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Graduate Programs

Sow plans now. Harvest options soon.

Enrich Your Future

Your passion for horticulture is firmly rooted. Now, you’re ready to dig even deeper into this expanding field. We have great options for your growth.

You can choose from a Graduate Certificate Program, either a Master of Horticultural Science or Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy. Reflect on your academic goals and review specific offerings of each program to easily determine your sensible match. Hard to get to campus? Good news, the Graduate Certificate and Master of Horticulture Science are offered online.

Your direction in the field of horticulture today will impact the world you live in tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge?

Modesta Abugu: Improving Sweetpotato Flavor for Nutrition Security

Ph.D. student Modesta Abugu is researching flavor compounds in sweetpotatoes with a goal of increasing consumption and improving global nutrition.

Modesta Abugu harvesting sweetpotatoes
Modesta Abugu in a Sweetpotato field in Clinton, NC. Photo credit: Simon Fraher, NC State University.

Master of Horticultural Science

The Master of Horticulture Science (MHS) is a non-thesis program and is for students who do not plan further graduate study or who wish to substitute additional courses for the research requirements. Generally, the Master of Horticultural Science is completed in 2 to 2 1/2 years and considered a terminal degree.

Master of Science

Through successful participation and completion of an Master of Science (MS) in Horticulture, you will gain an advanced understanding of horticultural sciences and its relationship to other disciplines. The MS degree normally takes 2 to 2 1/2 years and requires an oral examination instead of a written examination.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree represents the ability to conduct original research and scholarly work at the highest level without supervision.

Graduate Student Resources

From admissions to your thesis, we will help you navigate through graduate school at NC State.

Ethan Jenkins portrait
Master’s student, Ethan Jenkins, visiting the NC State Plant Conservatory in Marye Anne Fox University Student Teaching Laboratory.