Graduate Programs
We develop global thinkers to impact the future of production, supply, sustainability and well-being.
Our scientists shape the future of agricultural and life sciences through purposeful research and education, offering a wealth of inclusive, diverse programs to ignite your academic and professional future.
Degree Options
- Professional Master: A Professional Master is a non-thesis degree that may require a project to graduate. This degree program is a strong choice if you do not plan to pursue a doctorate.
- Master of Science (M.S.): The M.S. is a research-based degree that requires thesis completion. This degree program is a strong choice if you plan to pursue a doctorate.
- Ph.D. and Ed.D.: The Ph.D. is a research degree for students planning careers in higher education. The Ed.D. is designed for students seeking careers in education administration. Students with clearly defined goals and who are passionate about their research do well in these intense degree programs.
Choosing the Right Program
Consider several factors when deciding to attend graduate school: Does your desired career path require an advanced degree? Will a graduate degree help advance your career or increase your salary? Which degree is suitable for your goals?
Still Unsure?
If you think a graduate degree will help you achieve your career goals but are still unsure, you can take courses without entering a degree program. Visit the Non-Degree Studies webpage for more information. If you later decide to enroll in a graduate program, up to 12 credits of appropriate courses can be applied to your graduate program.
CALS Graduate Programs and Directors
Our students pursue graduate and professional degrees in many areas. A graduate program director for each department can provide additional assistance.
| Program | Director | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and Extension Education | Wendy Warner (interim) | Campus Box 7607 212 Ricks Hall 919-515-6080 wjwarner@ncsu.edu |
| Agriculture and Resource Economics | Melinda Morrill | Campus Box 8109 4168 Nelson Hall 919-515-0331 msmorril@ncsu.edu |
| Animal Science | Vivek Fellner | Campus Box 7621 319C Polk Hall 919-515-4044 Fax: 919-515-6844 vivek_fellner@ncsu.edu |
| Biology | John Godwin | Campus Box 7617 156 David Clark Labs 919-513-2936 john_godwin@ncsu.edu |
| Biochemistry | Joe Barycki | Campus Box 7622 150 Polk Hall 919-513-0698 Fax: 919-515-2047 jjbaryck@ncsu.edu |
| Biological and Agriculture Engineering | John J. Classen | Campus Box 7625 112 Weaver Labs 919-515-6755 Fax: 919-515-6719 classen@ncsu.edu |
| Crop Science | Candace H. Haigler | Campus Box 7620 2321 Williams Hall 919-515-4405 Fax: 919-515-7959 candace_haigler@ncsu.edu |
| Entomology | Michael Reiskind | Campus Box 7613 2326 Gardner Hall 919-515-0719 Fax: 919-515-7746 michael_reiskind@ncsu.edu |
| Family and Community Sciences | Annie Hardison-Moody | Campus Box 7606 512 Brickhaven, 240 919-515-8478 Fax: 919-515-2786 armhardis@ncsu.edu |
| Food Science | Jonathan C. Allen | Campus Box 7624 129G Schaub Hall 919-513-2257 Fax: 919-515-7124 jon_allen@ncsu.edu |
| Functional Genomics | Spencer V. Muse | Campus Box 7566 5276 SAS Hall 919-515-1948 Fax: 919-515-1909 muse@ncsu.edu |
| Horticultural Science | Gina Fernandez | Campus Box 7609 260 Kilgore Hall 919-513-7416 Fax: 919-513-3191 gefernan@ncsu.edu |
| Microbial Biotechnology and Microbiology | Michael R. Hyman | Campus Box 7615 4545A Thomas Hall 919-515-7814 Fax: 919-515-7867 michael_hyman@ncsu.edu |
| Molecular Biotechnology Certificate | Melissa Srougi | Campus Box 7512 6123 Jordan Hall 919-515-5142 Fax: 919-515-7867 melissa_srougi@ncsu.edu |
| Nutrition Science | Suzie Goodell | Campus Box 7624 218E Schaub Hall 919-513-2632 suzie_goodell@ncsu.edu |
| Physiology | Paul E. Mozdziak | Campus Box 7608 Scott Hall 321 919-515-5544 Fax: 919-515-2625 pemozdzi@ncsu.edu |
| Plant Biology | R. Lawrence Blanton | Campus Box 7612 3203 Gardner Hall 919-513-2181 Fax: 919-515-3436 larry_blanton@ncsu.edu |
| Plant Pathology | Dorith Rotenberg | Box 7253 Partners II 1400 919-515-5869 drotenb@ncsu.edu |
| Poultry Science | Kenneth E. Anderson | Campus Box 7608 2711 Founders Drive 919-515-5527 ken_anderson@ncsu.edu |
| Soil Science | Mike Mullen | Campus Box 7620 3104 Williams Hall 919-515-3727 mdmullen@ncsu.edu |
Finding Your Wolfpack
Graduate Distance Education
Solve global grand challenges in agriculture and life sciences from wherever you are. CALS offers online and distance education graduate courses and certificates to suit your schedule and educational needs.
Research Facilities
Our important work extends beyond every lab and classroom wall.
We have on- and off-campus research facilities specifically equipped to support research programs. Graduate students work closely with our researchers, pioneering breakthroughs in their fields.
graduate research at a glance
Financial Support
NC State offers graduate students financial assistance for tuition and living expenses, including fellowships/traineeships; teaching, research or service assistantships; federal work-study programs; and loans. For more information, contact the departmental director of graduate programs and visit the NC State Graduate School website.
Career Services
CALS graduates blaze paths with careers in academia, government, business and industry and graduate ready to turn complex problems into viable solutions for our state, nation and world.
We help put your degree to work. Make an appointment with a CALS career advisor to talk about graduate school and career options.
Career resources for graduate students
Top CALS Employers Reveal How to Get Hired
