Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program

Graduate education 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.

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A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, and both thesis and non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degrees, are offered in the Plant & Soil Sciences Division. A non-thesis, Off-Campus M.S. graduate program in Soil Science is also available. For degrees requiring 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 Division's Graduate program are contingent upon acceptance by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Graduate School and upon a faculty member's willingness and availability 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 Division. 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 & Insect Sciences Graduate Student Page. In addition, consult the Graduate School website for general University Graduate Degree Requirements.

The Division 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 Division 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.

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 Division. Graduate applications that specify interest in our Division 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 Division. The Division 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 & Insect Sciences
Bowditch Hall Room 205
University of Massachusetts
Amherst MA 01003-9294
Tel. (413) 545-2963
FAX (413) 545-0260
E-Mail:autio@pssci.umass.edu