M.S. Horticulture (Thesis Option)
The Masters of Science (MS) degree in Horticulture provides an advanced science-based education for students through innovative teaching and directed horticultural research experiences. The program encompasses basic genetic, physiology, production, processing and utilization of horticultural products including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and landscape plants. The MS degree is obtained through appropriate course work, completion of research and other requirements, successful completion of university-directed administrative procedures, and successful defense of the thesis. A research project and specific coursework will be outlined by the student with guidance from the student’s graduate advisory committee members.
Program Details
Graduate degrees in Horticulture are administered by the Graduate Faculty within the Department of Horticultural Sciences in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures of Texas A&M University.
The overall goal is to provide the student with a strong science-based background in the areas of horticulture, physiology, genetics, production, etc. for a future in research either in industry, academia or government positions.
- Degree: M.S. in Horticulture
- Credit Hours: 32 total credit hours of graduate lecture, seminar and research courses
NOTE: It is highly recommended that all graduate students in the Department of Horticultural Sciences have taken or will take 6 credit hours of 200, 300, 400, or 600 level HORT courses prior to admission. In the event that a student is deficient in HORT courses, the student’s committee can require the student to take an additional 6 credit hours of HORT (300, 400 or 600 level courses) as part of their degree The courses must be approved by the Chair of the student’s Advisory Committee. Any 300, 400, or 600 level courses may be applied towards the student’s Degree Plan with the Chair and Committee’s approval. These 6 hours of HORT courses will be in addition to the 9 hour Master’s and 12 hour Doctoral requirement at the 600 level for all HORT graduate students. If the student is deficient in the non-HORT supporting field courses (for example: chemistry, soils, plant physiology, etc.), the Chair will determine course prerequisites that need to be taken.
More information about the Department of Horticultural Science’s graduate faculty and their research can be found in Table 2 of the TAMU Graduate Horticultural Sciences Policy Handbook.
Degree requirements are posted in the official TAMU Graduate Horticultural Sciences Policy Manual. Students must meet requirements set forth in the Texas A&M University catalog which is current in the year of their first registration, and the catalog is updated on an annual basis. The official University Catalog for the current academic year can be accessed online.
Graduate Admissions
Texas A&M University is the premier choice to gain a graduate degree, thanks to our national academic ranking and high financial value. Joining the Aggie Family and gaining an advanced degree from Texas A&M puts you in the highest class of job candidates.
What Do I Need to Apply?
- Minimum GPR of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, or 3.25 in 30 hours or more of graduate work.
- Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted online with your application.
- Official transcripts and records, sent to the Office of Admissions.
International Students
International students are required to verify English language proficiency using one of the methods outlined by the Office of Admissions details can be found at Texas A&M University Office of Admissions.