Plant Science (PLSC)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Agriculture and Natural Resources

Abstract

The Plant Science (PLSC) graduate program is a diverse and dynamic program that prepares graduates for careers solving emerging issues in food security, nutrition, and environmental health in a variety of settings. We seek to ensure our students are prepared to be employed immediately after graduation in a field that they are passionate about.Our program offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees utilizing research in Agronomy, Cell Biology, Functional Genomics, Molecular Genetics and Physiology, Conservation Biology and Ecology, Pathology, Food Safety and Quality, and Landscape Ecosystem Management. Students receive an exceptional education through coursework and research and an emphasis on utilizing basic research to solve applied problems in agriculture and society by working with internationally recognized faculty. Students are guided in their studies by a major professor as well as a Graduate Advisory Committee selected by the student. Graduate Advisory Committees can include faculty from nearby research institutions as well as at other universities nationally and internationally. The goals of the Plant Science graduate program is to (1) utilize basic and applied research to solve current and future problems related to food security, human health, and environmental stewardship, (2) educate scientists proficient in skills to generate, analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative information using inductive and deductive reasoning including artificial intelligence (AI), (3) conduct research that benefits the productivity and profitability of agricultural producers locally and nationally, and (4) ensure our graduates have the skills to be nimble and easily pivot between different occupations. The University of Maryland is uniquely situated in close proximity to many national laboratories (USDA, FDA, NASA, NIST, NIH, DOE, the National Arboretum, etc.) and actively collaborates with them (within 30 minutes of each driving).  As a result, our graduates are particularly well trained for employment in research and leadership positions in the public, private and government sectors.

Financial Assistance

A limited number of research assistantships and teaching assistantships are available for qualified applicants. There is strong competition for these awards, and candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible in the semester preceding their anticipated enrollment in the Department. Prior to application, prospective applicants are encouraged to inquire of faculty of interest regarding available research and funding opportunities. 

Vijay Tiwari, PhD
Associate Professor and Chair, PLSC Graduate Admission and Examination Review Committee
Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
5117 Plant Sciences Building
4291 Fieldhouse Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.1730
Fax: 301.314.9308
Email:  vktiwari@umd.edu and plscgradadmissions@umd.edu

OR

Mengjun Hu, PhD
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Plant Sciences Program
Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
2106 Plant Sciences Building
4291 Fieldhouse Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.5586
Fax: 301.314.9308
Email: mjhu@umd.edu and plscprogram@umd.edu

OR

D. Diana Cortez
Faculty Specialist
Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
2139 Plant Sciences Building
4291 Fieldhouse Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.4359
Fax: 301.314.9308
Email: dcortez@umd.edu

Website:   https://psla.umd.edu/graduate/prospective-students

Courses:  PLSC 

Relationships: Landscape Architecture (LARC), Extension Education (AEED)

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose (500 words or fewer)
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Description of Research/Work Experience
• Faculty of Interest
• Writing Sample (one required, up to one more optional)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
• GRE Subject (optional)
• Portfolio PDF Upload  (optional)

Admission to the program requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University in the United States or the equivalent in a foreign country. Applicants are expected to have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale) in all previous academic work, or equivalent. All applicants are encouraged to contact prospective advisors ahead of application

For more admissions information or to apply to the program, please visit our Graduate School website.

Application Deadlines

Other Deadlines: Please visit the program website at  https://psla.umd.edu/graduate/prospective-students

The University of Maryland is located in College Park; 1 ½ miles from Washington DC.  Department facilities are located on the College Park campus in the Plant Science Building and Research Greenhouse Complex. Modern laboratories are equipped for genomic, molecular genetic, physiological, environmental, microbiological and biochemical equipment and tools to conduct research in plant science related fields. Equipment and expertise for next generation sequencing, life science imaging, bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, AI applications and metabolomics are available either in the department or on campus.  Extensive controlled-environment facilities, including growth chambers and a large and a modern greenhouse complex are complemented by a large network of field research facilities located strategically across the statethat vary in environments and soil types. Students have access to computer labs and shared processing arrays and a comprehensive computer center located on campus. The University Libraries on campus and both the National Agriculture Library and Library of Congress located nearby make the library resources accessible to students among the best in the nation. Many of the Department’s projects are conducted in cooperation with other departments on campus and with professionals at the Food and Drug Administration facility near the campus and the headquarters of the USDA Agricultural Research Service located three miles from campus in Beltsville. Scientists at the Geologic Survey, the National Academy of Sciences, NASA, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, Smithsonian, and National Park Service, as well as other agencies, have cooperated with the Department’s faculty on various projects. Scientists from some of these agencies have adjunct appointments in the Department, have taught special courses at the University, and participate on graduate committees.

For more information, please visit our website: https://psla.umd.edu/people/faculty/