Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program

The Graduate Degree Program in Plant and Soil Sciences is an integral part of all teaching, research, and outreach programs. Through academic and problem solving exercises, the Department creates an intellectual environment for effective learning and scientific growth of students. Most of our faculty are also members of the Graduate Faculty of the University and serve on graduate student committees. The Department ensures a graduate program of excellence by devoting considerable resources and faculty efforts to the graduate curriculum.

| Degree Programs | Departmental Degree Requirements |
| UMass Degree Requirements | Admission Requirements | Financial Aid |
 | Other Program Options | How to Apply | Contact |

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, and both thesis and non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degrees, are offered in the Department. A non-thesis, Off-Campus M.S. graduate program in Soil Science is also available. For degrees requireing a thesis, a wide range of graduate research projects can be developed, each guided by a faculty member with research experience in the chosen area of study. Students may concentrate in the study of plants, soils, or the environment. Prospective students are encouraged to view faculty research profiles and begin a dialogue with prospective major professors before applying. All acceptances into the Department Graduate program are contingent upon acceptance by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Graduate School and upon a faculty member's willingness and availablity to work with the student.

M.S. students (thesis option) are required to take 30 credits of which nine may be thesis research credits. The M.S. non-thesis option is considered to be a terminal degree program and requires additional course work. For Ph.D. students, a personalized curriculum will be designed by the student and his/her Guidance Committee, with a small number of courses required by the Department. All Ph.D. students must pass both written and oral Comprehensive Exams. More information about the Department's course and degree requirements, and our Graduate Student Handbook can be found on the Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Student Page. In addition, consult the Graduate School website for general University Graduate Degree Requirements.

The Department recognizes that formal learning situations are important, but feels formal learning must be complemented by scientific maturation through initiative, individual study and thought, interaction with other students and faculty, and sharpening of inter-personal and professional skills. The Department encourages these activities by offering flexible programs that provide opportunities for originality and creativity.

Requirements for Admission:

Applicants to graduate school should be prepared at the undergraduate level by having taken basic science courses, including botany, chemistry, mathematics, and relevant courses in soils, horticulture, agronomy, environmental science, or other areas within plant or soil sciences. Students wishing to transfer to studies in plant or soil sciences from other fields are encouraged to apply, but may be required to take some undergraduate courses in the plant and soil area to establish a background for advanced studies. Remedial English courses are offered for foreign students having difficulty with the language. Students must also meet all of the UMass Graduate School's admission requirements.

Financial Aid:

A limited number of Teaching and Research Assistantships are offered with stipends to assist the student during their education and training. Such stipends are offered following acceptance on a competitive basis and in accordance with Departmental needs. Students are encouraged to seek support from several sources. Both the teaching and research assistantships carry a waiver of tuition for the student.

Other Graduate Program Options:

Several faculty in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences belong to the Plant Biology Graduate Program. This intercollege program takes advantage of the diverse skills and technologies across the plant-related programs on campus. Participating Departments include Plant and Soil Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Food Sciences. If your interest is in basic plant science (molecular genetics, biotechnology, basic physiology), you may wish to consider the intercollege program. Applying to both Graduate Programs is acceptable. To learn more about the intercollege program check the Plant Biology Graduate Program web page. Faculty in Plant and Soil Sciences also participate in the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology (OEB) Graduate Program. Students with an interest in evolution should check the OEB web page.

How to Apply:

Applications to the Graduate School can be obtained from the Graduate School, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 U.S.A., or down-loaded or submitted online via the Graduate School Website. The University requires submission of GRE scores and letters of recommendation along with a completed application form for admission. Applications should be sent directly to the Graduate School, not to our Department. Graduate applications that specify interest in our Department will then be forwarded to us by the Graduate School. These applications will then be reviewed by a Plant and Soil Sciences faculty committee to judge whether the qualifications of the student are acceptable to the Department. The Department will then recommend acceptance or non-acceptance, but only the Graduate School can accept a student. The Graduate School application fee must be paid before an application can be reviewed.

   For more information, please contact:

Wesley Autio
Graduate Program Director
Department of Plant & Soil Sciences
Bowditch Hall Room 205
University of Massachusetts
Amherst MA 01003
Tel. (413) 545-2963
FAX (413) 545-0260
E-Mail:autio@pssci.umass.edu