The Master of Science degree program in Plant & Soil Sciences provides students with a background in a specialized discipline, which enables them to enter professional careers or doctoral programs. Specific areas of emphasis in the Master’s program include: Agronomy, Entomology, Environmental Microbiology, Horticulture, and Plant Pathology. These disciplines are essential to agricultural production, environmental protection and economic development. Graduates may find employment in many sectors of agriculture and natural resource management including state and federal government, private industry, education, extension, and other fields. A thesis is required in partial fulfillment of this degree.

Division of Plant & Soil Sciences
The main office for this division is located in the Agricultural Sciences building, however faculty are housed in this building as well as on the 4th and 5th floors of Brooks Hall on the downtown campus and at the Kearneysville Research and Education center in the eastern part of the state. The division has greenhouse facilities for teaching and research, located on the Evansdale Campus. Faculty are actively involved in research dealing with organic crops and livestock production, disease prevention, insect control, forage/livestock systems, soil and water quality, and other environmental topics. Courses are offered in the disciplines of agronomy, entomology, environmental microbiology, horticulture, and plant pathology. Students are also invited to join the Plant and Soil Sciences Club, which holds annual plant sales and sponsors educational lectures. Internships are encouraged.

Admission
In order for a student to be admitted to the program, the applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree, have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, have scored adequately on the GRE, provide three letters of reference, submit a 500 word statement indicating goals and objectives. International applicants must score a
minimum of 550 on TOEFL. Some disciplines within the division require 12 hours of biological sciences, 12 hours of chemistry, and 3 hours of college algebra.

Curriculum
Core curriculum varies with intended area of study within the division. Students may complete specialized course work in agronomy, entomology, environmental microbiology, horticulture, and plant pathology. Students must develop a plan of study, conduct original research, and prepare a thesis. Students’ courses are tailored to their individual interests and career goals.

Course Work
Students enrolled in the MS in Plant and Soil Sciences must complete STAT 511, STAT 512, and 3 semesters of seminar in their area of emphasis. Other requirements will be decided on by the student and committee members to address the student’s individual goals and area of emphasis. This degree requires a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours, six of which must be research.

Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are qualified to work in state and federal government agencies such as the USDA or EPA in the broad fields of food and fiber, protection of crops and the environment, and management of soil resources. Recent graduates have been employed as research scientists and professionals in private and government industry, educators, extension personnel, and have entered doctoral programs.

For more information, contact Barton S. Baker, Division Director at (304) 293-4817, or via e-mail bbaker2@wvu.edu. You may also visit the Davis College web site at www.caf.wvu.edu. Applications are available in the Associate Dean’s Office, 1006 Ag. Science.