Agronomy (MS)

MS

Agronomy, MS

On Campus Online 30 - 36 cr

The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture offers graduate degree programs leading to an Master of Science in plant and soil sciences.

Description

Agronomy is the application of plant and soil science to crop production. Agronomy emphasizes staple food crops, such as corn, rice, beans, and wheat, which are produced on a large scale and represent the foundation of our human food supply

The Department's pride is its excellent teaching, research, and extension programs carried out by more than 70 faculty members in six core areas: landscape ecology and design; ornamental horticulture; plant breeding and genetics; soil and water sciences; turf/range/forage science; and weed science. The Department also conducts research nationally and internationally in plant physiology, viticulture, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, plant breeding, nutrient cycling and management, rangeland ecology and management, renewable bioenergy, soil, and water management, and on the environmental impact and sustainability of agriculture.

The Department has well-equipped laboratories, modern greenhouses, growth chambers, and field facilities, including four district research centers spanning several ecoregions, available to graduate students. For instance, the Plant Sciences Program combines integrative curriculum with collaborative research in highly specialized facilities. And our outstanding field research facilities located in several agro-climatic zones across the state provide a unique ability to conduct research at a production-scale. This increases the relevance of the findings to real-world agro-ecosystems and gives students an opportunity to work in a more realistic production environment.

Many online courses are available. For information about the ONLINE MS Agronomy program, visit https://online.unl.edu/major/graduate/master-science-agronomy/.

Specializations

  1. Agricultural Meteorology
    • On Campus

    Agricultural Meteorology is a specialization designed to provide students a unique learning environment to promote understanding of the interactions between the atmosphere and the biosphere in an agricultural setting and to encourage cooperation among the community of scientists and students within the agricultural meteorology research area.

    Required Courses
    CodeTitleCredits
    AGRO 808 Microclimate: The Biological Environment 3
    AGRO 850 Climate and Society 3
    AGRO 869 Bio-Atmospheric Instrumentation 3
    AGRO 906 Crop Growth and Yield Modeling 3
    NRES 867 Global Climate Change 3
    NRES 954 Turbulent Transfer in the Atmospheric Surface Layer 3
    AGRO 907 Agricultural Climatology 3
  2. Crop Physiology and Production
  3. Environmental Studies
  4. Great Plains Studies
  5. Plant Breeding and Genetics
  6. Plant Pathology
    • On Campus

    Graduate Chair

    Sydney Everhart

  7. Range and Forage Science
  8. Soil and Water Sciences
  9. Weed Science
  10. Water Resources Planning and Management

Applying for Admission

Standard requirements for all graduate programs

  • Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.

    If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.

    After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.

  • If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.

    When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.

  • If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
  • Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.

Additional requirements specific to this program

  • Minimum English proficiency: 
    Plant Pathology specialization: Internet TOEFL80, IELTS 6.5
    Otherwise: Internet TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal Statement:  In 1-2 pages, your statement should address the following:
    1. Your professional goals and career aspirations and specifically what you plan to do with your degree.
    2. Background experiences, events, and/or education that have influenced your professional goals.
    3. How enrolling in this program in this department at Nebraska will assist you in meeting your professional goals.
  • Additional Information: Enter a description of any original creative tasks or output related to your discipline.
  • Three recommendation letters

Graduate Chair

David Hyten Jr

Support Staff

Lisa Hilfiker

Tuition & Fees
Please select from below if applicable
Are you a 1st generation graduate student?
See program summaries for details like application deadlines and requirements.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

UNL Graduate Chairs and staff please complete the program update form to provide edits. Updates to graduate program pages are made on an annual basis in conjunction with the Graduate Application for Admission.