The interdepartmental graduate program in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science (MS) degree with concentrations in Crop Science, Environmental Science and Ecosystem Ecology, Horticultural Science, Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, and Soil Science.
With this degree, students will acquire an extensive knowledge of the sciences and technology, and the literature and current concepts, that support research, education, and technological innovation in crop science, environmental science and ecosystem ecology, horticultural science, plant biology, plant pathology, and/or soil science to help meet current challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. They will develop skills such as experimental and analytical methods; computer programming; diagnostic skills; predictive skills; and/or teaching within our option areas. They will demonstrate their expertise and competency in communicating their ideas, and critical and analytical thinking in research, education, outreach, and science advocacy via peer-reviewed publications and presentations to various audiences (e.g., scientists, growers, the general public, and policy makers). Graduates will acquire expertise, stature, competency, attitude, ethics, and an understanding of the responsible conduct of research in order to pursue careers such as science and education, production agriculture, agricultural and environmental policy making, industry, and/or public services.
Graduate faculty belong to the Departments of Forestry and Natural Resources (https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/), Horticulture (https://www.uky.edu/hort/), Plant Pathology (https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu), and Plant and Soil Sciences (https://pss.ca.uky.edu/) in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Financial aid and the research interests of participating faculty can be found on the websites of the participating departments.
Program Website: https://ipss.ca.uky.edu/
Incoming students are informed of the graduate-school and program-specific academic policies at an orientation held before classes begin each fall. A handbook is also on the IPSS website.
Admission Requirements
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All students with strong training in science, including but not limited to baccalaureate degrees in agronomy, biology, chemistry, and horticulture are encouraged to apply.
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Admission to the Integrated Plant and Soil Science program is competitive and based on the applicant’s undergraduate and graduate records, statements of interest, and letters of recommendation.
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Applicants must have an identified research advisor prior to admission to the program.
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It is expected that applicants will meet the minimum standards established by the University of Kentucky Graduate School.
Degree Requirements
The M.S. in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences is available in two options:
- Plan A: 30 credits, which can include up to 6 credits of thesis research, plus a Master’s thesis.
- Plan B: 30 credits, plus a Master’s project
- In both plans a minimum of 15 credit hours must be at the 600-level or above, and 20 hours must be in organized courses.
- All students must follow the current requirements of the University of Kentucky Graduate School related to credits, residency, final examinations, and good academic standing.
- All students will create a discipline-specific committee (consistent with Graduate School Requirements – 3 members for the MS program), and an individualized program of study within one year.
- Plan A students must present an exit seminar and submit an approved thesis.
Graduate students in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences have flexibility in designing course work to suit individual goals, but are expected to demonstrate competence in basic areas of plant and soil science and excellence in their chosen area of specialization.
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