Graduate training in the Agronomy and Soils Department enables outstanding students to achieve a high level of scholarly attainment in the soil, crop and environmental sciences.
Within these broad areas, research training and experience may be gained in the following specialized fields:
- soil fertility and plant nutrition
- soil chemistry
- soil genesis, morphology and classification
- soil mineralogy; soil physics
- soil microbiology
- plant breeding and genetics
- weed science
- forage, fiber and grain crop production
- crop ecology
- environmental quality and
- turf management
The minimum requirements for most master's degrees can be satisfied in one academic year of two semesters or nine months. In practice, however, many students need three semesters or longer. Certain departments have special requirements as outlined in this Bulletin. In addition, those who hold assistantships or fellowships, those who engage in time-consuming work off-campus, or those with scholastic deficiencies of any sort cannot meet all requirements in the minimum time. Also, research is unpredictable and frequently requires more time than anticipated.
Course Work
At least one-half of all credit hours toward the minimum degree requirement must be earned in 7000- and 8000-level courses, which are courses for graduate students only. The remainder may be in 6000-level courses.
Plan of Study
Early in the graduate program, each student should confer with the appropriate departmental advisor or major professor to select courses and discuss research interests. Then a plan of study should be prepared and submitted to the Graduate School. The Plan of Study should be prepared and submitted to the Graduate School. For full-time students, the Plan of Study must be submitted no later than the end of the first semester in Graduate School. For part-time students, the plan of study must be submitted before registration for the fourth course taken in Graduate School. Notification of all changes must be provided before the beginning of the final semester. One to three changes may be made by using the simplified "Change in Existing Plan of Study Form" available at the Graduate School or on the web. Four or more changes require a new Plan of Study.
The student is responsible for carrying out the planned program and for asking the major professor to make necessary changes.
NO STUDENT will be permitted to graduate who fails to submit a Plan of Study to the Graduate School prior to the semester of expected graduation. Graduation day is the official last day of each semester and, therefore, is the deadline for submitting Plans of Study and graduate checks for graduation the following semester.
