Enhance your expertise in crop sciences with a flexible online program focused on modern crop production, protection, and management techniques tailored for working professionals.
Credential Type
Master's Degree
Cost (2024)
$24,160
Delivery Format
Online
Program Length
32 Credit Hours
Enrollment
Fall or Spring
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's degree required
Benefit 1
Master the latest in crop production and management.
Benefit 2
Study crop sciences flexibly, balancing work and education.
Benefit 3
Boost career prospects in agriculture and crop sciences.
Overview
The Crop Sciences, M.S. (non-thesis) degree is for agricultural professionals, crop consultants, and agribusiness managers.
It allows you to explore in-depth crop production, protection, and management courses, enriching your knowledge and operational efficiency in crop sciences through online learning. Our program focuses on relevant agricultural issues backed by the academic reputation of a world-class research institution.
Skills You Will Learn
Upon completing this degree, you will:
- Gain a deep understanding of the philosophical approaches and components critical to graduate education in crop sciences.
- Develop skills in effectively communicating written and oral research findings through seminars and discussions.
- Engage in critical analysis and discussions about current research and developments in crop sciences.
- Acquire knowledge of crop development and management fundamentals, soil structure, management, and fertility.
- Learn to diagnose real-world agricultural problems and develop practical solutions, particularly for issues affecting crops in the Midwestern US.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios in commercial crop agriculture, preparing for competitive roles in the industry.
Build Skills that Matter
Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in your field and create meaningful impact.
Course Details
The Crop Sciences, MS (Non-thesis) curriculum includes:
Online MS Program Core Courses
- CPSC 594 – Professional Orientation CPSC (1 hr, Fall) *Required
- CPSC 505 – Research Methods in Plant Sciences (4 hrs, Spring) *Required
- CPSC 412 – Principles of Crop Production (3 hrs, Fall) *Required
Crops/Crop Production – One Required
- CPSC 414 - Forage Crops & Pasture Ecology (3 hrs, Fall)
- CPSC 415 – Bioenergy Crops (3 hrs, Fall)
- HORT 435 – Urban Food Production (3 hrs, Fall)
- CPSC 480 – Cannabis Classification & Management (3 hrs, Fall)
- CPSC 499 – Digital Agriculture (3 hrs, Spring)
Genetics/Plant Improvement– One Required
- CPSC 466 – Genomics for Plant Improvement (2 hrs, Fall)
- CPSC 563 – Chromosomes (3 hrs, Summer)
- CPSC 499 – International Plant Breeding (3 hrs, TBD)
Plant Physiology/Nutrition– One Required
- CPSC 588 – Plant Biochemistry (3 hrs, Spring)
- CPSC 499 – Plant Nutrition (EH Section) (2 hrs, Spring / Term B)
- CPSC 486 – Plant Growth and Development (Fall, Only Even Years)
Pest Management– One Required
- CPSC 408 – Integrated Pest Management (3 hrs, Spring)
- CPSC 527 – Weed Sciences and Management (3 hrs, Spring)
- PLPA 405 – Plant Disease Diagnosis & Management (3 hrs, Fall)
Environmental Aspects – One Required
- CPSC 413 – Agriculture, Food and The Environment (2 hrs, Summer)
- CPSC 416 – Native Plants, Pollinators, and Food Ecosystems (3 hrs, Fall)
- HORT 430 – Children and Nature (2 hrs, Spring)
Statistics – Recommended
- CPSC 440 – Applied Statistical Methods (4 hrs, Fall)
How to Enroll
Applying for this Degree
To apply for a graduate degree program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College.
To ensure a smooth application process, please review the following list of required and optional components that you will need to prepare for your submission:
- Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Not required.
- English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you must upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.
- Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), academic background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences.
- Academic Statement and two Personal Statement Short Answer Essays.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Explore ACES Online
Our online education is flexible and accessible, enabling learners to advance their careers, develop new skills, and connect with peers.