Master's Degree in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences
Who is this program for?
A master’s program in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences is ideal for individuals passionate about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and improving crop production. Graduates often pursue careers as agronomists, soil scientists, or environmental consultants, specializing in areas like soil health, crop management, and land restoration.
Program Overview
The Master’s in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences offers students a flexible, interdisciplinary graduate experience focused on addressing critical challenges in agriculture and the environment. With specialization options in Crop Science, Horticultural Science, Forest Science, Plant Biology, and Soil Science, the program allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Students work closely with faculty from the Departments of Forestry, Horticulture, and Plant and Soil Sciences, gaining hands-on research experience and developing solutions for sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, and natural resource management.
The Integrated Plant & Soil Sciences (IPSS) master’s program offers students access to a diverse and accomplished graduate faculty engaged in cutting-edge research across molecular biology, soil science, crop production, and ecosystem modeling. With more than $5 million in annual research funding and a broad network of over 80 faculty across multiple departments, students can tailor their academic and research experiences to align with career goals in sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science, and more. Graduate students benefit from personalized mentorship, collaborative research opportunities, and a dynamic learning environment that brings together peers from across the U.S. and around the globe.
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic
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Fall
- 07/25/2025
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Spring
- 12/12/2025
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Summer
- 04/18/2026
International
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Spring
- 09/15/2025

Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!

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