Integrative Plant Science (Graduate Field)

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Field Description

The master of professional studies (M.P.S.) in integrative plant science is a one-year, STEM-designated, course-based master's degree program ideal for career-focused students. Students engage with foremost experts in plant and agricultural sciences while exploring one of our 14 concentrations, which examine fundamental and applied aspects of plants, soils, microbes, and their interactions within natural and managed ecosystems.

A hallmark of the M.P.S. program is the balanced portfolio of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional development built into the curriculum, designed to equip students with the skill set and knowledge necessary for careers in industry, government, or nonprofit agencies.

Though similar to a master of science (M.S.) degree in its academic rigor, the M.P.S. degree differs from a traditional M.S. degree in its structure and focus. An M.S. prepares students for a research-based career, with students developing an original research thesis over the course of two or three years. In contrast, the M.P.S. degree is a one-year, course-based program, designed to impact knowledge and skills in a given area of concentration. Instead of a thesis or research project, M.P.S. students complete a capstone project which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical manner