Graduate Programs

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?

Master of Horticultural Science
Master of Science
Doctorate
Graduate Certificate
Minor in Horticultural Science
Plant Physiology
Graduate Student Resources
Assistantships
Career Prospectus

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.

Read Story

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.

Interdepartmental Nutrition Program

Masters or Doctoral Degree

The Interdepartmental Nutrition Program consists of faculty from multiple departments including Animal Science; Agricultural and Human Sciences; Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences; Horticultural Science; Molecular and Structural Biochemistry; and Poultry Science. Students reside and conduct research in one of these departments under the direction of an appropriate advisor. Research in the nutrition program may be conducted with a variety of species and at various levels, such as molecular, cell, whole animal, and human communities.

Graduate Opportunities

Assistantships

Competitive assistantships are available in the Department of Horticultural Science program areas of research for outstanding candidates.

View Now 

Career Prospectus

Can’t get enough of research and academia? Maybe you prefer working hands-on with plants. Explore career opportunities and salaries.

View Careers and Salaries 

Graduate Student Resources

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

Learn More