If you have a background or interest in biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, physics, math, sustainable agriculture, science or math, Horticulture and Crop Science could be a great fit for you. HCS offers two degree options: Master of Science or Doctor of Philosphy.
Learn about our graduate degree options & curriculum
- Breeding & Genetics
- Crop Production & Management
- Environmental Horticulture
- Physiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Seed Biology
- Turf Science & Management
- Weed Ecology
Research in our department focusses on plants and diverse aspects of their genetics, biochemistry, ecology, management, quality, utilization, and associated social dimensions.
Check out what our faculty, staff & students have been researching!
Applying for our Graduate ProgramS
Students applying for an M.S. in Horticulture and Crop Science or the Ph.D. in Horticulture and Crop Science are required to have earned a bachelors or professional degree from an accredited college or university by the expected date of entry.
Prerequisite training that will enable the student to pursue graduate study work in Horticulture and Crop Science is strongly encouraged. Training constitutes adequate preparation in life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics. Students applying with undergraduate degrees in non-scientific fields should contact us prior to submitting an application.
- A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative point-hour ratio in all previous undergraduate and graduate work. The Ohio State University operates on a 4.0 scale when calculating Grade Point Average.
- A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 79 on the internet-based TOEFL, 82 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This requirement applies only to an applicant from a country where the first language is not English, unless a bachelor’s degree or higher was earned in an English-speaking country. English proficiency requirement (international students).
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the applicant’s academic program, scholastic ability, or professional performance.
- A Personal Statement is also required. The Personal Statement must be written by the applicant alone. The Statement should explain why the disciplinary program of choice is a good fit for the applicant, what his/her future plans are, what he/she will do with this graduate degree. The Statement should demonstrate that the applicant is aware of specific research opportunities in the department, and potential advisor(s). The Personal Statement should explain clearly the student’s background and academic/research interests and objectives and highlight previous relevant experiences.
- A curriculum vitae (CV). A detailed CV should provide contact information, previous educational, professional, and research experiences. Please list presentations, posters, and published papers. Include examples of leadership activities, community service, extracurricular activities, or study-abroad experiences as appropriate. The CV is typically no more than two pages long.
- The Department of Horticulture and Crop Science does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission.
The Ohio State University Graduate School admissions is a competetive process. The minimum undergraduate GPA is a 3.0 and requires a completed 4-year degree from an accredited insitution.
To receive full consideration, the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions and the graduate programs should receive your required admissions materials by the current application deadline
For more information about The Graduate School, click here.
Select your intended graduate program application:
Already an enrolled degree-seeking student in the Graduate School at Ohio State?
- Use this form from the Graduate School to: 1) change your degree being sought, e.g. Master's to Ph.D., within your graduate program; 2) change your graduate program of study; or 3) return to graduate studies in order to complete another graduate degree. The Graduate School should be contacted for information about eligibility and procedures at gs-regsrv@osu.edu.
There are multiple sources of financial assistance available to qualified candidates.
- Learn about tuition, fees and other graduate school expenses by visiting The Ohio State University Graduate School website.
- Check out these funding opportunities:
- Fellowships - Fellows are selected on the basis of academic merit through university-wide competitions without respect to financial need. Graduate fellows cannot be required to perform a service in return for receiving a stipend.
- Associateships - Receive a monthly stipend and a full tuition fee waiver. If you are interested in an associateship, it is important that you inform our department directly.
- Grants - Support your graduate education and research efforts by applying for a grant. These funds vary from year to year, so it is important to contact a faculty member and department studies chairs to learn about these opportunities.
- Educational loan - You may be eligible for a loan...click here for more information.