Plant science
Master of Science
Harness the power of plants
From crop-based biofuels to pest-resistant plants, discoveries of plant scientists make a profound impact on the world’s food production, natural resources and the environment.
This program prepares you to contribute to this exciting field through the in-depth study of the production, protection, breeding and genetics of plants. Gain a sophisticated understanding of the interdisciplinary field with specialized skills in areas like biotechnology, weed science, crop management, plant pathology and more.
Much of your experience will take place on the on-campus plant science farms, in climate-controlled greenhouses or in laboratories, where you will conduct independent research alongside leading faculty experts in the field.
Highlights from the M.S. plant science degree include:
- Idaho’s only master’s and doctoral programs in plant science.
- Many 500-level courses are taught jointly with Washington State University.
- 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Nearly 100% job placement rate.
- Access to computer-controlled greenhouses and laboratories.
Overview
Related Topics
Influencing plant science
Application information
Applicants for the M.S. in plant science must meet the degree-specific admission requirements below:
- Education level: Bachelor’s
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: Yes
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: We encourage pre-approval from a program faculty member before applying
Program availability:
Concentration: thesis and non-thesis
Semester intake: Fall and Spring
- Eligible for international admission
Deadlines: general application deadlines
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Plant Sciences contact: Allan Caplan; acaplan@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001
Costs, funding and research
To learn about various ways to fund your graduate degree, check out Graduate Funding.
For detailed information about the cost of attendance, visit Financial Aid.
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in agriculture, biology, botany, horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, natural resources or other related field.
- Have a strong interest in advancing the field of plant science.
- Want to lead research in the lab and in the field.
- Can think critically and creatively about complex problems.
Hands-on learning
- Manage on-campus computer-controlled greenhouses and laboratories
- Conduct research at U of I and Washington State University facilities
- Partner with the William F. Barr Entomological Museum
- Assist faculty members’ research projects
Clubs
- Plant and Soil Science Club
- Soil Stewards Club
- Aldrich Entomology Club
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,293 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Agricultural Managers
$36,068 - Animal Scientists
$70,282 - Soil and Plant Scientists
$79,666 - Conservation Scientists • Range Managers
$76,552 - Postsecondary Agricultural Sciences Teachers • Postsecondary Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers
$82,694
* Career data provided by Lightcast.