Plant Sciences and Horticulture Graduate Programs
The Department of Plant Sciences offers graduate studies leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degree in Plant Sciences and the M.S. degree in Horticulture. Specialized academic and research training in Plant Sciences is available in plant breeding and genetics, weed science, biotechnology, field and forage crop production and management, sports and urban turfgrass management, and crop physiology. Areas of specialization in Horticulture include breeding and genetics, biotechnology, physiology, propagation, and production and management of horticultural crops such as woody plants, potatoes, vegetables, and herbaceous ornamentals. Each study area is designed to provide students with a comprehension of the discipline and relevant regional and global-community social issues.
The Department of Plant Sciences is located in Loftsgard Hall, completed in 1991, with modern and well-equipped research laboratories, offices for faculty and graduate students, and classrooms. As part of the Plant Sciences Complex, Loftsgard Hall provides a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research in plant sciences, ranging from basic studies and biotechnology to the more traditional applied areas. 100 acres of field research land are located adjacent to the Plant Sciences Complex, and an additional 500 acres of research land are located near the North Dakota State University campus. A horticultural farm only 35 miles west of campus has an extensive arboretum. Seven associated Research Extension Centers are located throughout North Dakota on which field trials and other research is done specific to the area and climatic conditions.
