Our graduate education opportunities in Crop Science encompass diverse disciplines including agroecology and sustainable agriculture, computational science and genomics, crop and forage management, crop product quality, pesticide fate and environmental impact, plant breeding and genetics, plant physiology, precision agriculture, turfgrass management and science, and weed science. Our research and teaching portfolio includes food, feed, and fiber crops, turfgrass, and specialty crops. In consultation with their Advisory Committee, our students take courses across multiple departments to facilitate their individual learning and research goals.

After completion of their degrees, our graduate students are in demand. They find diverse employment, including as agricultural consultants; extension agents; golf course managers; postdoctoral scholars; research leaders, managers, or technicians; and faculty members. These positions are found in various sectors including agrochemical and other private sector companies; universities; and government or scientific agencies in the United States and other countries.

Three graduate degrees can be earned within the Crop Science Graduate Program. A graduate minor in Crop Science is also available.

Master of Crop Science (MR)

The Master of Crop Science (MR) is a non-thesis program that emphasizes coursework to increase knowledge of the field. To graduate, an MR student who has met the course requirements must pass a final oral exam testing their advanced knowledge as administered by their Advisory Committee. Consult the NC State University Catalog for detailed requirements.

Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science (MS) is a coursework and research degree. To graduate, a MS student who has met the course, research, and teaching requirements must write a quality thesis, present a public seminar, and pass an oral defense of the thesis as evaluated by their Advisory Committee. Consult the NC State University Catalog for detailed requirements.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD degree program emphasizes research and advanced coursework to aid research, and there is also a teaching requirement. Students who enter the PhD program without a highly related master’s degree can anticipate taking a substantial number of formal courses. Candidates for the Doctoral degree must: (a) demonstrate their ability to plan and carry out original research and data analysis with minimal supervision; and (b) generate substantial new knowledge worthy of publication. To graduate, a PhD student who has met the course, research, and teaching requirements must: pass a preliminary written and oral exam; write a quality dissertation based on their original research; present a public seminar; and pass an oral defense of their dissertation as evaluated by their Advisory Committee. The degree is awarded based on mastery of the field and high scholarly attainment in research. Consult the NC State University Catalog for detailed requirements.

Minor in Crop Science

For a NC State master’s student, 9 hours of CS letter-graded courses are required. For a NC State PhD student, 12 hours of CS letter-graded courses are required.