Degree Programs

A student interested in plant breeding at the University of Florida may choose admission to either the Agronomy, Forestry or Horticultural Science graduate programs, depending on the academic department of interest.  For more information please follow the links to the academic department of choice:

Agronomy Department
    Undergraduate Programs
    Graduate Programs
Horticultural Sciences Department
    Undergraduate Programs
    Graduate Programs 
School of Forest Resources & Conservation
    Undergraduate Programs
    Graduate Programs

Specializations in the HS department focus on vegetable and fruit crops and include:
Plant breeding and genetics
Crop production and nutrient management
Postharvest biology
Organic sustainable agriculture
Weed science
Physiology and Biochemistry
Plant Molecular Biology
Protected Agriculture

Graduate School Degree Program Requirements Master of Science (thesis option):
Students must earn at least 30 credits as a graduate student at UF. No more than 9 of the 30 credits (earned with a grade of A, B+, or B) may be transferred from institutions approved for this purpose by the Dean of the Graduate School. A minimum of 12 credits is required in the Horticultural Sciences major; additionally, a maximum of 6 credits in HOS 6971- Master’s Research - may be counted toward the total credits. Beginning Summer A 2009 UF assign minus grades. For more information on M.S. degree programs see: http://gradschool.ufl.edu/catalog/current-catalog/catalog-graduate-degrees-and-programs.html. A minor may be chosen in an academic unit other than the major. If a minor is chosen, at least 6 credits of course work are required in the minor field. Two 6-credit minors may be taken with the major academic unit’s permission. A 3.00 (truncated) GPA is required for minor credit. In addition, a representative from the department in which the minor is being received must be on the supervisory committee.

Master of Science non-thesis option:
This option offers additional training beyond the bachelor's degree in a horticultural specialization. Essential elements of this program include a program of courses and a comprehensive written and/or final oral qualifying examination. There is no thesis requirement. A minimum of 30 credit hours of course work is required. Courses taken for program credit must be numbered 5000 or higher with at least 15 of these credits in the Horticultural Science major. With supervisory committee and college dean approval, 6 hours of 3000- or 4000-level undergraduate courses, taught outside the major department, may count toward the minimum requirements for the degree. (http://gradschool.ufl.edu/catalog/current-catalog/catalog-graduate-degrees-and-programs.html#ma) A minor may be chosen in an academic unit other than the major. If a minor is chosen, at least 6 credits of work are required in the minor field. Two 6-credit minors may be taken with the major academic unit’s permission. A 3.00 (truncated) GPA is required for minor credit. In addition, a representative from the department in which the minor is being received must be on the supervisory committee.

Doctor of Philosophy:
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree and is granted on evidence of general proficiency, distinctive attainment in a special field, and ability to conduct independent investigation as demonstrated in a dissertation presenting original research with a high degree of literary skill. Consequently, doctoral programs are more flexible and varied than those leading to M.S. degree programs. The Ph.D. degree requires at least 90 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, although specific course requirements vary from field to field and from student to student. Up to 30 credits of master’s degree may tranfered  to a doctoral program. Any credits counted from an M.S. degree program must have been earned within the previous seven years (or by petition). The Graduate Council does not specify the courses required for the Ph.D. degree.