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Master of Science (MS) Plant Breeding Online Overview
Program description
The MS in Plant Breeding online focuses on the genetic improvement of crop plants through the study and application of genetics, statistics, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, and related sciences. The program offers fundamental skills in plant breeding, the study of advanced concepts such as genomic selection, and analysis of problems in plant breeding as they arise by global society.
This program prepares for careers such as
- Management and operation of public and private plant breeding programs
- Research on plant breeding methodologies, biotechnologies, and information technologies to improve breeding efficiency and effectiveness
- Cultivar development
Master of Science (MS) Plant Breeding Online Overview
Program description
The MS in Plant Breeding online focuses on the genetic improvement of crop plants through the study and application of genetics, statistics, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, and related sciences. The program offers fundamental skills in plant breeding, the study of advanced concepts such as genomic selection, and analysis of problems in plant breeding as they arise by global society.
This program prepares for careers such as
- Management and operation of public and private plant breeding programs
- Research on plant breeding methodologies, biotechnologies, and information technologies to improve breeding efficiency and effectiveness
- Cultivar development
What to expect
Fundamental Skills, Advanced Concepts
Our program is designed to equip you with not only the fundamental skills of plant breeding, but also advanced concepts that are essential in today’s dynamic global society. You’ll engage with cutting-edge topics like genomic selection and the evolving landscape of plant breeding practices.
Flexible Curriculum Tailored to You
Tailor your educational journey with a flexible curriculum that caters to your unique needs and aspirations. Our courses cover four major areas:
- breeding
- genetics
- statistics
- crop production
Our Master of Science in Plant Breeding program can be completed entirely online, providing the flexibility needed for working professionals to earn their master’s degree while fulfilling personal and professional obligations.
MS Plant Breeding Learning Outcomes
Learning goals that students in this program are expected to meet include:
- Understand the scientific principles underlying transmission genetics, quantitative genetics, molecular genetics, biotechnology, quantitative analytics, crop growth and development, host-pest interactions, plant breeding methods, and the interactions of these principles for cultivar development
- Critically evaluate research in terms of design, content, potential application, and limitations with respect to plant breeding pipelines
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of plant breeding
- Clearly and accurately communicate project findings, orally and in writing, with appropriate use of display items (tables, figures, and other types of presentation) in electronic or other forms of media
- Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism
MS Plant Breeding Online Curriculum
The MS Plant Breeding Program is a total of 30 credits, distributed as follows:
Online Coursework = 30 Credits
For more information about each course, including course descriptions, prerequisites, and credits, please click on its name below.
Course | Credits | Semester Offered |
|---|---|---|
AGRON 5060: Crop Genetics (Recommended first course) | 3 | Fall |
AGRON 5130: Data Science for Agricultural Professionals | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5110: Crop Improvement | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5240: Applied Plant Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology | 3 | Fall |
AGRON 5280: Quantitative Genetics for Plant Breeding | 3 | Spring |
AGRON 5230: Molecular Plant Breeding | 3 | Spring |
AGRON 5010: Crop Growth and Development | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5440: Host-Pest Interactions | 3 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5210: Principles of Cultivar Development (Recommended last class) | 3 | Spring |
AGRON 5990M: Creative Component – Seminar (Recommended 2nd-4th semester) | 1 | Fall, Spring |
AGRON 5990C: Creative Component – final oral examination | 2 | Fall, Spring |
All Plant Breeding courses are recommended for degree completion. The program allows for course substitutions, which require approval by the POS Committee.
FAQs for MS Plant Breeding Online
No, all coursework is online. However, you may opt to present your final creative component in person.
Academic Requirements – All Applicants
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Successfully complete the following ISU courses or equivalent at another institution:
- Biology 1010: Introductory Biology (3 credits)
- Math 1400: College Algebra (3 credits)
- Statistics 1040: Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)
Meeting the requirements mentioned above does not guarantee admission. You will go through the standard admission process of the Agronomy Department and the Graduate College at Iowa State University. If you do not meet the requirements, we can advise you on preparing for the program.
International Applicants – English Proficiency Requirements
If your primary language is not English, you must meet the university’s English proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Earn a bachelor’s or higher degree from a country where English is the only official language, or
- Submit official results from one of the following exams. The minimum score of one the following to qualify for Admission (scores must be within 2 years of application):
- Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) 79
- Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) 550
- IELTS 6.5
- Duolingo 105 (approved through Spring 2025)
Questions about the admissions process?
If you need assistance at any time during this process, contact the Agronomy and Plant Breeding Online program office.
The Department of Agronomy does not offer a waiver for the application fee.
The Josef F. Schuler Graduate Fellowship in Agronomy is open to all students in the Department of Agronomy who are pursuing an MS or PhD degree with an emphasis in crop breeding. Preference will be given to those students who are graduates of an Iowa high school or undergraduate institution and to those who demonstrate financial need. An award of $1,200 is given annually.