Apply to Horticulture Graduate Programs
Step 1: Determine whether there are graduate faculty working in your area of interest
Before applying to NC State University Department of Horticultural Science, browse the faculty directory to determine whether there are graduate professors that instruct within your area of study.
Step 2: Check your qualifications for graduate school
- Background courses (calculus, physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry)
- Biology courses (botany, plant pathology, entomology, soils, genetics, biochemistry, plant physiology)
- Horticultural Science or Landscape Horticulture courses (in your area of interest)
- GPA of 3.0 or better
- TOEFL scores of 80 or better (internet exam), 213 or better (computer exam), and 550 or better (paper exam) for those with non-native English
- Three letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors
Step 3: Check Graduate School requirements and deadlines
Applications and all supporting documents must be received on or before the NC State Graduate School priority deadlines. International applicants typically have earlier deadlines to allow time to process necessary visa documentation. Applicants applying for financial aid usually have earlier deadlines, too.
Step 4: Prepare your application materials
All applications must include the following:
- Application Fee ($75 for domestic and US permanent residents, $85 for international, $25 for certificates)
- One unofficial transcript from each previously attended college or university
- Three recommendations (optional for certificate applicants)
- Proof of English Proficiency (non-US citizen applicants only)
- Personal Statement
All of the above-listed requirements can/should be uploaded to the online application, and test scores should be sent electronically to the Graduate School from the Educational Testing Service.
Step 5: Inquire on assistantships and financial assistance
Due to the limited number of assistantships available from the Department of Horticultural Science, if you require financial assistance, please contact the Director of Graduate Programs prior to submitting your application. If you are interested, applicants should apply by January 31st for Fall enrollment of the same year and by September 30th for Spring (January) enrollment.
Step 6: Apply to the Graduate School for admission
Apply to the Graduate School for admission. See Students for further admission information, financing graduate school, life at NC State University and Raleigh.
Step 7: Review important resources
- Become familiar with graduate student procedures (see Graduate Student Handbook)
- Make use of orientation information
- Visit NC State on Graduate Student Recruitment Day
Director of Graduate Programs
Dr. Gina Fernandez
Professor and Director of Graduate Programs
John D. and Nell R. Leazar Distinguished Professor
Department of Horticultural Science
260 Kilgore Hall, Campus Box 7609
Raleigh, NC 27695-7609