College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Plant and Environmental Science (M.S.)
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Plant and Environmental Science (M.S.)
Grow Sustainable Solutions — Earn Your M.S. in Plant and Environmental Sciences
The M.S. in Plant and Environmental Sciences at NMSU prepares you to tackle the world’s complex agricultural and environmental challenges. Whether your passion lies in plant breeding and genetics, soil science, sustainable crops, landscape management, or ecosystem resilience, you’ll gain advanced technical training and hands-on research experience. Our program emphasizes both field and laboratory work — giving you the tools to work in real environments and real labs so you can make meaningful impact where plants, soils, and environment meet.
Admission Deadlines
Fall admission: March 1, spring admission: November 1
- Total credits: 30
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates from the M.S.in Plant and Environmental Sciences program are ready for careers in applied research, management, and consultancy focused on plants and environments. Possible career paths include:
- Plant breeder or geneticist
- Soil scientist or soil health specialist
- Sustainable crop production manager
- Environmental scientist for governmental or private agencies
- Landscape/horticulture specialist or green industry lead
- Research technician or extension specialist in agriculture or environment
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Science in Plant and Environmental Sciences? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.S. in Plant and Environmental Sciences at NMSU?
By choosing NMSU’s M.S. in Plant and Environmental Sciences, you join a research-rich department offering expert faculty, access to agricultural and environmental test sites, and an interdisciplinary curriculum. The department covers everything from plant physiology and horticulture to soil chemistry, molecular biology, and water use efficiency. With this degree you’ll gain the applied, career-ready skills that equip you to make a difference in agriculture, environment, or resource management.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The Master of Science in Plant and Environmental Science requires a minimum of 30 credit based on a program of study approved by the student’s graduate committee. The Master of Science degree can be obtained through either a thesis option or a non-thesis option. The non-thesis options includes the completion a written research report on an area of investigation conducted by a student.
Take classes like:
- AGRO 613 - Scientific Writing
- AGRO 516 - Molecular Analysis of Complex Traits
- HORT 492 - Diagnosing Plant Disorders
- HORT 483 - Advanced Sustainable Crop Production
- SOIL 479 - Environmental Soil Chemistry
- SOIL 477 - Environmental Soil Physics
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.