Graduate Studies

The Division of Plant Science and Technology offers graduate programs leading to master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in Plant, Insect and Microbial Sciences with a specialty in one of five graduate program areas. You can select training from a wide range of courses and research programs to prepare for a career in research, teaching, industry and extension work.

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The Division of Plant Science and Technology maintains excellent graduate programs with classroom instruction and research supervision provided by leading scientists in the field. You can select training in one of several Graduate Program Areas. You can follow a traditional curriculum or take advantage of the cross-disciplinary expertise that exists within the Division.

Graduate Program Areas

Graduate Admissions

Thank you for choosing to apply to the Plant Science and Technology Program at the University of Missouri (Mizzou). Academic advisors are not automatically assigned at the graduate level in our department. Please reach out to our faculty members, using our faculty page. Our faculty members have access to all the graduate school applications and schedule interviews with top candidates. Open a discussion about what you are interested in studying and the research work they are doing. Our full-time faculty run their own labs so ask about their funding opportunities and availability for being your advisor. Their research work and contact information are available on the page provided.

The Division of Plant Science and Technology only accepts students where funding for their entire graduate program has been fully secured. Therefore, we encourage you to contact possible advisors within the Division of Plant Science and Technology that match your research interests and explore whether they are recruiting graduate students for the next academic cycle. As you may imagine these decisions are based on current funding, fellowships and lab space available.

You may begin your application for graduate study by completing the formal University graduate school application. You may also use this site to provide most of the supplementary documentation described below. It is not necessary to submit a paper copy to the division.
You will be required to submit the following:

  • Three letters of reference from people who can comment on your ability to succeed in graduate school.
  • A brief resume (one to two pages).
  • A clearly written, one- to two-page motivation statement that outlines your educational and career goals.
  • Copies of transcripts can be submitted for review.

Next, order the following supporting documents:

  • All non-native English speaking applicants must submit either an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum total score of 80 on an internet-based test (IBT), or 550 on a paper-based test (PBT) or, an IELTS (academic version) with a minimum total score of 6.5. In addition, scores must consist of subsection minimums of no less than 20 on IBT, 54 on PBT or 6.0 on IELTS.
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work will be required upon acceptance.
  • Find more information on international application requirements.

Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required for admission into our program, however, they will be considered if submitted.

Students who complete graduate study in the Division of Plant Science and Technology receive a degree in Plant, Insect and Microbial Sciences with a specialty in one of five graduate program areas. We’d like to match you with a potential adviser as early in the application process as possible. Now is the time to contact individual faculty advisers about their research programs in your area of interest.

Applications received by Dec. 15 of each year will receive the greatest consideration.

Applications will also be considered throughout the year depending on availability of assistantship funding. Our divisional deadlines for graduate admissions for domestic or U.S. citizen applicants are a minimum of three weeks before the start of classes. For domestic students, the last day to submit your applications for the fall semester is Aug. 1; for the spring semester is Jan. 1, and for summer semester is May 1.

For international students, our program recommends a minimum of two months prior to the start of classes to allow for processing of international documents like the F1 student visa. International students, please let our divisional office know after you complete your application by emailing: mupltsciinfo@missouri.edu.