Plant and Soil Science, M.S.

About the Plant and Soil Science Master’s Program

Before being recommended for admission to a master’s degree program with a major in this department, students may be requested to provide evidence of proficiency in background for graduate work or may be required to take (without graduate credit) such undergraduate leveling courses as may be designated by the department.

Master of Science degree students may pursue either the thesis or non-thesis option. The thesis option (24 hours of graduate coursework plus six hours of thesis) is designed for students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. An oral exam over the research is required for the thesis option. The non-thesis option (36 hours of graduate coursework) is considered a terminal degree. An oral exam is required during the graduating semester for the non-thesis option.

Both Master of Science degrees are available at a distance; each requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate coursework without a thesis. Students must take the last 6 semester credit hours from Texas Tech, and an oral exam is required during the semester of graduation.