Graduate students in Horticulture and Crop Science have access to some of the highest quality faculty and research experiences in the world. The Graduate program provides training and leadership opportunities for the next generation of scientists who will address critical issues related to the production of food, feed, fuel, fiber, and pharmaceutical crops in ways that are economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally responsible.
HCS graduate students study fundamental and applied aspects of the biology, production, and environmental impact of a wide range of crop and ornamental plants grown in Ohio and around the world. Students have the opportunity to work with major grain crops, such as corn, wheat, forages, and soybean, as well as vegetable crops, fruits, berries, turfgrass, flowers, trees, and ornamental landscape plants. Our graduate students and faculty have access to state-of-the-art resources for laboratory and field experimentation in genetics, breeding, horticulture, seed biology, agronomy, viticulture, weed ecology, and turfgrass science.
A Bright Future
Our graduates find jobs in academic, business, and non-profit settings, carrying on a legacy devoted to insuring safe, healthy, and affordable food and plant products grown in sustainable agricultural systems surrounded by strong communities with high regard for the stewardship of natural resources and the environment. Many of our graduate students have gone on to become owners and entrepreneurs.
Graduate students choose to conduct research in HCS because they want to make a difference in the world. The expert faculty, the resources within the department, and opportunities for interdisciplinary connections make that possible. Our students have received prestigious University Fellowships as well as College Fellowships, various external awards and achievements, and international students have received awards from their home countries.
Future Students
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 (MS) or Doctor of Philosphy (PhD).
Learn about our graduate degree options & curriculum
- Breeding and Genetics
- Crop Management and Production
- Controlled Environment Agriculture
- Greenhouse Nursery Systems
- Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology
- Seed Biology
- Turfgrass Science and 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.
APPLYING FOR OUR GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Students applying for an MS in Horticulture and Crop Science or the PhD 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
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.
Select your intended graduate program application:
Already an enrolled degree-seeking student in the Graduate School at Ohio State? Learn more about transferring graduate programs - here