Weed Science Graduate Studies

Graduate study offered in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences leads to the Master of Science or the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Plant and Soil Sciences with a concentration in Weed Science. The USDA defines weed science as the study of vegetation management in agricultural production systems, natural areas, and managed properties in residential and urban areas. 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.


Master of Science - Thesis Option

The Master's of Science degree in Plant and Soil Sciences with a weed science concentration is a research degree program. The 30-hour curriculum includes an exit seminar to describe the thesis research, a graduate-level statistics course, a minimum of 12 hours of 8000-level course credits, and a thesis defense.


Master of Science - Non-Thesis Option

The Master's of Science degree in Plant and Soil Sciences with a weed science concentration is a research degree program. The 30-hour curriculum includes an exit seminar to describe the thesis research, a graduate-level statistics course, a minimum of 15 hours of 8000-level course credits, a research paper, and comprehensive examination.


Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is a 40 hour program that includes original research and a dissertation. Students participate in two seminars: the first seminar includes the research proposal and review of literature, the second seminar is an exit seminar to describe the results of the dissertation research.


Research

Scientists in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences conduct numerous research projects to manage weeds in agricultural systems to minimize the loss of production yields. Graduate research assistantships may be available, dependent on funding. Contact one of our scientists to determine if assistantships are available.