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Maximize your potential with a Master’s in Plant Soil Sciences with a concentration in Weed Science. Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University offers interested students the opportunity to work with world class scientists in solving vegetation management problems.

The master’s program in Weed Science provides students with a variety of research opportunities in vegetation management across agricultural production systems, natural areas, and managed properties in residential and urban settings. A graduate degree in Plant and Soil Sciences with a concentration in weed science gives students knowledge in weed biology, taxonomy and ecology, biological control, cropping systems, integrated management systems, conservation tillage, transgenic crop tolerance, precision technology, and herbicides. The masters program is based on a research generated dissertation.Applicants should ensure that appropriate research facilities are available to their location.

The Weed Science master’s graduate program in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences leads to the Master of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences with a concentration in Weed Science.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $602.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Program Structure

Master of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences with Weed Science Concentration - Thesis

Prerequisites - as stipulated by the major professor, the departmental graduate coordinator, and the dean.

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours
  Graduate-level coursework 12
PSS 8811 Seminar 1
ST 8114 Statistical Methods (or other graduate-level statistics course) 4
  Additional 8000-level coursework 7
  Research/Thesis 6
  Total Hours  

Master of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences with Weed Science Concentration - Non-Thesis

Prerequisites - as stipulated by the major professor, the departmental graduate coordinator, and the dean.

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours
  Graduate-level coursework 12
PSS 7000 Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences 3
PSS 8811 Seminar 1
ST 8114 Statistical Methods (or other graduate-level statistics course) 4
  Additional 8000-level coursework 10
  Total Hours  

Admissions Requirements

Students seeking full admission into this program should apply as a classified student. Non-degree seeking students wishing to take classes offered through the Online program should apply as an Unclassified student.

Applications for the degree programs are reviewed three times a year. The application deadlines for those semesters are as follows:

  • Fall Semester – August 1
  • Spring Semester – December 1
  • Summer Semester – May 15

Students seeking full admission into the Master of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences degree with a concentration in Weed Science program should apply as a classified student. Non-degree-seeking students wishing to take classes offered through the program should apply as an Unclassified student.

An applicant for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year educational institution that has unconditional accreditation with appropriate regional accrediting agencies. They must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the Master of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences degree with a concentration in Weed Science

Regular admission to graduate study in the program requires a minimum grade point average (last four semesters of undergraduate work) of 3.00/4.00. When a student is deficient in one of the criteria cited, the student's application may be considered for admission based on the strength of other materials contained in the student's application.


 

Admission Options

 

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose Master of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences degree with a concentration in Weed Science as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students. TOEFL exemptions can be found here.
  4. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper transcripts should be mailed to: Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      Office of the Graduate School
      255 Lee Blvd
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Additional Required Application Step

Complete Identity Verification: Applicants must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity as part of the required application process. This step helps confirm the applicant’s identity before the application can be completed.

Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English language proficiency test score. Mississippi State University accepts scores from the TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Prospective students should consult the appropriate testing organization for information about test registration and administration.

The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English language test score requirements and additional information regarding English language proficiency.

Academic Advising

After gaining admission to the university, you must contact your assigned advisor to determine the courses most appropriate to take. Approximately two months prior to the upcoming semester, your advisor will send an email to your MSU email account, making course recommendations based on your program of study.

Mississippi State University uses email as its official means of communication with all MSU students. Please check your MSU email account (NetID@msstate.edu) daily. Information on setting up your MSU email can be found at the link for student services.

Headshot of Dr. Vaughn Diaz Reed

Dr. Vaughn Diaz Reed

Plant and Soil Sciences

  • Assistant Professor

Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Headshot of Mark Jimerson

Mark Jimerson

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Headshot of Dr. Vaughn Diaz Reed

Dr. Vaughn Diaz Reed

Plant and Soil Sciences

  • Assistant Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

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