Master of Science in Plant Science:  Program of Study

The State Fruit Experiment Station through the Agriculture Department offers graduate work towards an MS degree in plant sciences. The plant science program is an interdisciplinary major in cooperation with the Departments of Agriculture, Biology, and Chemistry at Missouri State University. 

During the first semester, the student declares an area of specialization and selects an advisor. A study program and  research project are designed to fit the student’s career goals and academic interest. Students may pursue their thesis research project as soon as an area of specialization has been chosen, or may elect to start research in the third semester of study after their coursework has been completed. 

At the State Fruit Experiment Station, academic areas for research include plant genetic engineering, plant molecular virology, plant physiology, plant nutrition, fruit production, crop management systems, viticulture, and wine science. Interdisciplinary studies advised by faculty from different departments also are possible. Thesis research is based on original field and/or laboratory experiments, and is performed under the close supervision of the advisor(s). The research is completed by the end of the fourth or fifth semester, at which time a comprehensive examination is taken and the thesis is defended. 

A number of graduate assistantships are available to students for both spring and fall semesters. Students granted an assistantship receive a stipend and a course fee waiver. The department offers the Howard King Nason Memorial Assistantship to provide a graduate student salary for the summer months. Limited student housing is available at the Missouri State Campus at Mountain Grove; contact the State Fruit Experiment Station for more details at FruitScience@missouristate.edu.

For Additional Information Contact:

Dr. Martin Kaps, Fruit Science Departmental Graduate Coordinator, Missouri State - Mountain Grove Campus, 9740 Red Spring Road, Mountain Grove, M)  65711, telephone 417-547-7503, mlk225f@missouristate.edu.

Dr. Inno Onwueme, Director, Plant Science Degree Program, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Missouri State University, Temple Hall 149, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65804, telephone (417) 836-5249; email ico566f@missouristate.edu.

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