Life on Earth depends on solar energy captured by plants - they are the base of most food webs and underpin the functioning of all major ecosystems. Plants release the oxygen we breathe. They convert solar energy into chemical energy, providing us with food, fibres, renewable energy sources, and raw materials for many industries. Plants do not carry out these processes in isolation. When you have graduated from the Master’s Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences you will have the current answers, based on cutting-edge research by our scientists, to these big questions, and more.

The M.S. (Master of Science) degree in Plant Pathology integrates coursework and research at the intersection of the plant, microbial, and environmental sciences. The program includes a wide range of opportunities in areas ranging from applied, field-based disease management research to lab-based approaches aimed at understanding plant pathogens and their interactions with host plants at the molecular level.

Graduates of the Agroecology and Plant Health teaching program acquire the knowledge required for dealing with agricultural and environmental issues using a multi-disciplinary approach based on ecological principles. Both research and teaching center on studying the interactions between the biotic and abiotic factors in agricultural systems, and on environmental aspects of modern agriculture.

Implementation of eco-friendly plant production technologies, minimizing the hazards and risks to human health and the environment, is a major challenge worldwide. This challenge is faced by all economic sectors producing or using plants: agriculture, agrifood, cosmetics, pharmaceutics.

The MSc Wildlife Conservation and Management is suitable for students who wish to undertake further studies in pursuit of a career in the agricultural and environmental sciences, with a particular emphasis on the sustainable management of wildlife resources within rural landscapes. This is a unique programme dealing with the principles of population management and zoonotic diseases associated with wildlife and conflict resolution.

The progress of all master's candidates is monitored biannually by the supervisor and the postgraduate coordinator. A candidate's study may be terminated if the progress is unsatisfactory or if the candidate is unable to finish his/her studies during the prescribed period.

Provides students with understanding of biological background in growing horticultural crops and postharvest "life" of vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants.

Within the Basel life science program, the Department of Environmental Sciences offers a comprehensive 1.5 year Master's course in Plant Science for graduates with a background in biology (B Sc in biology or equivalent). The cornerstone of this course is an individual research project in one of the areas of plant science of about one-year duration. The project ends with a written Master's thesis. The practical part is complemented by lectures, seminars, and excursions. The course builds upon the strength of the Department in the areas of physiological plant ecology, plant-microbe interactions, ecosystem sciences, and sustainable land use. The program benefits greatly from the leadership of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, a network integrating more than 600 scientists interested in plant science.

The M.S. Degree in Plant and Soil Science is designed to further the specialized professional training of students through formal courses while at the same time teaching the student how to conduct research and present pertinent results.

Animal and plant breeding are driving the development of new livestock and crop varieties that can cope with the challenges of the changing environment and consumers' demand. Breeding research integrates areas such as quantitative and molecular genetics, biotechnology, and breeding informatics. It has close links to neighboring fields like animal and plant nutrition, animal health, and crop protection, but also marketing, economics, and ethics. Highly specialized experts in this field are required worldwide and have excellent career opportunities in both academia and industry. The International Master Program Integrated Plant and Animal Breeding provides a profoundly interdisciplinary approach to breeding research by bridging the gap between animal and plant breeding; covers all relevant disciplines of breeding research; and is supplemented by external lecturers from leading international breeding companies, research institutions, and national authorities.

The Master of Science in Cannabis Science and Commerce at American International College is designed for students interested in a career in the cannabis industry, providing them with an understanding of the basic science, business, and legal issues of the cannabis industry.

Within the Entomology graduate program area, a student can select training from a wide range of courses and research programs to prepare for a career in any of the many professional entomology areas, including research, teaching, industry, and extension work.

The MS degree program is offered under either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 30 credit hours are required for each degree option. An advisory committee composed of at least three members of the graduate faculty guides the student. For a general description of these options, see the requirements for each option below.

In this program, students gain advanced knowledge of plant pathology, including physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of plant pathogens or host-pathogen interactions; the biology and ecology of plant pathogens; epidemiology and modeling of plant diseases; and the diagnosis and control of plant diseases, including chemical, biological and integrated methods of control.

The Department offers the only Plant Pathology graduate program in the state. It is accredited through the Graduate School of the University of Arkansas by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.