesh Agricultural University (India); M.S, Texas A&M University-Kingsville; Ph.D., Texas A&M University.

Laughlin, David Research Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S., University of Texas-Brownsville; Ph.D., Texas A&M University.

Nelson, Shad Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; Dean, Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center; B.S., Brigham Young University; M.S., Brigham Young University; Ph.D., University of California, Riverside.

Schuster, Greta Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; Chair; B.S., Texas A&M University-Commerce; M.S., Texas A&M University-Commerce; Ph.D., Texas A&M University.

Setamou, Mamoudou Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; Interim Director, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center; B.S., Benin National University (Benin); M.S., University of Cape Coast (Ghana); Ph.D., University of Hannover (Germany).

Turner, Benjamin Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S., Sam Houston State University; M.S., Texas A&M University-Kingsville; Ph.D., South Dakota State University.

Emeritus

French, J. Victor Professor of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S.A.G., Colorado State University; M.S., Colorado State University; Ph.D., Michigan State University.

Hensz, Richard Professor of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences; B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., Texas A&M University; Ph.D., University of Florida.

Agribusiness (AGBU)

AGBU 5305  Graduate Research Project  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for project option students and requires completion of research project. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours.

AGBU 5306  Thesis  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for thesis option students. The course requires completion of thesis research. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for maximum of 6 semester hours.

AGBU 5390  Advanced Studies In Agribus  3 SCH  (3)  

Material offered is determined by the needs of the students. Laboratory and lecture vary according to the subject needs. May be repeated once under a different topic.

AGBU 5395  Advance Problems in Agribus  1-3 SCH  (1-3)  

Independent work which may include a laboratory or field problem. Variable credit dependent upon the problem; may be repeated for a total of 3 semester hours for thesis option students or 6 semester hours for project option and course-only option students. Prerequisite: approval of a faculty member who will supervise the problem.

Agriculture Science (AGSC)

AGSC 5305  Graduate Research Project  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for project option students and requires completion of research project. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours.

AGSC 5306  Thesis  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for thesis option students. The course requires completion of thesis research. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for maximum of 6 semester hours.

AGSC 5312  Facilities for Agric Sci  3 SCH  (3)  

Planning and designing agricultural facilities for the secondary school with consideration for educational needs, curriculum, efficiency of use, inventory control and management. Organizing, equipping, maintaining and operating the shop, greenhouse, farm and meat processing laboratories.

AGSC 5361  Prog Building in Agric Educ  3 SCH  (3)  

Organization of education programs in vocational agriculture for production, cooperative training and pre-employment classes. Developing annual teaching plan.

AGSC 5363  Mthds in Adult and Yng Farmer  3 SCH  (3)  

Determining needs, methods of establishing programs, evaluating programs and methods of teaching producers involved in agriculture. A detailed study of adult and young farmer program.

AGSC 5367  Org and Admin of Voc Educ  3 SCH  (3)  

Theories and procedures applicable to vocational education in the areas of program standards, finances, state plan, facilities, recruitment and selection of personnel and role of community advisory committees as applied to vocational education.

AGSC 5390  Advanced Studies in Agr Ed  3 SCH  (3)  

Material offered will be determined by the needs of the students. May be repeated once under a different topic. Topics include the following: supervision of occupational experience programs in agriculture, agricultural youth leadership, instructional technology in agriculture and current issues in agricultural education.

AGSC 5395  Advanced Prob in Agr Sci Tech  1-3 SCH  (1-3)  

Independent work which may include a laboratory or field problem. Variable credit dependent upon the problem; may be repeated for a total of 3 semester hours for thesis option students or 6 semester hours for project option and course-only option students. Prerequisite: approval of a faculty member who will supervise the problem.

AGSC 5399  Thesis Topics  1-9 SCH  (1-9)  

For thesis option Master's students. To be taken by students who receive a stipend while working on their research project in Plant and Soil Science. Designed to be student-specific to meet each student's individual needs and to enhance their graduate education by providing one-on-one time with professors.

Environmental Science (ENVS)

ENVS 5300  Adv. Environmental Science  3 SCH  (3-0)  

In-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of environmental systems including biological, chemical, social, political, cultural, and economic factors that affect the environment; scientific and social implications of climate change, including impact of anthropogenic pollutants and human population on the environment.

ENVS 5305  Graduate Research Project  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Designed for project option students and requires completion of a research project. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours.

ENVS 5306  Thesis  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Designed for thesis option students; the course requires 6 hours of grades, 3 hours will consist of completion of thesis proposal and 3 hours will consist of thesis. Completion of the thesis proposal must occur as a prerequisite to, or be enrolled in during the same semester as the 3 hours of thesis.

ENVS 5310  Sustainable Landuse Dec & Mgmt  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Impact of private and public land use on natural resource conservation; private land ownership and management issues; and land administration patters in the United States. Registration in ENVS 5300 Advances in Environmental Science is required.

ENVS 5320  North America Wetlands  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Impact of anthropogenic activities on inland and coastal wetland ecosystems; the effects of altered wetland habitats on plant and animals communities. Registration in ENVS 5300 is required.

ENVS 5330  Sustainability of Eviron Ecosy  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Importance of terrestrial ecosystems as habitats for environmental sustainability of plants, forests, and animal communities. Prerequisites: ENVR Intro to Environmental Science. Students can enroll concurrently with Introduction to Environmental Science. ENVS 5300 is required.

ENVS 5340  Soil and Water Conservation  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Students will learn the methods of soil and water conservation and management techniques adapted to conserve water and soils in different environments. Students will also study relevant literature for most recent developments in the field of water and soil conservation.

ENVS 5350  Experimental Design  3 SCH  (3)  

This course will introduce students to experimental designs and application of designs used in environmental and agricultural sciences; develop understanding of statistical treatment of data and use of statistics to interpret and communicate research data; provide hands-on training on SAS software, and prepare students to real life data collection and analysis.

ENVS 5360  Environmental Econ & Sustn Dev  3 SCH  (3-0)  

The course introduces students to natural and environmental resource economics; emphasizes understanding of economic concepts; and evaluates their application to stakeholder socioeconomic needs of natural resources. Registration in ENVS 5300 Adv. Environmental Science is required.

ENVS 5390  Adv Studies in Environment Sci  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Material offered is determined by the needs of the students. May be repeated under a different topic.

ENVS 5395  Adv Probs in Environmental Sci  1-3 SCH  (1-3-0)  

Independent work that may include a laboratory or field problem. Variable credit dependent upon the problem; may be repeated for a total of 3 semester hours for thesis option students or 6 semester hours for project option and course-only students. Prerequisite: approval of a faculty member who will supervise the problem.

ENVS 5399  Thesis Topic  1-9 SCH  (0-1-9)  

For thesis option Master's students. To be taken by students who receive a stipend while working on their research project in Environmental Systems Management. Course is designed to be student-specific to meet each student's individual needs and to enhance their graduate education by providing one-on-one time with professors.

Plant and Soil Science (PLSS)

PLSS 5305  Graduate Research Project  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for project option students and requires completion of research project. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours.

PLSS 5306  Thesis  3 SCH  (3)  

Designed for thesis option students. The course requires completion of thesis research. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for maximum of 6 semester hours.

PLSS 5329  Adv. Terrestrial Ecosystems  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Students will examine the principles and processes that determine the patterns of terrestrial ecosystems along latitudinal gradient with emphasis on the patterns and structures of temperate ecosystems. The course will begin with an overview of global ecosystems but settle with in-depth look at temperate ecosystems as they exist in North America.

PLSS 5330  Adv. Environmental Science  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Designed to expose students to biological, chemical, social, political, cultural, and economic factors that affect the environment. The course will explore scientific and social implications of climate change, global warming, and the effects of anthropogenic pollutants and human population on the environment.

PLSS 5337  Prac App Plant Biotechnology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

The course will include an introduction to theoretical aspects in Plant Biotechnology with emphasis on practical application. Students will have an opportunity to get hands on training with some of the most basic, yet widely utilized techniques in micropropagation and plant molecular diagnostics.

PLSS 5350  Pesticides and the Environment  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Comprehensive in-depth study of characteristics and properties of pesticides and their applications in agricultural sciences, public and environmental health. Emphasis on insecticides, miticides (i.e., acaricides), fungicides and herbicides. Elements of pesticide science, such as pesticide chemical formulations, biochemical pathways of pesticide effects on organisms and the physiology of toxicity on development will be covered.

PLSS 5351  Advanced Plant Propagation  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Emphasis is placed on the basic principles of plant propagation to provide an adequate background in the areas of horticulture. All aspects of plant propagation will be studied including methods and technologies that are used in the propagation industry.

PLSS 5352  Advanced Plant Physiology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Introduction to physiological processes of plants including physical processes, water relations, and cell physiology. In-depth examination of plant cell structures, photosynthetic processes, transport and translocation of water and solutes with the plant, biochemistry and metabolism, and growth and development of plants.

PLSS 5353  Advanced Plant Pathology  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Advanced study of the biology of plant pathogenic fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and viruses as well as the plant response to pathogen attack. Topics include host recognition an colonization, pathogenicity and virulence determinants, resistance mechanisms and plant defense responses. This course will also cover management practices to minimize the damage associate with plant diseases.

PLSS 5360  Exper. Designs & Data Analysis  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Introduction to experimental design including data analysis software, and data interpretation. Hands-on training on SAS software and preparation of data collection and analysis.

PLSS 5390  Adv Stud in Plant and Soil Sci  3 SCH  (3-0)  

Material offered is determined by the needs of the students. May be repeated under a different topic.

PLSS 5395  Adv Prob in Plant Science  1-3 SCH  (1-3)  

Independent work that may include a laboratory or field problem. Variable credit dependent upon the problem; may be repeated for a total of 3 semester hours for thesis option students or 6 semester hours for project option and course-only option students. Prerequisite: approval of a faculty member who will supervise the problem.

PLSS 5399  Thesis Topics  1-9 SCH  (1-9)  

For thesis option Master's students. This course is to be taken by students who receive a stipend while working on their research project in Plant and Soil Science. Course is designed to be student-specific to meet each student's individual needs and to enhance their graduate education by providing one-on-one time with professors.

Agriculture Science, M.S.

Agriculture Science, M.S. - Thesis Option I 

The 30 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 18 credit hours in graduate level AGSC and/or Agriculture Related courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences, and 3 hours of quantitative analysis statistics based course is required toward AGSC Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 30 credit hour requirement; AGSC 5399 Thesis Topics course is optional and only 3 credit hours permitted towards degree plan. 

Major Core-Support Field 13
Exper. Designs & Data Analysis
Major Research 6
In addition to the above, the course below must be taken twice for a total of six (6) semester credit hours
Thesis
Major Elective Courses 29-21
Free Elective Courses 30-12
TOTAL30 Credits
1

Student may substitute this Quantitative Analysis Course with any 5000-level or 6000-level STAT course. 

2

AGSC or AG Elective- Electives from a combination of graduate-level course (AGRI, AGSC, AGBU, PLSS) offered within Dept Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Science. AGSC 5399 Thesis Topics is an optional elective; only three (3) credits will be counted towards the degree total. 

3

Free Elective- Electives from graduate-level coursework in ADED, ANSC, BIOL, EDAD, ENVS, PLSS, RWSC, RAMT and geography/GIS. 

Agriculture Science, M.S. - Project Option II

The 36 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 24 credit hours in graduate level AGSC and/or Agriculture Related courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences, and 3 hours of quantitative analysis statistics based course is required toward AGSC Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 36 credit hour requirement. 

Major Core-Support Field 13
Exper. Designs & Data Analysis
Major Research
Graduate Research Project
Major Elective Courses 218-30
Free Elective Courses 30-12
TOTAL36 Credits
1

Student may substitute this Quantitative Analysis Course with any 5000-level or 6000-level STAT course. 

2

AGSC or AG Elective-Electives from a combination of graduate-level course (AGRI, AGSC, AGBU, PLSS) offered within Dept Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Science. 

3

Free Elective- Electives from graduate-level coursework in ADED, ANSC, BIOL, EDAD, ENVS, PLSS, RWSC, RAMT and geography/GIS.

Agriculture Science, M.S. - Course Option III 

The 36 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 24 credit hours in graduate level AGSC and/or Agriculture Related courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences is required toward AGSC Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 36 credit hour requirement. 

Major Elective Courses 124-36
Free Elective Courses 20-12
TOTAL36 Credits
1

AGSC or AG Elective- Electives from a combination of graduate-level course (AGRI, AGSC, AGBU, PLSS) offered within Dept Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Science. 

2

Free Elective- Electives from graduate-level coursework in ADED, ANSC, BIOL, EDAD, ENVS, PLSS, RWSC, RAMT and geography/GIS.

Agriculture Science- Agribusiness, M.S

Agriculture Science - Agribusiness, M.S. - Thesis Option I 

The 30 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 18 credit hours in graduate level AGSC and/or Agriculture Related courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences, and 3 hours of quantitative analysis statistics based course is required toward AGSC Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 30 credit hour requirement; AGSC 5399 - Thesis Topics course is optional and only 3 credit hours permitted towards degree plan.

Major Core-Support Field6
Sys Apprch Natrl Res Prblm Sol
Exper. Designs & Data Analysis 1
Major Research6
In addition to the above, the course below must be taken twice for a total of six (6) semester credit hours
Thesis
Major Elective Courses 26-18
Free Elective Courses 30-12
TOTAL30 Credits
1

Students may substitute this Quantitative Analysis Course with any 5000-level or 6000-level STAT course.

2

AGBU or AG Elective- Electives from a combination of graduate-level course (AGRI, AGSC, AGBU, PLSS) offered within Dept Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Science. AGSC 5399 - Thesis Topics is an optional elective; only three (3) credits will be counted towards the degree total.

3

Free Elective- Elective from graduate-level coursework in agriculture science, animal science, biology, business, environmental science, geography/GIS, plant and soil science, ranch management, and rangeland and wildlife science. 

Agriculture Science -  Agribusiness, M.S. - Project Option II 

The 36 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 24 credit hours in graduate level AGSC and/or Agriculture Related courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences, and 3 hours of quantitative analysis statistics based course is required toward AGSC Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 36 credit hour requirement. 

Major Core-Support Field6
Sys Apprch Natrl Res Prblm Sol
Exper. Designs & Data Analysis 1
Major Research3
Graduate Research Project
Major Elective Courses 215
Free Elective Courses 312
TOTAL36 Credits
1

Students may substitute this Quantitative Analysis Course with any 5000-level or 6000-level STAT course. 

2

AGBU or AGSC Elective- Electives from a combination of graduate-level course (AGRI, AGSC, AGBU, PLSS) offered within Dept Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Science. 

3

Free Elective- Electives from graduate-level coursework in agriculture science, animal science, biology, business, environmental science, geography/GIS, plant and soil science, ranch management, and rangeland and wildlife science.

Agriculture Science - Agribusiness, M. S.  - Course Option III

The 36 credit hour requirement is met through a major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 24 credit hours in graduate level AGSC and /or Agriculture Related courses in Department in Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences, and 3 hours of quantitative analysis statistics-based course is required toward AGSC Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 36 credit hour requirement. 

Major Core-Support Field3
Sys Apprch Natrl Res Prblm Sol
Major Elective Courses 121
Free Elective Courses 212
TOTAL36 Credits
1

AGSC or AG Elective- Electives from a combination of graduate-level course (AGRI, AGSC, AGBU, PLSS) offered within Dept Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Science. 

2

Electives from graduate-level coursework in agriculture science, animal science, biology, business, environmental science, geography/GIS, plant and soil science, ranch management, and rangeland and wildlife science. 

Environmental Systems Management, M.S. 

Environmental Systems Management, M.S. Thesis Option I 

The 30 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 18 credit hours in graduate level ENVS and/or Agriculture Related courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences, and three (3) hours of quantitative analysis statistics based course is required toward ENVS Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 30 credit hour requirement; ENVS 5399 Thesis Topics course is optional and only three (3) credit hours permitted towards degree plan. 

Major Core-Support Field6
Exper. Designs & Data Analysis 1
Sys Apprch Natrl Res Prblm Sol
Major Core-Support Field: Business Management 29
Leading a Sustainable Organ
Leadership, Change & Innovat.
Crisis Communication and Mgmt
Major Research6
In addition to the above, the course below must be taken twice for a total of six (6) semester credit hours
Thesis
Major Elective Courses 312
Free Elective Courses 43
TOTAL30 Credits
1

Students may substitute this Quantitative Analysis Course with any 5000-level or 6000-level STAT course. 

2

Three courses provide a certificate in Management from College of Business Administration. 

3

See List of Major Course Options as shown after Plan III.

4

Free Elective- Electives from graduate-level coursework in biology, geography/GIS, animal science, rangeland and wildlife science, plant and soil science, environmental science, and ranch management. 

Environmental Systems Management, M.S. - Project Option II

The 36 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 24 credit hours in graduate level ENVS courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Services, and 3 hours of quantitative analysis based course is required toward ENVS Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 36 credit hour requirement. 

Major Core-Support Field3
Sys Apprch Natrl Res Prblm Sol
Major Core-Support Field: Business Management 19
Leading a Sustainable Organ
Crisis Communication and Mgmt
Leadership, Change & Innovat.
Major Research3
Graduate Research Project
Major Elective Courses 221
TOTAL36 Credits
1

Three courses provide a certificate in Management from College of Business Administration. 

2

See List of Major Course Options as shown after Plan III. 

Environmental Systems Management, M.S. - Course Option III

The 36 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 24 credit hours in graduate level ENVS courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences is required toward ENVS Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 36 credit hour requirement. 

Major Core-Support Field3
Sys Apprch Natrl Res Prblm Sol
Major Core-Support Field: Business Management 19
Leading a Sustainable Organ
Crisis Communication and Mgmt
Leadership, Change & Innovat.
Major Elective Courses 224
TOTAL36 Credits
1

Three courses provide a certificate in Management from College of Business Administration. 

2

See List of Major Course Options as shown after Plan III. 

List of Major Elective Course Options

ENVS 5300Adv. Environmental Science3
ENVS 5310Sustainable Landuse Dec & Mgmt3
ENVS 5320North America Wetlands3
ENVS 5330Sustainability of Eviron Ecosy3
ENVS 5350Experimental Design3
ENVS 5360Environmental Econ & Sustn Dev3
ENVS 5395Adv Probs in Environmental Sci1-3
ENVS 5390Adv Studies in Environment Sci3
ENVS 5340Soil and Water Conservation3
ENVS 5399Thesis Topic *1-9
*

ENVS 5399 may only be taken by students pursuing the thesis degree option (Plan I). Only three (3) credits will be counted towards the degree total. 

Plant and Soil Science, M.S. 

Plant and Soil Science, M.S. - Thesis Option I 

The 30 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 18 credit hours in graduate level PLSS courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences, and three (3) hours of quantitative analysis statistics based course is required toward PLSS Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 30 credit hour requirement; PLSS 5399 - Thesis Topics course is optional and only three (3) credit hours permitted towards degree plan. 

Major Core-Support Field 13
Exper. Designs & Data Analysis
Major Research 6
In addition to the above, the course below must be taken twice for a total of six (6) semester credit hours
Thesis
Major Elective Courses 215
Free Elective Courses 312
TOTAL30 Credits
1

Student may substitute this Quantitative Analysis Course with any 5000-level or 6000-level STAT course. 

2

See List of PLSS Major Course Options as shown after Plan III. 

3

Free Elective- Electives from graduate-level coursework in biology, geography/GIS, animal science, rangeland and wildlife science, plant and soil science, environmental science, and ranch management. 

Plant and Soil Science, M.S. - Graduate Project

The 36 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 24 credit hours in graduate level plant and soil science courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences, and three (3) hours of quantitative analysis statistics based course is required toward PLSS Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 36 credit hour requirement. 

Major Core-Support Field 13
Exper. Designs & Data Analysis
Major Research3
Graduate Research Project
Major Elective Courses 218
Free Elective Courses 312
TOTAL36 Credits
1

Students may substitute this Quantitative Analysis Course with any 5000-level or 6000-level STAT course.

2

See List of PLSS Major Course Options as shown after Plan III. 

3

Free Elective- Electives from graduate-level coursework in biology, geography/GIS, animal science, rangeland and wildlife science, plant and soil science, environmental science, and ranch management. 

Plant and Soil Science, M.S. - Coursework Only 

The 36 credit hour requirement is met through major core, major research, and major elective courses. A minimum of 24 credit hours in graduate level PLSS courses in Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences is required toward PLSS Master of Science degree. Additionally, free elective courses may count toward the 36 credit hour requirement. 

Major Elective Courses 124
Free Elective Courses 212
TOTAL36 Credits
1

See List of PLSS Major Course Options as shown after Plan III. 

2

Free Elective- Electives from graduate-level coursework in biology, geography/GIS, animal science, rangeland and wildlife science, plant and soil science, environmental science, and ranch management. 

List of Major Elective Course Options

PLSS 5337Prac App Plant Biotechnology3
PLSS 5350Pesticides and the Environment3
PLSS 5351Advanced Plant Propagation3
PLSS 5352Advanced Plant Physiology3
PLSS 5353Advanced Plant Pathology3
PLSS 5390Adv Stud in Plant and Soil Sci3
PLSS 5395Adv Prob in Plant Science1-3
PLSS 5399Thesis Topics *1-9
*

PLSS 5399 may only be taken by students pursuing the thesis degree option (Plan I). Only three (3) credits will be counted towards the degree total.